As a Director of Database and Database Administration, you lead the planning, development, and management of enterprise database systems that support critical defence and security operations across the Department of National Defence. You are responsible for establishing database strategies, overseeing the implementation of complex database solutions, and ensuring the highest standards of data integrity, security, and availability. Your leadership ensures that database infrastructure aligns with DND's operational needs and Government of Canada IT standards.
In this role, you manage teams of database administrators and technical specialists, directing their work on system design, performance optimization, security protocols, and disaster recovery planning. You serve as the subject matter expert on database technologies and advocate for your teams' technical needs and professional development. You collaborate with senior IT leadership, business stakeholders, and other government departments to ensure database solutions meet current and future requirements.
You work in a dynamic, mission-critical environment where downtime is not an option. Your decisions directly impact operational effectiveness across DND. This role offers the opportunity to work with cutting-edge database technologies while contributing to Canada's defence and security objectives. The position typically involves time at a DND headquarters location, with potential for some flexibility in work arrangements depending on operational requirements.
Key Responsibilities
Plan and manage the delivery of database and database administration services and programs, Supervise and develop staff within the database and database administration team, Monitor performance metrics and report on results, Develop and implement operational plans and procedures, Manage stakeholder relationships and ensure service quality
Required Skills
Systems administration, Programming/scripting, Network and security, Cloud technologies, ITIL/ITSM practices, Team leadership, Operational planning, Stakeholder engagement, Results management
Typical Education
Bachelor's degree or equivalent; significant experience in the relevant discipline with demonstrated leadership
Training
To qualify for this director-level position, you typically need a bachelor's degree in computer science, information technology, or a related discipline. Many successful candidates hold master's degrees or advanced certifications in IT management or specialized database technologies.
Professional certifications are highly valued and may include: Oracle Certified Associate or Master credentials, Microsoft Certified Database Administrator or Architect certifications, or AWS and cloud database certifications depending on departmental technology platforms. Certifications in IT service management (ITIL), project management (PMP), or security (CISSP) demonstrate leadership capability.
Throughout your career with DND, you will have access to professional development opportunities including government-sponsored training, conference attendance, and leadership development programs. DND supports continuous learning through internal technical training, management coaching, and opportunities to obtain additional certifications. You may also pursue credentials in emerging technologies such as cloud database management and artificial intelligence applications in data systems.
Entry Plans
There are several pathways to reach this director-level position within the Government of Canada Public Service:
Competitive staffing processes are the primary entry method. DND regularly posts director-level IT positions through the Public Service Commission. These competitions are open to Canadian citizens and may be advertised across the public service, meaning you can apply from other federal departments or agencies.
Lateral movement from related IT management roles is common. If you are already working as a manager in the Public Service in database administration, systems management, or IT operations, you can apply for director-level competitions when positions become available.
Some candidates progress through the ranks within DND, starting as database administrators or senior database specialists and advancing to management and director roles as they develop leadership experience and technical expertise. This path allows you to build institutional knowledge and relationships while transitioning into leadership.
External hiring also occurs when the Public Service Commission opens competitions to external applicants. If you are working in the private sector or with another employer, you can apply to these advertised positions. External candidates must meet the same qualifications as internal candidates and successfully compete through the staffing process.
Part-Time Options
Director-level positions in the Government of Canada are typically full-time appointments. However, the Public Service is committed to supporting work-life balance and accommodating diverse needs where operationally feasible.
Remote and flexible work arrangements have become more common within DND following Government of Canada modernization initiatives. Depending on the specific role and organizational needs, directors may have flexibility to work partially from home or adjust their work schedule, particularly for administrative and strategic planning tasks. However, some in-person presence at the workplace is generally expected for team meetings, stakeholder engagement, and crisis management during database incidents.
Job-sharing arrangements at the director level are rare but not impossible in the federal public service. Any alternative work arrangements would need to be negotiated with your manager and approved by your department based on operational requirements and team needs. As a leader managing technical teams, maintaining adequate presence to support staff supervision and decision-making is important.
All employees, including directors, have access to leave entitlements including vacation, sick leave, and family-related leave consistent with the Public Service Labour Relations Act. DND also offers employee assistance programs, wellness initiatives, and other supports to help maintain work-life balance.
Related Careers
No related military careers on file for this position.
