Chairperson, National Museum of Science and Technology

Science and technology have changed Canada and the lives of Canadians, and our country continues to be transformed by many achievements in science and technology. Under the Canada Science and Technology Museums Corporation, the three museums – the Canada Science and Technology Museum, the Canada Agriculture and Food Museum, and the Canada Aviation and Space Museum represent a collaborative space where the past meets the future in a celebration of creativity, discovery, and human ingenuity. Telling the stories of people who think differently and test the limits, the Corporation honours people and communities who have shaped history – and inspire the next generation.

The three museums provide a sensory experience that immerses young and old alike in the countless ways science and technology connect with our everyday lives:

1. The Canada Science and Technology Museum lets visitors experience science and technology first-hand, as they discover artifact-rich exhibitions featuring marine and land transportation, communications, Space, and computer technology. The renewed, modern museum opened in November 2017.


2. The Canada Aviation and Space Museum engages visitors with the wonder of flight.


3. The Canada Agriculture and Food Museum lets visitors learn about Canada's unique agricultural heritage by exploring the typical sights and sounds of farm life.

 
The Canada Science and Technology Museums Corporation is accountable to Parliament through the Minister of Canadian Heritage.

Under the Museums Act, the National Museum of Science and Technology 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.

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

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


• Experience on a board of directors/trustees, preferably as Chairperson;


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


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


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


• Experience in the communications, social media, and media sector, such as the distribution of creative and digital content, 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 scientific, educational or cultural institutions 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 legislative framework, mandate and activities of the National Museum of Science and Technology;


• 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 National Museum of Science and Technology 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 National Museum of Science and Technology 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.

If you move on the 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:

• 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 a member of the Board if that person is not a Canadian citizen (statutory).


• The Board meets four times per year in Ottawa.


• The average annual time commitment, excluding committee work, is three to four weeks.

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

How to Apply

Review of applications will begin on October 5, 2018. 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.