As a Director General for Non-Academic Teaching and Training, you lead strategic initiatives that shape how the Department of National Defence develops and delivers training and education programs across the organization. You provide executive-level direction to ensure training outcomes align with operational needs, modernization priorities, and defence capabilities. This role combines strategic planning with hands-on engagement in curriculum development, instructional innovation, and educational excellence.
Your responsibilities include overseeing training program design, managing substantial budgets, leading teams of training professionals and subject matter experts, and ensuring quality standards across multiple training environments. You work with senior military and civilian leadership to identify training gaps, implement evidence-based solutions, and champion best practices in adult learning and professional development. You also collaborate with external partners, including other government departments and educational institutions, to leverage expertise and resources.
The work environment is fast-paced and dynamic. You operate at the intersection of defence policy, operational requirements, and educational innovation. Your decisions directly impact the readiness and capability of DND personnel. You'll spend time in planning meetings, strategic reviews, site visits to training facilities, and stakeholder consultations. Travel may be required to visit training locations and attend national or international professional forums.
Key Responsibilities
Perform non-academic teaching and training duties within the education function, Prepare reports and documentation as required, Collaborate with team members and stakeholders, Maintain records and ensure compliance with relevant policies
Education and experience commensurate with the role requirements
Training
Candidates typically hold a bachelor's degree in education, training and development, instructional design, adult learning, business administration, or a related field. Many bring specialized qualifications such as a master's degree in education, educational leadership, or organizational development.
You should have professional certifications or credentials relevant to training and education, such as those from the Canadian Society for Training and Development (CSTD) or equivalent professional bodies. Ongoing professional development is expected, including participation in government leadership programs, senior management training, and specialized courses in educational technology, change management, and strategic planning.
The federal Public Service values continuous learning. The Treasury Board Learning Portal and the Canada School of Public Service offer courses in leadership, policy development, and management practices relevant to this role.
Entry Plans
Entry to this Director General position typically occurs through a competitive recruitment process managed by the Public Service Commission (PSC). Candidates may apply directly to advertised competitions, or they may be selected from existing recruitment pools of qualified senior managers.
Many candidates follow a career progression path within DND or across the federal Public Service, advancing through intermediate management levels (Manager, Senior Manager, Director) before reaching Director General positions. This allows you to develop expertise in defence training, build networks, and demonstrate executive-level competencies.
Lateral moves from other federal departments are also common, particularly if you bring relevant experience in education, training program management, or strategic leadership. The Public Service Commission evaluates candidates based on essential qualifications, including proven senior management experience, strategic thinking, and demonstrated knowledge of training and education principles.
Some candidates enter through the Interchange Canada program if they come from provincial governments or other public sector organizations, or through the Priority Hiring initiatives that may be in place for designated groups.
Part-Time Options
Director General positions are typically full-time, permanent roles due to their strategic and leadership responsibilities. The nature of the position—requiring executive decision-making, stakeholder engagement, and 24/7 organizational awareness—means part-time arrangements are rarely available at this level.
However, the federal Public Service is committed to workplace flexibility. Depending on operational needs and departmental policy, some flexibility may be available in work location or scheduling for specific commitments (such as compressed work weeks or remote work for certain activities like planning or administrative tasks). Any arrangement would need to accommodate the full-time expectations of a senior executive role and be approved by the Deputy Minister or designate.
Leave provisions, including parental leave, compassionate leave, and other statutory entitlements, apply to all Public Service employees. Some Directors General also have access to wellness programs, flexible benefits, and professional development leave.
Related Careers
No related military careers on file for this position.
