Trustee, National Museum of Science and Technology

Ingenium – Canada’s Museums of Science and Innovation preserves the largest science and technology collection in Canada. With a new state-of-the-art conservation collection centre, it is home to a world-class collection, research institute and digital innovation lab aimed at increasing digital engagement and outreach with all Canadians. Ingenium oversees and operates three national museums: The Canada Agriculture and Food Museum showcases milestones in Canadian agriculture, as well as informs and inspires the future of food security and sustainable agriculture; The Canada Aviation and Space Museum showcases the largest aviation collection in Canada and the world of space flight; and the Canada Science and Technology Museum tells Canada’s innovation story and acts as a bridge between science and technology to engage and inspire audiences to better understand the integral role innovation plays in shaping our shared future.

Ingenium is a Crown corporation in the Canadian Heritage Portfolio mandated to foster scientific and technological literacy throughout Canada by establishing, maintaining and developing a collection of scientific and technological objects. It fulfills its mandate by being a vital link between science and society and it takes science engagement to the next level by co-creating participatory experiences, acting as a community hub and connector, helping Canadians contribute to solving global challenges, and creating a collective impact. Its mission is to be a catalyst for unlocking the curious and creative minds of a nation of innovators. The Corporation is accountable to Parliament through the Minister of Canadian Heritage.

Ingenium is governed by a Board of Trustees composed of a Chairperson, a Vice-Chairperson and nine other trustees. The Board has the overall stewardship of the Corporation, providing strategic guidance to management and overseeing its activities. It has a duty to act in the best interests of the Corporation and to exercise care and due diligence. The Board is also responsible to evaluate the performance of the Chief Executive Officer on an annual basis.

The members of the Board provide effective governance and oversight, act as ambassadors for Ingenium and help strengthen a culture of philanthropy.

Diversity and Official Languages

We are committed to providing a healthy and accessible workplace that supports one’s dignity, self-esteem and the ability to work on one’s full potential. With this in mind, all appointees will be expected to take steps to promote and maintain a healthy, respectful, inclusive and harassment-free work environment.

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.

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.

Education and Experience

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


• Experience in governance on a board of directors/trustees of a public, private or not-for-profit sector organization;


• A professional accounting designation (CPA) would be considered an asset;


• Experience in one or more of the following areas would be considered an asset: data science, financial management, digital innovation and content, fundraising and developing self-generated revenues, public affairs and marketing communications, the media sector; and


• Experience in STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, math) fields would be considered an asset.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of Ingenium's legislative framework, mandate and activities, as well as its strategic priorities and public policy issues and the current challenges and opportunities for Canadian cultural institutions;


• Knowledge of the importance of science in an era of distrust and disinformation while facing a global climate crisis;


• Knowledge of more than one of the following oversight practices: strategic planning, evaluation, risk and financial management, audit, digital modernization;


• Knowledge of the Canadian science and technology, aviation and space, and/or agriculture and food sectors;


• Knowledge of diversity, inclusion and Indigenous engagement practices in an institutional setting would be an asset;


• Knowledge of philanthropy and experience in major gift solicitation would be considered an asset;


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


• Ability to recognize and address emerging issues and trends, to seize opportunities and to advance ideas and innovation; and


• Ability to be diplomatic and respectful, yet open and honest in discussions.

Language Requirements

Proficiency in both official languages would be preferred.

• A passion and commitment to STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math)


• High ethical standards and integrity


• 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.


• A person is not eligible to be appointed as a member of the Board if that person is not a Canadian citizen (statutory).


• A person is not eligible to be appointed as a member of the Board if that person is either an employee or a volunteer at Ingenium.


• The Board meets four times per year, online, in Ottawa or elsewhere in Canada, and participates in online committee meetings as required. Excluding committee work, the successful candidate should expect to commit to the position an average of two weeks annually.

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 (more information here) will begin on April 1, 2022. Candidates should 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 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.