Board Member - AMENDMENT, Canadian Museum of Nature

**If you have applied between June 22, 2021 and August 16, 2021, you do not need to re-apply to be considered for this position.

The largest museum of natural history in Canada covers four billion years of Earth’s history. It houses one of the most important natural history collections in the world, including 24 major science collections of more than 14.6 million specimens referenced in over 300 annual scientific research publication from 40 countries. The specimens and the knowledge derived from their study serve as the backbone of the museum’s many special exhibitions, its permanent galleries and educational programs. The Canadian Museum of Nature is more than Canada's national natural-history museum. In addition to its exhibition spaces, the Museum is composed of world-renowned research scientists creating, advancing and sharing knowledge about the natural world in collaboration with universities, museums, NGOs and government organizations across Canada and around the world. It also has conservators’ collection managers, data scientists as well as education, content design and multimedia specialists. The Museum is also a leader in the documentation, digitization and understanding of biodiversity and of the geological history of Canada.

As a national institution engaged in international collaboration and a member of the Canadian Heritage Portfolio, the Museum's mandate is to increase, throughout Canada and internationally, interest in, knowledge of, as well as appreciation and respect for, the natural world. The museum fulfills its mandate by focussing its research and education programs on Arctic knowledge and exploration, species discovery and change, and nature inspiration and engagement. The museum fulfills its national and international role through its active participation in the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature), GBIF (Global Biodiversity Information Facility), Alliance of Natural History Museums, Arctic Council CAFF (Conservation of Arctic Flora and Fauna) and many other national and international science forums. The Corporation is accountable to Parliament through the Minister of Canadian Heritage.

A Board of Trustees composed of a Chairperson, a Vice-Chairperson and nine other trustees, governs the Canadian Museum of Nature. The Board has responsibility for the overall stewardship of the Corporation and is expected to provide strategic guidance to management and to oversee the activities of the Corporation. 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 also serve as ambassadors for the Museum, galvanizing support for the Museum and inspiring a culture of philanthropy.

Further details about the organization and its activities can be found on the Canadian Museum of Nature website.

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;


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


• Experience serving as a member of a board of directors/trustees for an academic, private, not-for-profit or public sector organization;


• Experience in human resources and financial management would be considered an asset;


• Experience in areas of information technology, technological evolution related to digital innovation, or the supporting environment of national creative content would be an asset;


• Experience in the natural resources sector would be considered an asset;


• Experience in nature conservation, research, biodiversity or national science programs would be considered an asset;


• Experience in fundraising activities and developing self-generated revenues would be considered an asset; and


• Experience in public affairs and marketing communications or the media sector would be considered an asset.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of the legislative framework, mandate and activities of the Canadian Museum of Nature, as well as its strategic priorities and public policy issues;


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


• Knowledge of the global triple threats of climate change, biodiversity loss and low scientific literacy;


• Knowledge of Diversity & Inclusion practices in an institutional setting would be an asset;


• Knowledge of Indigenous Engagement & Inclusion in an institutional setting would be an asset;


• Knowledge of government relations, human resources, or promotion and marketing would be an asset;


• Knowledge of financial statements, budget management and oversight practices, and the role of an audit committee;


• Knowledge in the areas of information technology, technological evolution related to digital and the supporting environment of national creative content would be an asset;


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


• Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with other Board members and stakeholders;


• Ability to actively participate in debate and discussions among Board members; and


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

Language Requirements

Proficiency in both official languages would be preferred.

• A passion and commitment to science, education and culture


• Sound judgment, integrity, and impartiality


• High ethical standards


• Superior interpersonal skills


• Diplomacy, tact and discretion


• 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 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 available here) will begin on July 20, 2021. 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 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.