As a Manager of Chaplain Services in the Department of National Defence, you provide strategic leadership and oversight to a team of military chaplains who deliver spiritual care and counselling services to Canadian Armed Forces members and their families. You are responsible for planning, directing, and evaluating chaplaincy programs across multiple locations, ensuring these services support the mental health, morale, and spiritual well-being of our personnel. In this role, you work closely with senior military leadership, health care professionals, and community organizations to integrate chaplain services into broader defence and health operations. Your work directly impacts the readiness and resilience of CAF members by fostering an inclusive, supportive environment where personnel of all faiths and backgrounds can access spiritual guidance and pastoral care.
Key Responsibilities
Plan and manage the delivery of chaplain services services and programs, Supervise and develop staff within the chaplain services team, Monitor performance metrics and report on results, Develop and implement operational plans and procedures, Manage stakeholder relationships and ensure service quality
Required Skills
Clinical skills, Patient/client assessment, Empathy and communication, Record-keeping, Interdisciplinary collaboration, People management, Operational oversight, Quality assurance, Resource coordination
Typical Education
Post-secondary education in the relevant field; supervisory and operational management experience
Training
You must hold a recognized theological degree or equivalent qualification from an accredited institution, typically a Bachelor's degree in Theology, Divinity, or Religious Studies. Most candidates bring professional chaplaincy credentials and accreditation from relevant faith communities or multi-faith chaplaincy organizations. You should demonstrate completed or advanced studies in areas such as pastoral counselling, crisis intervention, or organizational leadership. The Government of Canada offers professional development programs in public sector management, including financial administration, human resources management, and leadership development through the Canadian Armed Forces College and Treasury Board learning systems. Ongoing training in mental health awareness, trauma-informed care, and diversity and inclusion practices is provided. Familiarity with Defence Team policies, military culture, and the Canadian Armed Forces organizational structure is expected, with comprehensive orientation provided upon appointment.
Entry Plans
Entry to this management position typically occurs through open competitions advertised on the Government of Canada's Job Bank and the DND Civilian Recruitment website. Candidates usually progress from chaplain or senior chaplain positions within DND, bringing substantial experience in military chaplaincy operations. The Public Service Commission manages competitions following Treasury Board policies, assessing candidates on education, professional experience, management competencies, and knowledge of Defence operations. Some positions may be filled through internal staffing processes or talent pools developed from previous recruitment campaigns. Lateral moves from other Government of Canada departments with equivalent management experience in health care, social services, or community-based programs are also considered. All candidates must obtain Secret security clearance and pass medical and reliability checks as required for DND positions.
Part-Time Options
Part-time work arrangements for this management position are limited due to the supervisory and strategic responsibilities required. However, flexible work options such as compressed work weeks or staggered schedules may be available depending on operational requirements and mutual agreement with your supervisor. Remote work eligibility depends on DND's business needs and may be permitted for specific administrative or planning activities, though regular on-site presence is typically required for leadership duties, team meetings, and coordination with military units. Telework arrangements are subject to Treasury Board policies and departmental guidelines. Interested applicants should discuss flexibility options with their hiring manager during the recruitment process, as accommodation depends on the specific position's operational context and location.
