Vice-Chairperson, Canadian Museum of Nature

The largest museum of natural history in Canada covers four billion years of Earth history. It houses one of the most important natural history collections in the world, including 24 major science collections of more than 10 million specimens. The specimens are the backbone of its 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, collections experts, as well as education and multimedia specialists. The Museum is also a leader in the documentation of biodiversity and of the geological history of Canada. As a national institution and member of the Canadian Heritage Portfolio, the Museum's mandate is to increase interest throughout Canada and internationally in knowledge of and appreciation as well as respect for the natural world. The Corporation is accountable to Parliament through the Minister of Canadian Heritage.

The Canadian Museum of Nature is governed by a Board of Trustees composed of a Chairperson, a Vice-Chairperson and nine other trustees. 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. If the Chairperson is absent or unable to act or if the office of the Chairperson is vacant, the Vice-Chairperson has all the powers, and may exercise and perform all the duties and functions of the Chairperson.

The members of the Board also serve as ambassadors for the Museum, galvanizing support for the Museum and inspiring a culture of philanthropy.

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


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


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


• Experience in promotion and marketing of an institution or organization on the national and world stages would be an asset; and


• Experience in the energy or mining sectors would be considered an asset.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

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


• 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 Nature would be considered an asset;


• Knowledge in the areas of information technology, technological evolution related to digital, the supporting environment of national creative content, government relations, human resources, or promotion and marketing would be an asset;


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


• Ability to assist the Chairperson in carrying out his/her mandate in accordance with the Museums Act;


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


• Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with other Board members and the Board's partners and stakeholders; 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 for and commitment to education, research and museums


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


• The Board meets three times per year: two meetings in Ottawa/Gatineau and one videoconference meeting.


• All Committee meetings are by videoconference.


• The successful candidate should expect to participate in one or more Board Committees and commit to the position an average of 10 – 15 days annually, including committee work and events.

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 Semptember 24, 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.