Chairperson - AMENDMENT, Canadian Museum of History

AMENDMENT**If you have applied between August 12, 2020 and September 2, 2020, you do not need to re-apply to be considered for this position.

The Canadian Museum of History is a federal Crown corporation. It welcomes over 1.2 million visitors each year to its celebrated complex in the heart of the National Capital Region, making it the country's most-visited museum. With roots stretching back to 1856, it is one of Canada's oldest public institutions and a respected centre of museological excellence, sharing its expertise in history, archaeology, ethnology and cultural studies both within Canada and abroad. The Canadian War Museum is also an affiliate of the Canadian Museum of History.

The mandate of the Museum is to enhance Canadians' knowledge and understanding of events, experiences, people and objects that reflect Canada's history and identities, and also to enhance their awareness of world history and cultures. The Corporation is accountable to Parliament through the Minister of Canadian Heritage.

The Canadian Museum of History 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 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 Chairperson is responsible for the proper conduct of the Board meetings in such a way that the Corporation carries out its mandate and objectives effectively, ensures good value for public funds, and holds management accountable for its performance.

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.

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 on a board of directors/trustees, preferably as chairperson;


• Experience at the senior management level within the private or public sector;


• Experience in the development of strategies, objectives, plans, best business practices and in corporate governance;


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


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


• Experience in dealing with cultural institutions would be considered an asset.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of the legislative framework, mandate and activities of the Canadian Museum of History;


• Knowledge of the roles and responsibilities of the Chairperson, the Board, and the Chief Executive Officer of a Crown corporation, including the fundamental accountabilities to all Canadians;


• Knowledge of sound governance principles, strategic planning, and the monitoring and evaluation of performance, and financially literate with knowledge of the federal government's expectations regarding accountability and reporting;


• Knowledge of the cultural, heritage and/or recreational tourism sectors, or of the evolving public expectations regarding Museums;


• Knowledge of the federal government's cultural policy priorities and how these relate to the Canadian Museum of History would be considered an asset;


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


• Superior leadership and management skills to enable the Canadian Museum of History to accomplish its work effectively and with a national perspective;


• Ability to lead strategic discussions, foster debate among Board members, facilitate consensus and manage conflicts, should they arise;


• Ability to anticipate emerging issues and trends, and develop strategies to enable the Board to seize opportunities; and


• Ability to develop and maintain effective relationships with the Museum's senior management, the Minister of Canadian Heritage, his office, the Deputy Minister of Canadian Heritage, and the Museum's key stakeholders and partners.

Language Requirements

Proficiency in both official languages would be preferred.

• Strategic and innovative 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.

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


• The Board meets a minimum of four times per year: three in Gatineau-Ottawa, and once in another Canadian city.


• The Board may meet several additional times per year by teleconference.


• The average annual time commitment is approximately 20 days.

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 September 30, 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.