Chairperson, 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. 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 National Gallery of Canada is governed by a Board of Trustees composed of a Chairperson, a Vice-Chairperson and nine other trustees. The Board has the overall responsibility for stewardship of the Corporation and is expected to provide strategic guidance to management and to oversee the activities of the institution. 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 for the annual performance evaluation of the Director and Chief Executive Officer. The Chairperson is responsible for the proper conduct of Board meetings to ensure that the Corporation carries out its mandate and objectives effectively, ensures good value for public funds and holds management accountable for its performance.

Further details about the Gallery and its activities can be found on the National Gallery of Canada website.

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

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


• Experience on a Board of Directors / Trustees of a public, private or not-for-profit sector organization, preferably as Chairperson;


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


• Experience with modern corporate governance practices, preferably including formal training in this area;


• Experience in risk oversight and risk management;


• Experience in dealing with the federal government, preferably with senior government officials; and


• Experience working or volunteering with organizations in the arts and cultural sector.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of the mandate and mission of the National Gallery of Canada, its business activities, strategic priorities and public policy issues, as well as its governing legislation;


• Knowledge of the roles and responsibilities of the Chairperson, the Board and the Director / Chief Executive Officer;


• Financial literacy and knowledge of the federal government's expectations with regard to accountability and reporting;


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


• Knowledge of sound governance principles, strategic planning, monitoring and evaluation of performance;


• Superior communication skills, both written and oral;


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


• Ability to anticipate emerging issues and develop strategies to enable the Gallery to seize opportunities and solve problems;


• Ability to develop effective working relationships with the organization's management, the Minister of Canadian Heritage and her office, the Deputy Minister of Canadian Heritage, and the key stakeholders and partners of the Gallery.

Language Requirements

Proficiency in both official languages would be preferred.

• Innovative and strategic leadership


• 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 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 behaviors 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 behaviors 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.



• The appointee must be a Canadian citizen (statutory).


• The appointee must be prepared to commit to the position for an average of 30 days annually (time commitment may increase as need be).


• The appointee must be 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 here) will begin on January 15, 2024. 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.