As a Director General - Data Management, you lead the strategic direction and implementation of data management practices across Department of National Defence operations. You are responsible for developing policies, standards, and frameworks that ensure effective data governance, quality, and accessibility while supporting decision-making at the highest organizational levels. This executive role involves managing multiple teams, budgets, and complex projects that directly impact how the DND uses data to achieve its mission.
Your responsibilities include setting data strategy aligned with government priorities, overseeing the management of large-scale data assets, ensuring compliance with Treasury Board and legislative requirements, and fostering a data-driven culture across the department. You will collaborate with senior leaders, other government departments, and external partners to establish best practices and drive digital transformation initiatives. You manage significant resources and are accountable for the performance and development of your teams.
Working in this role means engaging in high-level strategic planning, making decisions that affect departmental operations, and staying current with evolving data technologies and management approaches. The work environment is dynamic, requiring strong communication skills and the ability to navigate complex organizational and technical challenges.
Key Responsibilities
Perform data management activities per GC IM policies, Manage information assets through their lifecycle, Ensure compliance with access to information and privacy requirements, Support information governance and standards
Required Skills
Records management, ATIP legislation, Information governance, Classification systems, Digital literacy, Relevant technical skills, Communication, Teamwork, Problem-solving
Typical Education
Education and experience commensurate with the role requirements
Training
To succeed in this role, you typically need a university degree in a relevant field such as computer science, information management, business administration, or engineering. Many successful candidates hold graduate degrees (Master's or MBA) that provide advanced knowledge in data management, information technology, or related disciplines.
Professional certifications in data governance, information management, project management (PMP), or IT service management (ITIL) are highly valued. The Treasury Board of Canada has established standards for information management professionals that may inform expectations for this position.
Ongoing professional development is essential and typically includes participation in executive leadership programs, advanced data management and analytics training, government-specific IT security and privacy certifications, and participation in professional associations such as the Canadian Information Processing Society (CIPS) or Data Management Association (DAMA). The DND supports continuous learning through training budgets and access to professional development opportunities.
Entry Plans
Entry to this Director General level position typically occurs through several pathways:
**Competitions**: The DND posts competitions for Director General positions when vacancies occur. These are open to qualified Canadian citizens and permanent residents in Canada. Candidates usually must have demonstrated progressive experience in data management, information technology, or related senior leadership roles.
**Lateral Moves**: Experienced managers from other Government of Canada departments, Crown corporations, or the private sector with strong data management and executive leadership backgrounds may be considered through inter-departmental competitions or priority hiring processes.
**Career Progression**: Individuals working within the DND in lower-level data management or IT positions may advance to this level through successful performance in progressively senior roles, combined with demonstrated leadership capability and strategic vision.
**Executive Search**: The DND may use executive search services to identify qualified candidates from both within and outside government for this senior leadership role.
Prospective candidates should monitor the DND Civilian Careers website, the Government of Canada's official job board (GC Jobs), and maintain current security clearance to be competitive for these positions.
Part-Time Options
Part-time work at the Director General level is typically not available, as this is a full-time executive position requiring continuous strategic leadership and decision-making authority.
**Flexible Work**: While the core responsibilities require significant in-person engagement and presence at headquarters for meetings, briefings, and leadership activities, modern flexible work arrangements may be negotiated on a case-by-case basis. This could include flexible scheduling for specific administrative tasks or occasional work-from-home days, provided operational requirements are met.
**Remote Work**: Given the executive nature of this role and the requirement to lead teams, attend senior management meetings, and represent the DND in various forums, fully remote work is unlikely. However, hybrid arrangements may be possible for portions of the role following agreement with senior management and based on departmental needs.
Candidates interested in flexible arrangements are encouraged to discuss options during the recruitment process and with the hiring manager, as accommodations may be made within operational constraints.
Related Careers
No related military careers on file for this position.
