Principal, Royal Military College of Canada

The Royal Military College (RMC) of Canada is situated on the traditional lands of the Haudenosaunee and Anishinaabeg Peoples. Established in 1876, the Royal Military College is a bilingual military-civilian university that is proud of its heritage of producing leaders for the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) and Canada. Its mission is to produce officers with the mental, physical and linguistic capabilities and the ethical foundation required to lead with distinction in the Canadian Armed Forces. Its role is multifaceted and unique, and it is dedicated to the education and development of leaders through a programme that consists of four components: Academics, Military Leadership, Physical Fitness, and Bilingualism. Located in the historic City of Kingston, against the beautiful backdrop of Lake Ontario, RMC has approximately 200 faculty, 400 staff and 3,600 part-time and full-time graduate and undergraduate students (on- campus and distance learning) in the Faculties of Social Sciences and Humanities, Science, and Engineering.

The Principal is the academic leader of RMC, accountable for the operation of all academic and second language activities of the institution, including developing the scholarly mission of RMC and defining its academic policies and frameworks. The Principal provides the academic leadership for the development and execution of the strategic concepts, planning and broad executive management necessary to maintain the long-standing tradition of RMC as an institution of academic excellence. The Principal represents RMC both nationally and internationally, working to maintain and further promote RMC as an accredited university of academic excellence. The Principal is also the senior academic advisor of the Canadian Armed Forces.

The Principal works within the structure of the CAF where the command structure supports the generation and operation of military resources. As an academic leader of a hybrid military-civilian university within this command structure, the Principal must navigate the affairs of the university through the chain of command. The Commandant is the senior military officer, whereas the Principal is the senior academic officer.

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 PhD and a distinguished record of research and teaching in a discipline appropriate to RMC, with values in higher education;


• A demonstrated track record of academic, executive leadership or organizational management in an established university, including experience in university governance and the management of human and financial resources;


• Significant experience working with Canadian universities, organizations, and/or agencies for the purpose of furthering and enhancing academic and research plans;


• Experience creating and maintaining an academic environment that fosters teaching and research excellence, innovation, and student success;


• Experience advocating for diversity, equity, and inclusion and fostering a safe, accessible, and inclusive environment;


• Experience working on or with a board of governors or equivalent governing body;


• Experience in the design, development and funding of basic and applied research in a complex budget environment; and


• Experience negotiating with bargaining agents regarding multiple collective agreements would be considered an asset.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Strong financial literacy and knowledge of the federal government’s expectations with regard to accountability and reporting;


• Knowledge and understanding of the educational and professional development needs of students, faculty, and staff. This includes an awareness of military education system and leadership;


• Knowledge of the RMC mandate, accountabilities, and operating context;


• Understanding of the challenges that RMC and CAF face in addressing negative aspects of institutional culture;


• Knowledge of academic standards and practices in Canada, including knowledge of leading-edge approaches and techniques used in the design, development and delivery of curricula at an undergraduate and postgraduate level;


• Ability to work effectively and productively within a university's collegial decision-making and governance environment;


• Ability to apply sound governance and management principles and practices, including university principles and practices for evaluating faculty performance;


• Ability to analyze complex issues, think strategically, and balance the academic needs of the organization with CAF’s interests;


• Interpersonal, emotional or cultural competence in working with individuals and groups with different cultural and professional norms, and ability to develop effective, inclusive, and safe working relationships;


• Superior communication skills, both written and oral, and ability to engage effectively with academic institutions, industry, and governments in its activities. This includes the ability to act as a spokesperson for RMC in dealing with Ministers and their staff, members of the CAF, stakeholders, media, public institutions, governments, and other organizations.

Language Requirements

Proficiency in both official languages would be preferred.

• High ethical standards and integrity


• Strong leadership, interpersonal, and negotiation skills


• Passion for academic excellence


• Commitment to innovation, collaboration, and transparency


• Sound judgment

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 Conflict 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 the Principal position, you must reside in or be willing to relocate to Kingston, or to a location within a reasonable commuting distance.


• If you are appointed to this position you must be 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 (more information available here) will begin on February 16, 2023. 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.