Director, National Gallery of Canada

The National Gallery of Canada is one of the world's most respected art institutions, renowned for its exceptional collection of approximately 65,000 works of art, revered for its scholarship, and applauded for its unique ability to engage audiences of all ages and all levels of artistic knowledge. Over the years, the National Gallery of Canada has built a world-class collection spanning all periods of Canadian art, richly representing works by Europeans—from old masters to contemporary artists—and notable for strong holdings in Indigenous art and photography, and contemporary American art.

Under the Museums Act, the mandate of the National Gallery of Canada is to develop, maintain and make known, throughout Canada and internationally, a collection of works of art, both historic and contemporary, with special, but not exclusive reference to Canada and to further knowledge, understanding, and enjoyment of art in general among all Canadians. The Gallery is accountable to Parliament through the Minister of Canadian Heritage.

The Director 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.

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


• Corporate leadership experience at the Chief Executive Officer or senior executive level;


• Leadership experience in national and international outreach initiatives;


• Experience in major fundraising initiatives and establishing collaborative relationships;


• Experience in financial management and revenue generation;


• Experience in establishing and implementing strategic vision and change management at senior levels;


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


• Experience in dealing with government, preferably with senior government officials, would be an asset; and


• Experience in implementing digital/virtual access to heritage programs and artifacts would be an asset.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of the National Gallery of Canada’s mandate, of the Museums Act and other relevant federal legislation;


• Knowledge of current challenges and opportunities for Canadian cultural institutions;


• Knowledge of the government’s policy agenda and how it relates to the national museums;


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


• Knowledge of visual and media arts;


• Knowledge of the cultural, patrimonial and/or recreational tourism sectors would be an asset;


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


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


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


• Ability to spearhead national 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 the employees of the National Gallery of Canada and motivate them to achieve corporate objectives;


• Ability to 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; 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 and strategic leader


• Superior analytical skills


• High ethical standards and integrity


• 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 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 this position, you must reside in or be willing to relocate to the National Capital Region or to a location within reasonable commuting distance.


• 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 (more information available here) will begin on February 6, 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.