The Director General of the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) provides strategic leadership and executive direction for employee mental health, wellness, and support services across the Department of National Defence. This role oversees the development, implementation, and evaluation of comprehensive EAP initiatives that promote employee well-being, prevent workplace issues, and support organizational health. As a senior executive, the Director General sets organizational priorities, manages significant budgets, leads cross-functional teams, and represents the EAP at the strategic level within DND and across government.
Key responsibilities include developing EAP policy and program frameworks, ensuring service quality and accessibility for all employees, managing relationships with internal and external service providers, and analyzing program effectiveness through data and performance metrics. The Director General also plays a crucial role in advancing mental health initiatives, fostering a supportive workplace culture, and ensuring compliance with Treasury Board policies and Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat guidelines. This position requires strong leadership capabilities, strategic thinking, and a commitment to supporting the physical and mental wellness of the military and civilian workforce.
The work environment is collaborative and dynamic, involving regular consultation with senior DND leadership, other government departments, external health professionals, and employee representatives. The role requires balancing competing priorities, managing complex stakeholder relationships, and adapting to evolving employee wellness needs and government directives.
Key Responsibilities
Deliver employee assistance program services to managers and employees, Advise on HR policies, procedures, and best practices, Process HR transactions and maintain accurate records, Support organizational HR initiatives and programs
Required Skills
HR policy interpretation, Interpersonal skills, Staffing and classification, Conflict resolution, Labour relations knowledge, Relevant technical skills, Communication, Teamwork, Problem-solving
Typical Education
Education and experience commensurate with the role requirements
Training
Candidates typically hold a university degree, preferably in human resources management, psychology, organizational development, business administration, or a related field. Many successful candidates have completed professional designations such as Certified Human Resources Professional (CHRP), Certified Employee Assistance Professional (CEAP), or equivalent credentials. Advanced degrees (Master's level) in relevant disciplines are common among senior executives in this role.
Professional development is ongoing at the executive level and may include executive leadership programs, advanced human resources management training, mental health and wellness certification programs, and strategic management courses. DND and the Public Service Commission offer various executive development initiatives to support career growth. Candidates are expected to maintain current knowledge of employee assistance best practices, mental health legislation, workplace accommodation standards, and government HR policies through continuous professional development.
Entry Plans
Entry to this Director General position typically occurs through a Treasury Board-level executive recruitment process managed by the Public Service Commission (PSC). Candidates must be eligible for employment in the Canadian Public Service and hold or be eligible to obtain a security clearance.
Common pathways include: (1) lateral movement from other executive HR or employee wellness roles within DND or across the federal public service; (2) promotion from an Executive Director or Senior Manager position within the EAP or related HR function; (3) external recruitment from provincial/territorial governments, private sector employee wellness organizations, or non-profit organizations with comparable leadership experience; (4) participation in executive recruitment pools or executive talent management initiatives.
Candidates are evaluated on demonstrated senior leadership experience, strategic HR and wellness program management expertise, knowledge of federal government operations and policies, and the ability to lead organizational change. Previous experience with employee assistance programs, mental health initiatives, or organizational development is highly valued. All candidates must successfully complete the PSC competitive process and meet Treasury Board appointment requirements.
Part-Time Options
Part-time arrangements for Director General positions are exceptionally rare due to the strategic, full-time nature of executive leadership responsibilities. However, flexible work arrangements such as flexible hours or telework may be negotiated on a case-by-case basis following appointment, subject to operational requirements and DND policies.
As an executive position, the role typically requires full-time commitment and presence for strategic meetings, stakeholder engagement, and executive decision-making. Remote work options may be available for specific tasks or meetings but cannot substitute for the core on-site leadership presence required. Candidates should be prepared to commit to a full-time schedule. Any flexible arrangements would be discussed and formalized following the appointment process and would remain subject to the operational needs of the EAP and DND.
Related Careers
No related military careers on file for this position.
