Chairperson, Canadian Museum for Human Rights

The Canadian Museum for Human Rights was established as a federal Crown corporation on March 13, 2008. As the first museum solely dedicated to the evolution, celebration and future of human rights, its mandate as described in section 15.2 of Museums Act is to explore the subject of human rights, with special but not exclusive reference to Canada, in order to enhance the public's understanding of human rights, to promote respect for others and to encourage reflection and dialogue. The Museum enables visitors to explore the importance of human rights for all by creating innovative and inspiring encounters onsite, online and around the world, while applying the highest professional and ethical standards to care for, share and lift human rights stories.

The Museum is located on Indigenous ancestral lands, on Treaty One territory. The Red River Valley is also the birthplace of the Métis. The water in the Museum is sourced from Shoal Lake First Nations. Its relationship to these lands and all Indigenous Peoples is at the centre of all it does and will continue to guide the Museum's work.

The Museum is accountable to Parliament through the Minister of Canadian Heritage. As a national museum, the Canadian Museum for Human Rights plays an essential role in:

• preserving and promoting our heritage at home and abroad;


• contributing to the collective memory and sense of identity of all Canadians; and


• inspiring research, learning and entertainment that belong to all Canadians.

The Museum is governed by a Board of Trustees composed of a Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson and nine other trustees. The Board has the overall responsibility for stewardship of the Museum and is expected to provide strategic guidance to management and oversee the activities of the organization. It has a duty to act in the best interests of the Museum and to exercise care and due diligence. The Board is also responsible for the annual performance evaluation of the Chief Executive Officer.

In addition, the Board of Trustees has a primary responsibility to ensure that the principles of diversity, equity and inclusion are applied to the operations of the Board and of the Museum as a whole.

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

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.

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 relevant education, job-related training and / or experience;
  


• Experience with current corporate governance practices on a board of directors, ideally of a major not-for-profit organization, preferably as Chairperson;
  


• Experience in the development of strategies, objectives and plans, risk oversight and financial management, and corporate best practices;
  


• Experience at the senior executive level within the private or public sector in dealing with the federal government, preferably with senior government officials;
  


• Experience in major fundraising initiatives and revenue generation would be an asset; and


• Experience in advancing diversity and inclusion and Indigenous engagement strategies in an institutional context would be 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 strategic priorities of the Canadian Museum for Human Rights;
  


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


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


• Knowledge of the roles and responsibilities of the Chairperson, the Board, and the Director and Chief Executive Officer of a Crown corporation, including the fundamental accountabilities to all Canadians;
  


• Superior communication skills, both oral and written;


•  Ability to manage communications with a variety of stakeholders;
  


• Ability to provide corporate vision, leadership and strategic direction needed to ensure that the Canadian Museum for Human Rights can carry out its mandate and achieve its objectives;
  


• Ability to identify, analyze and define priorities and strategies within a local, national and global context;
  


• Ability to interpret financial statements;
  


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


• Ability to develop and maintain effective relationships with the Museum's senior management, the Friends of the Museum, the Minister of Canadian Heritage, her 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 to 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:

• Innovative and strategic leadership


• High ethical standards and integrity


• Tact and diplomacy


• Sound judgment


• Superior interpersonal skills


• Collegiality and collaboration

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.


• A person is not eligible to be appointed if that person is not a Canadian citizen (statutory).


• The Board as a whole meets three times per year, for one day and a half each, in Winnipeg. Board Committees meet by videoconference in advance of each Board meeting. Attendance of additional meetings held via conference call or video conferencing is also required.


• The average time commitment is an average of 25 days annually.


• The appointee must act as an ambassador for the Canadian Museum for Human Rights and may be required to travel within Canada and abroad.

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 8, 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.