Director General, Policy, Strategy and Performance

National Research Council Canada; Ottawa; Hybrid; CAD 168,000 - 203,000; Full time

Job summary

A top Canadian research organization is seeking an experienced Director General to lead the Policy, Strategy & Performance Branch. This position requires strong leadership and strategic capabilities to manage stakeholders and guide policy initiatives. The role offers a hybrid work arrangement and a competitive salary ranging from $168,997 to $202,673 per annum.

Benefits

Pension plan

Comprehensive health and dental coverage

Life insurance

Office closure at the end of December

Qualifications

• Recent experience leading policy and performance teams.
• Significant experience managing human and financial resources.
• Proven ability to provide strategic advice to senior management.

Responsibilities

• Setting and managing the organization’s strategic direction.
• Leading policy processes and managing relationships with stakeholders.
• Tracking progress and performance towards strategic objectives.

Skills

Leadership

Policy development

Stakeholder management

Risk management

Analytical skills

Education

University degree in relevant fields

Job description

Tenure : Continuing

Language Requirements : BilingualImperativeCBC / CBC

Work Arrangements :

• Due to the nature of the work and operational requirements, this position is eligible for a hybrid work arrangement (combination of working onsite and telework). Employees in this position who telework will be required to travel to the identified work site at least four times per week or a minimum of 80% of their regular work schedule at their own expense.

At NRC, we recognize that Indigenous candidates may have important connections to their communities and you may be eligible for an exception to this work arrangement. Alternative work arrangements may also be considered to accommodate candidates as required. To learn more about these options, please contact the hiring team using the contact information below.

Discover the possible

Anything is possible at the National Research Council (NRC),recently named one of Canada’s 2025 Top Employers for Young People, a 2025 Top Employer in the National Capital Region and Forbes Canada’s Best Employers!

As Canada’s leading research and technology organization, our world-renowned research pushes the boundaries of science and engineering to make the impossible, possible. Every day we explore new ideas through innovative research and help companies discover possibilities that impact Canada’s future and the world.

At the NRC, you’ll also discover new possibilities. Our supportive workplace fosters a culture of creativity, welcoming fresh perspectives and innovation at all levels. We value teamwork. You’ll collaborate across multiple fields and with the brightest minds to find creative solutions. Most importantly, you’ll discover what’s possible within you as you grow, make valuable contributions and progress in your professional journey. From ground-breaking discoveries to a life-changing career, discover your possible at the NRC.

The Role

The NRC is looking for an experienced, vibrant and dynamic Director General for the Policy, Strategy & Performance Branch. The Director General would be someone who shares our core values of impact, accountability, leadership, integrity and collaboration.

The branch leads three teams in the areas of Strategy & Integration, Stakeholder Relations & Parliamentary Affairs as well as Performance Measurement & Accountability Reporting. Working closely with the Secretary General of the National Research Council, you will provide strategic leadership in :

setting and managing the organization’s strategic direction;

leading policy processes, including memoranda to Cabinet, Treasury Board submission and budgetary processes;

developing strategic policy initiatives;

managing relationships with key stakeholders, including government stakeholders;

tracking progress and performance; and

managing risks, amongst other priority activities.

The branch provides support through strategic planning, operational planning, keeping up-to-date on the evolving priorities of Government and key industry sectors, and maintaining the latest evidence on progress made toward strategic objectives. PSP’s ultimate goal is to ensure that NRC executives are equipped with the tools, facts and information they need to position the NRC favourably with key stakeholders, Ministers, and decision makers.

Screening Criteria

Applicants must demonstrate within the content of their application that they meet the following screening criteria in order to be given further consideration as candidates :

Education

A university degree, preferably in engineering, sciences, public or business administration, public relations, or other relevant fields.

For information oncertificates and diplomas issued abroad, please see Degree equivalency

Experience

Significant and recent experience leading a team of policy and / or performance professionals.

Significant and recent experience managing human and financial resources in a federal government organization including managing people in a participative and team-oriented environment.

Significant and recent experience providing strategic advice and briefings to senior management (Assistant Deputy Ministers / vice-presidents and above or equivalent).

Recent and significant experience developing and maintaining effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including other government departments and agencies.

Significant experience at the executive level in a policy or other corporate function.

Experience leading memoranda to Cabinet and / or Treasury Board submissions.

Experience working in a central agency, or significant experience engaging with central agencies on complex files to secure funding or policy authorities.

Significant is understood to mean approximately 5 years or more of experience

Condition of Employment

Secret (II)

A thorough security clearance process will be applied.

For a Secret Clearance, verification of background information over a period of 10 years is required. Individuals must have lived in Canada for a sufficient period of time to enable the security screening process.

Language Requirements

BilingualImperativeCBC / CBC

Information on language requirements and self-assessment tests

Assessment Criteria

Candidates will be assessed on the basis of the following criteria :

Technical Competencies

Knowledge of the current and emerging trends, initiatives, and issues related to policy, strategy and reporting in the Government of Canada, especially with respect to science, research and innovation.

Ability to work under pressure, to manage priorities with limited resources to achieve multiple and changing objectives and to handle several tasks at once and meet deadlines.

Knowledge of the National Research Council, its mandate and strategic objectives.

Extensive knowledge of policy and performance, including business processes and principles related to strategic and operational planning and outcomes.

Ability to apply performance analysis tools to enhance the organization’s performance and reporting system.

Ability to monitor effectiveness of performance measurement strategies, tools and models for application at multiple levels of the organization.

Strong analytical skills, including the ability to influence others.

Ability to prepare strategies, briefing notes and presentations for executives.

Experience in responding to stakeholder enquiries within a fast-paced environment.

Advanced written and verbal communication skills.

Behavioural Competencies

Inspirational Leadership (Level 4)

Self-Awareness (3)

Strategic Outlook and Alignment (Level 4)

Drive for Results and Efficiency (Level 4)

Leverage Collaborative Relationships (Level 4)

Client Relationship Management (Level 4)

Service Orientation (level 4)

Financial Management (Level 4)

Human Resources Management (4)

Competency Profile(s)

For this position, the NRC will evaluate candidates using the following competency profile : Management Competencies (MG)

View all competency profiles

Compensation

From $168,997to $202,673per annum.

NRC employees enjoy a wide-range of competitive benefits including a robust pension plan, comprehensive health and dental coverage, disability and life insurance, office closure at the end of December, and additional supports to enhance your well-being throughout your career and beyond.