The Director General - Chaplain Services is a senior executive leader responsible for strategic planning, policy development, and oversight of chaplaincy services across the Department of National Defence. In this role, you will provide spiritual care, moral and ethical leadership to military personnel and their families, while managing a multi-faith team of professional chaplains. You will set the vision and direction for chaplaincy programs, ensure operational effectiveness, and represent chaplain services at the highest levels of military and civilian leadership. This is a demanding but deeply meaningful position that directly impacts the well-being and morale of Canadian Armed Forces members in peacetime, training, and operational environments. You will work collaboratively with senior military commanders, other government departments, and external faith communities to deliver inclusive, culturally sensitive spiritual care services. The work environment includes office-based strategic planning, site visits to military bases across Canada and internationally, and participation in official ceremonies and significant military events.
Key Responsibilities
Provide chaplain services services to clients and patients, Assess needs and develop treatment or service plans, Maintain accurate clinical and case records, Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to deliver care
Education and experience commensurate with the role requirements
Training
Candidates must have a recognized theological degree or equivalent theological training from an accredited institution, along with formal religious endorsement or credentials from their faith tradition. You will need to demonstrate advanced professional development in management and leadership, typically through a Master's degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, or related field, or equivalent senior executive experience in complex organizational settings. Professional certifications such as membership in professional chaplaincy associations (Canadian Forces Chaplains Association or equivalent) are valued. Ongoing professional development is expected, including advanced leadership training, ethics seminars, and multi-faith competency development. Knowledge of Canadian military culture, operations, and organizational structures is essential and developed through on-the-job experience and formal military orientation programs.
Entry Plans
Entry to the Director General - Chaplain Services position typically occurs through a Government of Canada staffing competition open to qualified Canadian citizens. Candidates are usually recruited from the ranks of experienced senior chaplains (Chaplain (Major/Lieutenant-Colonel equivalent) with a demonstrated track record of leadership, strategic planning, and operational excellence. Lateral entry from other senior government leadership positions may be considered if candidates possess relevant executive experience combined with theological credentials and military understanding. Advancement usually follows a career progression pathway: Chaplain (Captain/Lieutenant equivalent) → Chaplain (Major equivalent) → Senior Chaplain (Colonel equivalent) → Director General. Competitions are posted on the Government of Canada's Job Bank and internal staffing systems. Candidates must meet Secret security clearance requirements and pass medical and psychological assessments appropriate to military service.
Part-Time Options
The Director General - Chaplain Services position is typically a full-time, permanent executive appointment. However, the Canadian Armed Forces and Department of National Defence do offer flexible work arrangements where operationally feasible. Part-time options are rarely available at the Director General level due to the strategic nature of the role and the requirement for continuous senior leadership presence. Remote work options may be negotiated for specific administrative and planning tasks, but the role requires regular in-person presence at National Defence Headquarters and frequent travel to military establishments across Canada and overseas. Candidates with caregiving responsibilities are encouraged to discuss accommodation possibilities during the recruitment process, as individual circumstances may allow for modified work arrangements within the constraints of executive-level duties.
