Director, Research, Canadian War Museum (CWM)

Canadian Museum of History; Outaouais; On-site; CAD 138,000 - 175,000; Full time

Job summary

The Canadian War Museum (CWM) seeks a Director of Research to shape the museum's research strategy and supervise historical activities and projects. You will guide content development for exhibitions, publications, and digital content, and collaborate with stakeholders to advance the museum’s scholarly vision.

You will join the management team, participate in committees, and provide strategic guidance on complex research issues, while mentoring a multidisciplinary team across organizational

Qualifications

• Minimum eight years of relevant experience in research development and management in a cultural or educational institution.
• Negotiating and developing partnerships at the national and international levels.
• Policy development and strategic planning experience.
• Presenting to and engaging with diverse audiences, including the media.
• Managing financial and human resources in a multidisciplinary, unionized environment.
• Providing strategic advice to senior management on complex issues related to historical research.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the research strategy and all aspects of historical activities and projects for the Canadian War Museum (CWM).
• Contribute to content development and oversee research for exhibitions, publications, digital content and related products.
• Lead planning, implementation and monitoring; help set policies and strategic direction in historical research.
• Serve as a member of the management team and participate in committees and working groups.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Organizational awareness

Effective communication

Planning

Team leadership

Education

Master’s degree or PhD in History

Job description

To be an employee of the Museum is to:

• Have the privilege of working for a Crown Corporation, and an internationally renowned institution, located on one of the most beautiful sites in the National Capital Region;
• Advance your career within an inclusive, dynamic and stimulating work environment;
• Work with an exceptional team of professionals who value your contribution, expertise, diverse opinions and continuous improvement;
• Obtain a highly competitive compensation and benefits package.

We are looking for a Director, Research, Canadian War Museum (CWM)

As a Director, Research, CWM, you will be responsible for the research strategy of the Canadian War Museum (CWM), as well as all aspects of strategic planning, organizational direction, implementation and monitoring of historical activities and projects. These activities support the performance objectives of the division and the strategic goals of the CWM. You will contribute to content development and oversee the research process for exhibitions, publications, digital content and other related products of the CWM. You will also serve as a member of the management team and participate in various committees, planning groups and working groups to help set policies and provide strategic direction in historical research.

What we are looking for:

• Analytical thinking
• Organizational awareness
• Effective communication
• Planning
• Team leadership

Minimum of eight (8) years of relevant experience in:

• Research development and management in a cultural or educational institution;
• Negotiating and developing partnerships at the national and international levels;
• Policy development and strategic planning;
• Presenting to and engaging with diverse audiences, including the media;
• Managing financial and human resources in a multidisciplinary, unionized environment;
• Providing strategic advice to senior management on complex issues related to historical research.

Knowledge of:

• CWM/Canadian Museum of History (CMH) mandates, programs, services and priorities;
• Principles and practices of research and museology;
• Historical research methods in a museum or public institution setting;
• Planning, developing, implementing and evaluating historical research linked to museum activities and products;
• General principles of administration and financial and human resources management;
• Museum trends and challenges in Canada and internationally;
• The Museum Act, Financial Administration Act, Official Languages Act and collective agreements.

Education:

Master’s degree or PhD in History in a discipline related to the Museum’s mandate, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Compensation: $137,673 to $175,278 (MG 6) (under review)
Status: Permanent Full-Time Position (# 10307)
Security Level: Reliability Status
Location: 1, place Vimy, Ottawa

Language: CBC, We encourage all candidates to submit their application, regardless of whether they believe they meet the linguistic requirements of the position. Qualified candidates will be sent for linguistic validation.

Open to: Museum employees, external candidates and/or candidates from our inventory. Priority will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents.

Apply no later than August 30, 2025 at 11:59 p.m.

We thank all candidates for showing interest; however, only retained candidates will be contacted. Candidates must ensure their application clearly demonstrates how their experience meets the selection criteria.

The Canadian Museum of History is committed to fair and people-centered recruitment. We do not use any automated selection systems based on artificial intelligence (AI) to filter or reject candidates’ resumes.

The masculine form is used in this document for the sole purpose of simplifying the text: it is not discriminatory in any way.

The Museum is committed to creating an organizational culture that fosters an inclusive, diverse, equitable and accessible environment for all. We encourage applications from all qualified individuals, including candidates from all cultures, racialized communities, all abilities, all sexual identities and genders, and anyone else who can contribute to the diversity of ideas. We are committed to an inclusive, barrier-free selection process and work environment.

The Canadian Museum of History subscribes to the Employment Equity Act.

If you require an accommodation (including alternate formats of materials) in order to participate in the hiring process, please contact us to make your needs known in advance. Information received relating to accommodation measures will be addressed confidentially. Contact: Abiba Diarrassouba or Monica Lun Pun at 819-776-8176 and 819-776-8532 or at [e-mail].