As a Director General - Innovation and Change Management, you will lead strategic initiatives that drive organizational transformation and foster a culture of innovation across the Department of National Defence. You will be responsible for developing and implementing enterprise-wide change management strategies, establishing innovation frameworks, and ensuring the successful adoption of new processes, technologies, and ways of working throughout the organization.
In this executive role, you will provide strategic direction to senior management teams, oversee large-scale transformation projects, and serve as a key advisor to senior leadership on innovation priorities and change readiness. Your responsibilities will include building organizational capacity for continuous improvement, managing stakeholder engagement across complex environments, and measuring the impact of innovation and change initiatives. You will work at the highest levels of government, collaborating with other departments, external partners, and private sector experts to advance DND's strategic objectives.
The work environment is dynamic and often complex, requiring you to navigate competing priorities, manage significant budgets and resources, and lead teams of subject matter experts. You will be expected to champion evidence-based decision-making, build collaborative relationships, and communicate effectively with diverse audiences ranging from front-line personnel to Cabinet-level officials.
Key Responsibilities
Perform innovation and change management 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 succeed in this role, you will typically need a university degree at the bachelor's level or higher in business administration, public administration, organizational development, engineering, or a related discipline. Many candidates hold graduate degrees (Master's or MBA) in these fields or in change management and organizational leadership.
Professional certifications in change management (such as Prosci ADKAR, ACP certification, or equivalent), project management (PMP, PRINCE2), or related disciplines are highly valued. Government of Canada security clearance (Secret or Top Secret) is required and will be verified during the recruitment process.
Professional development opportunities include participation in senior executive development programs through the Canada School of Public Service, specialized training in change management and organizational psychology, advanced project and portfolio management certifications, and participation in government-wide innovation networks and communities of practice. DND also supports continuous learning through access to professional associations and conferences related to innovation and organizational change.
Entry Plans
Entry to this Director General level position typically occurs through open competitions advertised on the Government of Canada's Job Bank and internal DND recruitment channels. Candidates usually come from within the federal Public Service with demonstrated senior management experience, often at the Executive (EX) or senior Manager level.
Common pathways include: lateral moves from other federal departments where you have held similar strategic leadership roles; promotion from within DND from senior management positions in related fields such as strategic planning, organizational effectiveness, or major project delivery; and external recruitment of highly qualified candidates with extensive private or public sector change management and innovation leadership experience.
The selection process is competitive and typically includes an initial screening of qualifications, written assessments focused on strategic thinking and change leadership, and interviews with senior DND executives. Priority may be given to candidates already holding federal government security clearances and those with previous experience managing large-scale, complex organizational transformations.
The Phoenix staffing system is used to manage recruitment and posting of these positions. Interested candidates should monitor both the Government of Canada Job Bank and DND's internal career portal for posted opportunities.
Part-Time Options
Director General positions are typically full-time, permanent appointments due to the strategic and executive nature of the role. However, flexible work arrangements may be negotiated on a case-by-case basis after you have been established in the position and with the approval of senior leadership.
Remote and hybrid work options have become more common since 2020. While some time on-site at National Defence Headquarters (Ottawa) or other DND locations may be required for executive meetings, stakeholder engagement, and leadership presence, many of the strategic planning and change management functions can be performed remotely. Specific arrangements will depend on organizational needs, the scope of responsibilities, and agreement with your immediate supervisor.
Part-time work at the Director General level is rare and would require special approval. However, the federal Public Service does offer other flexible options such as job sharing (in limited circumstances) and compressed work weeks, which may be available depending on operational requirements and mutual agreement with management. Any flexibility arrangements must ensure continuity of executive leadership and the ability to fulfill the strategic mandate of the position.
