As a Director General of Information Technology Project Management, you lead the strategic planning, delivery, and oversight of complex IT projects across Department of National Defence operations. You provide executive-level direction to ensure IT initiatives align with organizational priorities, defence capabilities, and government digital transformation goals. This role requires you to manage substantial budgets, lead senior teams, and make decisions that impact critical defence infrastructure and systems.
Your responsibilities include setting IT project management standards, overseeing portfolio management, ensuring project delivery excellence, managing stakeholder relationships at the executive level, and driving continuous improvement in project governance and delivery practices. You work closely with senior military and civilian leadership, other government departments, and external technology partners to ensure IT projects support operational readiness and modernization objectives.
You work in a dynamic environment where priorities shift based on defence needs, emerging security threats, and technological advancement. This position requires strong strategic thinking, proven executive leadership, and the ability to navigate complex organizational and political landscapes while maintaining focus on project delivery outcomes.
Key Responsibilities
Deliver it project management services supporting GC digital operations, Develop, configure, and maintain IT systems and infrastructure, Troubleshoot technical issues and provide user support, Document technical solutions and maintain system records
Required Skills
Systems administration, Programming/scripting, Network and security, Cloud technologies, ITIL/ITSM practices, Relevant technical skills, Communication, Teamwork, Problem-solving
Typical Education
Education and experience commensurate with the role requirements
Training
Education: A bachelor's degree in computer science, information technology, business administration, engineering, or a related field is typically required. Many successful candidates hold a master's degree in business administration, project management, or information systems.
Certifications: Professional certifications are highly valued, such as Project Management Professional (PMP), Program Management Professional (PgMP), or PRINCE2. IT governance certifications and security clearance training relevant to defence operations are essential.
Professional Development: The Government of Canada and DND offer executive development programs, leadership training, and specialized courses in IT governance, cybersecurity, enterprise architecture, and change management. Ongoing learning in emerging technologies, federal procurement, and defence policy is expected. Access to professional associations and conferences supports continued career development.
Entry Plans
Entry to this Director General level typically occurs through federal public service competitions open to qualified Canadian citizens. Most candidates have progressed through intermediate and senior IT project management positions within the Public Service, demonstrating increasing responsibility and leadership capability.
Common pathways include: advancement from Senior Project Manager or Manager positions within DND or other federal departments; lateral moves from similar executive IT roles in other government departments; and external recruitment when specialized expertise is required, though external candidates must navigate Public Service entry processes.
Competitions for this level are merit-based and highly competitive. Candidates must demonstrate extensive project management experience, executive leadership capability, strategic vision, and a track record of delivering results in complex organizational environments. Security clearance at the Secret level or higher is typically required due to the sensitive nature of defence IT projects.
Part-Time Options
Full-time presence is the standard expectation for this executive position due to the strategic leadership responsibilities and need for availability during critical project phases. However, the federal Public Service supports flexible work arrangements where operationally feasible.
Remote work options may be negotiated on a case-by-case basis, particularly for planning and strategic work, though regular in-person engagement with teams, senior leadership, and stakeholders is necessary. The nature of executive decision-making and crisis management in IT project delivery typically requires core hours and on-site availability.
As an executive, you may have greater flexibility in structuring your work schedule than lower-level positions, provided operational needs are met and leadership presence is maintained. Any flexible arrangements are discussed and agreed upon with your supervisor and must align with departmental requirements and project timelines.
Related Careers
No related military careers on file for this position.
