As a Director General in Policing, you would lead and manage a major policing function or organization within the Department of National Defence civilian workforce. In this executive leadership role, you would be responsible for strategic direction, policy development, and operational oversight of policing services that support the defence and security mandate of Canada. You would work at the highest levels of the organization, collaborating with senior military and civilian leadership, other government departments, and external policing agencies to ensure public safety and security objectives are met.
Your responsibilities would include developing and implementing policing strategies, managing substantial budgets and personnel, ensuring compliance with federal legislation and regulations, and representing the organization in national and international forums. You would provide expert advice on matters related to public safety, security operations, and policing best practices to senior decision-makers within DND and across government. This role requires strong leadership capabilities, strategic thinking, and the ability to navigate complex organizational and political environments.
The work environment is dynamic and fast-paced, involving regular interaction with stakeholders at all levels of government, participation in strategic planning initiatives, and responsibility for managing significant organizational change. You may be required to work extended hours during operational or security incidents, and the role demands a high level of professional discretion and commitment to public service values.
Key Responsibilities
Perform policing duties supporting public safety and security, Conduct assessments, investigations, and monitoring activities, Enforce regulations and respond to incidents, Prepare reports and maintain operational records
Education and experience commensurate with the role requirements
Training
To qualify for a Director General position in Policing, you typically need a combination of education and professional experience. A bachelor's degree is the minimum educational requirement, with preference given to candidates holding advanced degrees (master's or doctorate) in fields such as public administration, business administration, law, criminology, or a related discipline.
Certifications and professional credentials are valuable, including membership in professional policing or security associations, senior management certifications, or credentials demonstrating expertise in areas such as organizational management, strategic planning, or security operations. Candidates should also have extensive knowledge of federal legislation relevant to defence and security, including the National Defence Act and related regulations.
Ongoing professional development is expected and supported at this level. DND offers leadership development programs, executive coaching, and participation in government-wide management training. You would be encouraged to maintain current knowledge of policing trends, security threats, and best practices through conferences, seminars, and professional networks. Security clearance and background investigations are mandatory, typically requiring Top Secret clearance or higher.
Entry Plans
Entry to a Director General position in Policing typically occurs through a few pathways. The most common route is through a competitive appointment process or executive search for senior positions within the Public Service. These competitions may be open to current federal public servants, members of the Canadian Armed Forces, or external candidates depending on departmental needs and classification rules.
Candidates often progress to this level after serving in progressively senior roles within DND or other government departments, such as Manager, Senior Manager, or Director positions in policing, defence management, or public safety portfolios. Lateral moves from other federal departments with similar mandates (Public Safety Canada, RCMP, Canada Border Services Agency) are also common, as they provide transferable experience in security and policing operations.
DND also participates in executive development and succession planning initiatives. High-potential managers may be identified for leadership development programs and grooming for senior executive roles. External recruitment for Director General positions occurs when specialized expertise or fresh perspectives are needed. All appointments require approval through formal Treasury Board and DND processes, and candidates must successfully pass security vetting and demonstrate alignment with Public Service values and competencies.
Part-Time Options
Director General positions are typically full-time, permanent roles due to the executive leadership and strategic responsibilities involved. However, the Public Service does support flexible work arrangements where operationally feasible. Individual accommodations for flexible schedules may be negotiated with senior management on a case-by-case basis, though the nature of the role and on-call security responsibilities may limit such arrangements.
Remote work options have expanded across the Public Service in recent years. Depending on the specific policing function and organizational needs, some aspects of the Director General role may be performed remotely, particularly for administrative and strategic planning work. However, regular presence at the workplace is typically required for leadership functions, stakeholder meetings, and operational oversight.
Job sharing or part-time arrangements at the Director General level are rare, as the role demands continuous executive oversight and decision-making authority. DND remains committed to supporting work-life balance and may offer options such as compressed work weeks, telework for specific tasks, or scheduling flexibility around operational requirements. Any alternative work arrangements would be subject to approval by senior departmental leadership and must not compromise the security and operational mandates of the organization. It is recommended to discuss specific flexibility needs during the recruitment process.
Related Careers
No related military careers on file for this position.
