As a Director General in Health Care Administration, you will provide strategic leadership and executive direction for health care administration programs and services within the Department of National Defence. In this senior management role, you will oversee the planning, development, and delivery of health care policies, procedures, and administrative systems that support the health and wellness of Canadian Armed Forces members and their families. You will manage multiple teams, significant budgets, and complex health care initiatives while ensuring alignment with departmental priorities and federal health care standards.
Your responsibilities will include setting organizational direction, managing departmental resources, developing and implementing health care administration policies, and ensuring compliance with applicable legislation and regulations. You will lead cross-functional teams, represent the department in meetings with senior government officials and external health care organizations, and provide expert advice on health care administration matters to senior leadership. This role requires strong strategic thinking, excellent communication skills, and the ability to manage competing priorities in a dynamic environment.
You will work in a professional office setting at National Defence Headquarters or other Defence establishments, collaborating with military and civilian colleagues across multiple locations. This position offers the opportunity to directly impact the health care delivery system for Canada's Armed Forces and contribute to the broader mandate of the Department of National Defence.
Key Responsibilities
Perform health care administration duties in support of departmental operations, Prepare correspondence, reports, and administrative documents, Coordinate schedules, meetings, and logistics, Maintain records and filing systems
Required Skills
Organizational skills, Written and oral communication, MS Office proficiency, Time management, Attention to detail, Relevant technical skills, Communication, Teamwork, Problem-solving
Typical Education
Education and experience commensurate with the role requirements
Training
To qualify for this position, you typically need a university degree in a relevant field such as health services administration, business administration, public administration, or a related discipline. Many successful candidates hold a Master's degree in Health Services Administration, Business Administration (MBA), or Public Administration (MPA). Professional certifications such as Certified Health Executive (CHE) through Health Care Management Association Canada are valued.
Professional development is ongoing in this role. You may pursue advanced certifications in health care management, strategic leadership programs offered through the Canada School of Public Service, and executive development courses. The Government of Canada supports continuous learning through access to professional development funds, conference attendance, and specialized training in areas such as budget management, policy development, and change management. Many Directors General participate in executive coaching and mentoring programs to enhance their leadership effectiveness.
Entry Plans
Entry into the Director General level typically occurs through several pathways within the federal Public Service. Most candidates have progressed through the health care administration ranks, beginning at the technician or officer level and advancing through manager and senior manager positions. Advancement is based on demonstrated competency, experience, and successful performance in increasingly senior roles.
You may enter this career through advertised competitions for Director General positions, which are typically open to current federal employees meeting the qualification requirements. The Public Service Commission posts these competitions on the Job Bank and the Government of Canada careers website. Some candidates transition laterally from other federal departments or agencies with relevant senior management experience in health care or related administration fields.
Progression to this level usually requires 10-15+ years of experience in health care administration or related management roles, with at least 3-5 years in a senior management position. Strong performance in previous positions, demonstrated leadership capability, and the ability to manage at the executive level are essential. The department may also consider external candidates with exceptional senior management experience in health care administration from provincial health authorities or private sector health organizations.
Part-Time Options
Director General positions are typically full-time roles due to the senior management responsibilities and strategic nature of the work. However, the Government of Canada is committed to supporting work-life balance and may accommodate flexible work arrangements on a case-by-case basis in consultation with management.
Remote work options may be available depending on the specific position and operational requirements. Given the strategic leadership and collaborative nature of this role, some in-person presence at the workplace is generally expected, though hybrid arrangements may be negotiated. Telework may be permitted for certain administrative tasks and meetings, subject to departmental needs and security requirements.
As a member of the executive cadre, you will have access to leave benefits, employee wellness programs, and other supports available to senior public servants. Discussions about flexible work arrangements should take place during the hiring process or with your direct supervisor once in the role, as accommodations will depend on operational requirements and departmental priorities.
