Director - AMENDMENT, Canadian Museum of History

**If you have applied between October 22, 2020 and March 15, 2022, 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 Director is the Chief Executive Officer and is responsible, under the direction of the Board of Trustees, for providing corporate leadership for the management of the Museum’s resources and assets and for the effectiveness and efficiency of its operations in meeting its mandated objectives. As of 2020-2021, the Museum has a total budget of $105.25 million and more than 450 full and part-time staff.

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 achieve 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

• An advanced degree from a recognized university in History, Archaeology and/or Anthropology or a relevant field of study, or an acceptable combination of education, job-related training and/or experience;


• Leadership experience at the Chief Executive Officer or senior executive level, as well as in national and international initiatives;


• Experience in fundraising, revenue generation and/or business development;


• Experience in establishing and implementing strategic vision and organizational change management;


• Experience in governance with reporting to and/or serving on a board;


• Experience in government relations, preferably with senior government officials;


• Experience in leading digital strategies in cultural institutions would be considered an asset; and


• Experience in the management or administration of a significant cultural institution would be considered an asset.  

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of the Canadian Museum of History's mandate, the Museums Act and other relevant federal legislation;


• Knowledge of the current challenges and opportunities facing Canadian cultural institutions, as well as the cultural, heritage and/or recreational tourism sectors, and evolving public expectations regarding museums;


• 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;


• Financial literacy and knowledge of sound governance and management principles and practices;


• Knowledge of the histories, cultures, and contemporary issues of Indigenous peoples across Canada and an understanding of the relationship between museums and Indigenous communities, including the impact of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.


• Knowledge of digital strategies and the transformation to digital culture would be considered an asset;


• Ability to provide corporate vision, leadership and strategic direction needed to ensure the Canadian Museum of History is able to carry out its mandate and achieve its objectives;


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


• Ability to spearhead national fundraising and outreach  initiatives and actively market and promote the Museum's brand to audiences across Canada and abroad;


• Ability to focus the energies and talents of Museum employees and motivate them to achieve corporate objectives, as well as develop effective working relationships with the Board of Trustees, the Museum's management, the Minister of Canadian Heritage and his Office, the Deputy Minister of Canadian Heritage, and the Museum's key stakeholders and partners;


• Ability to develop and maintain a healthy, respectful and inclusive workplace, free of employment barriers, harassment and discrimination; and


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

Language Requirements

Proficiency in both official languages would be preferred.

• Innovative, visionary and strategic leader


• High ethical standards and integrity, including a commitment to diversity and inclusion


• Tact and diplomacy


• Sound judgment


• Superior interpersonal skills and 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 Forms and reference material.


• All appointees will be 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 Commissioner, 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 this position, you must reside in or be willing to relocate to the National Capital Region.


• If you are appointed to this position, you must 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 will begin on March 28, 2022. 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.