Director, Canadian Museum for Human Rights

The Canadian Museum for Human Rights was established as a federal Crown corporation on March 13, 2008. It is the first museum solely dedicated to the evolution, celebration and future of human rights. The Museum's aim is to build not only a national hub for human rights learning and discovery, but a new era of global human rights leadership. Its mandate is to explore the subject of human rights, with special but not exclusive reference to Canada in order to enhance the public's understanding of human rights, to promote respect for others and to encourage reflection and dialogue.
The Museum aspires to offer its visitors an inspiring encounter with human rights while exceeding Canadians' expectations for balance, transparency, sound business practices and meaningful public consultation. The Museum exemplifies Canadians' commitment to freedom and democracy, and aims to ignite an informed and ever-evolving global conversation. The Corporation is accountable to Parliament through the Minister of Canadian Heritage.
The Canadian Museum for Human Rights plays an essential role in:

• preserving and promoting our heritage at home and abroad;


• contributing to the collective memory and sense of identity of all Canadians; and


• inspiring research, learning, and entertainment that belong to all Canadians.

The Director is the Chief Executive Officer and is responsible, under the direction of the Board of Trustees, for providing corporate leadership for the management of the Museum’s resources and assets and for the effectiveness and efficiency of its operations in meeting its mandated objectives.

Diversity and Official Languages

The Government of Canada will consider bilingual proficiency and diversity in assessing applicants. You are therefore encouraged to include in your online profile your ability to speak and understand your second official language. Preference may be given to applicants who are members of one or more of the following groups: women, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, and members of a visible minority group.

To be considered, please ensure that the information provided in your curriculum vitae and cover letter clearly demonstrate how you meet the following requirements:

Education and Experience

• An advanced degree from a recognized university in a relevant field of study or an acceptable combination of relevant education, considerable job-related training and/or experience is required;


• Corporate leadership experience at the Chief Executive Officer or senior executive level in a complex field of endeavour with proactive, proven experience in handling sensitive issues;


• Experience in national and international outreach initiatives;


• Experience in revenue generation and establishing collaborative relationships;


• Experience in establishing and implementing strategic vision and change management at senior levels;


• Experience in reporting to /or serving a board;


• A proven track record of implementing board strategic direction;


• Experience in dealing with government, preferably with senior government officials, would be considered an asset;


• Experience in implementing digital/virtual access to heritage programs and artifacts would be considered an asset; and


• Experience in senior position managing a public or private cultural institution would be considered an asset.

If you move on to the next stage of the selection process, the following criteria will be assessed:

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of the Canadian Museum for Human Rights of Canada mandate, of the Museums Act and other relevant federal legislation;


• Knowledge of the current challenges and opportunities for Canadian cultural institutions;


• Financial literacy and knowledge of sound governance and management of principles and practices;


• Knowledge of a broad spectrum of Canadian and international human rights issues;


• Knowledge of the cultural, patrimonial and/or recreational tourism sectors would be considered an asset;


• Knowledge of the transformation to digital culture would be considered an asset;


• Ability to provide corporate vision, leadership and implementation of board strategic direction needed to ensure the Canadian Museum for Human Rights is able to carry out its mandate and achieve its objectives;


• Ability to identify, analyze and define priorities and strategies;


• Ability to spearhead national outreach initiatives and actively market and promote the Museum’s brand to audiences across Canada and abroad;


• Ability to focus the energies and talents of the employees of the Museum and motivate them to achieve corporate objectives;


• Ability to develop effective working relationships with the Board of Trustees, the Museum’s management, the Minister of Canadian Heritage and his Office, the Deputy Minister of Canadian Heritage, and the Museum’s key stakeholders and partners; and


• Superior communication skills, both written and oral, and the ability to manage communications with a variety of stakeholders.

Language Requirements

Proficiency in both official languages would be preferred.

If you move on to the next stage of the selection process, we will contact your references to confirm that you meet the above selection criteria and that you possess the following Personal Attributes:

• A passion and commitment to the principle that all human beings are born free and equal in rights and dignity.


• Innovative and strategic leader


• High ethical standards and integrity


• Tact and diplomacy


• Sound judgment


• Superior interpersonal skills


• Collegiality

Eligibility Factors and Conditions of Employment

• Appointees must comply with the Ethical and Political Activity Guidelines for Public Office Holders throughout their appointment as a term and condition of employment. The guidelines are available on the Governor in Council Appointments website under the Forms and reference material.


• All appointees are subject to the Conflicts of Interest Act. Public office holders appointed on a full-time basis must also submit to the Office of the Conflict of Interest and Ethics within 60 days of appointment, a confidential report in which they disclose all of their assets, liabilities and outside activities. For more information, please visit the Office of the Conflict of Interest and Ethics Commissioner's website.


• Appointees must uphold the highest standards of probity and are expected to demonstrate behaviours in the workplace that afford respect, equality and dignity, to everyone they interact with at work at all times. The Values and Ethics Code for the Public Sector outlines the values and expected behaviours for public servants, including valuing diversity and creating workplaces free from harassment and discrimination. Governor in Council appointees are expected to uphold and respect these values and principles in a positive and active manner.


• If you are appointed to this position, you must reside in or be willing to relocate to the general Winnipeg area.


• If you are appointed to this position, you must willing to travel across Canada and internationally.

A link to this notice will be placed in the Canada Gazette to assist the Governor in Council in identifying qualified candidates. It is not, however, intended to be the sole means of recruitment. A list of qualified candidates may be established and may be used for similar opportunities.

How to Apply

Review of applications will begin on February 17, 2020. Candidates must apply online via the Governor in Council Appointments website. Candidates are strongly encouraged to submit their applications by this date. After this date, your application will be retained and may be considered up until an appointment to the position is made. Your cover letter should be addressed to the Deputy Director of Selection Processes, Senior Personnel Secretariat, Privy Council Office, and should be sent only through the online application.

Instructions on how to apply for an appointment opportunity can be found on the Governor in Council Appointments website.