As a Director General of Language Training, you will lead a strategic education function within the Department of National Defence, overseeing the development, delivery, and quality of language training programs. You will be responsible for setting organizational direction, managing substantial budgets, and ensuring language training services meet the operational needs of the Canadian Armed Forces and DND civilian workforce. This executive-level position requires you to work with senior military and civilian leadership, manage a team of education professionals, and align language training initiatives with broader defence and security objectives.
Your responsibilities will include strategic planning and policy development, organizational management and human resources leadership, budget and resource allocation, performance monitoring and quality assurance, and stakeholder engagement with internal and external partners. You will champion innovation in language education, ensure accessibility and inclusivity in training delivery, and maintain professional standards across all language training operations. The work environment is collaborative and fast-paced, requiring you to balance competing priorities while maintaining focus on operational excellence and learner outcomes.
Key Responsibilities
Perform language training 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 qualify for this position, you typically need a university degree in education, linguistics, language studies, public administration, or a related field. Many successful candidates hold master's degrees in education, adult learning, organizational management, or applied linguistics. Professional certifications in language instruction, curriculum development, or educational leadership may be advantageous. You should demonstrate extensive professional development in areas such as strategic management, change leadership, budget management, and human resources leadership. Government of Canada training opportunities, including the Federal Executive Institute and departmental professional development programs, support ongoing learning at the executive level. Bilingual proficiency (English and French) is typically required, and knowledge of additional languages is valued.
Entry Plans
Entry to this position typically occurs through formal Government of Canada staffing competitions open to Canadian citizens and permanent residents. You may be recruited from within the federal public service through lateral moves from other departments or DND divisions, or from external organizations in education, training, or public administration. Some candidates progress to this executive level through promotion from senior specialist or manager positions within language training organizations. The Public Service Commission manages the selection process, which includes application review, written assessments, and panel interviews focusing on strategic leadership, management experience, and sector knowledge. Networking with DND's talent management team and demonstrating executive readiness through progressive responsibility in management roles enhances candidacy.
Part-Time Options
Director General positions are typically full-time, permanent positions requiring consistent executive presence and availability. However, the federal public service does offer flexible work arrangements on a case-by-case basis, subject to operational requirements and departmental approval. Remote work options may be negotiated depending on the specific role structure and organizational needs. Part-time or job-sharing arrangements at the executive level are uncommon but not impossible; such arrangements would require discussion with senior DND leadership during the recruitment or onboarding process. All flexibility considerations must maintain the ability to fulfill executive responsibilities, attend required meetings, and provide strategic direction to the organization.
Related Careers
No related military careers on file for this position.
