As a Director General - Curriculum Development, you will lead the strategic direction and implementation of curriculum development initiatives within the Department of National Defence. In this senior executive role, you oversee the design, development, and delivery of educational programs that support the professional development and operational readiness of military and civilian personnel. You are responsible for managing large teams, budgets, and multi-year projects while ensuring curriculum aligns with defence priorities, learning science best practices, and organizational objectives.
Your day-to-day responsibilities include setting curriculum standards and policies, directing the work of senior managers and specialists, evaluating program effectiveness, and collaborating with stakeholders across defence and government. You will make strategic decisions about educational content, delivery methods, and learning technologies. You represent the Department in external forums and may advise senior leadership on education and training matters affecting operational capability.
This role is based in Ottawa or other major defence centers, with the work environment characterized by strategic planning, collaborative leadership, and accountability for organizational outcomes. You will work in a dynamic, mission-focused setting where your curriculum decisions directly impact the preparation and performance of Canadian Armed Forces members and civilian employees.
Key Responsibilities
Perform curriculum development duties within the education function, Prepare reports and documentation as required, Collaborate with team members and stakeholders, Maintain records and ensure compliance with relevant policies
Education and experience commensurate with the role requirements
Training
To succeed in this role, you typically need a master's degree in education, curriculum development, instructional design, or a related field. Some candidates come from discipline-specific backgrounds (such as military science, engineering, or public administration) with extensive experience in education and training delivery. Professional certifications in instructional design, adult learning, or educational leadership are valuable.
Ongoing professional development is essential at the Director General level. You are expected to pursue advanced management training, strategic leadership programs, and certifications relevant to education technology and policy. The Public Service offers executive development courses through the Canada School of Public Service. Many successful candidates maintain membership in professional associations such as the Association for Talent Development or the Canadian Society for Training and Development to stay current with curriculum trends and educational innovation.
Entry Plans
Entry to this Director General position typically requires significant prior experience within the federal public service, usually at the Manager or Senior Manager level in education, training, or curriculum roles. Most candidates progress through competitive staffing processes after gaining 5-10 years of relevant experience.
The federal government uses several pathways: open competitions advertised on the Public Service Commission website, internal appointment processes for candidates already in the public service, and lateral moves from other government departments or agencies with transferable education and management experience. Some candidates enter through the Executive Interchange Program, which allows experienced professionals from the private sector or academia to work in government roles.
There is no direct student or entry-level pathway to this senior executive position. You must first establish a career in curriculum development, instructional design, or education management, typically starting at the Advisor or Specialist level and progressing through Manager and Senior Manager roles over several years.
Part-Time Options
Director General positions are typically full-time, permanent roles due to the strategic leadership and executive accountability required. However, flexible work arrangements may be available on a case-by-case basis, subject to operational requirements and approval by senior leadership.
Remote or hybrid work may be negotiated depending on the specific duties and departmental needs. While some strategic planning and administrative work can be done remotely, this role requires regular in-person presence for stakeholder meetings, team leadership, and coordination with other senior executives. Any flexible arrangement must support the continuity of curriculum development initiatives and maintain effective leadership of your team.
As a union-exempt executive, you are expected to work the hours necessary to fulfill your responsibilities, which may exceed standard hours during critical planning cycles or implementation phases.
Related Careers
No related military careers on file for this position.
