Secretary

The National Battlefields Commission was established in 1908 through the National Battlefields at Quebec Act. It is the caretaker of Battlefields Park in Quebec City and preserves its legacy for public benefit. Battlefields Park consists of the Plains of Abraham, which commemorates the 1759 Battle of Quebec, and Des Braves Park, which commemorates the 1760 Battle of Sainte-Foy. It is one of the largest and most prestigious urban parks in the world and a major tourist attraction, receiving around four million visitors each year.

The National Battlefields Commission focuses on activities that support the historic, cultural, recreational, natural and scientific aspects of the Battlefields Park. It manages 23 buildings, including the Plains of Abraham Museum, administrative offices, service buildings and public facilities, 4 monuments, and 3 terraces, as well as a road network totalling 12.5 kilometres.

As the head of the National Battlefields Commission, the Secretary provides leadership and guidance to the organization in the formulation of its strategic direction and ensures that it carries out its mandate and objectives effectively.

Diversity and Official Languages

We are committed to providing a healthy and accessible workplace that supports one’s dignity, self-esteem and the ability to achieve one’s full potential. With this in mind, all appointees will be expected to take steps to promote and maintain a healthy, respectful, inclusive and harassment-free work environment.

Preference may be given to applicants who are members of one or more of the following groups: women, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, and members of a visible minority group.

The Government of Canada will consider bilingual proficiency and diversity in assessing applicants. You are therefore encouraged to include in your online profile your ability to speak and understand your second official language.

To be considered, please ensure that the information provided in your curriculum vitae and cover letter clearly demonstrate how you meet the following requirements:

Education and Experience

• A degree from a recognized university in a relevant field of study or an acceptable combination of relevant education, job-related training and / or experience;
• Significant leadership and management experience at the executive level in a public or private organization, including managing human and financial resources;
• Experience in strategic management, organizational change and management techniques which promote good governance and improve organization performance;
• Experience in reporting to, serving and engaging a board;
• Experience in the development and implementation of strategies, objectives and plans;
• Experience in managing complex partnerships and stakeholder relationships;
• Experience in dealing with senior government officials in the federal, provincial or municipal governments; and
• Experience in the communications, social media, and media sector, such as the distribution of creative and digital content, would be considered an asset.

If you move on to the next stage of the selection process, the following criteria will be assessed:

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of the mandate and activities of the National Battlefields Commission as well as the legislative framework and the urban environment within which it operates;
• Knowledge of the federal government’ priorities and how they relate to the National Battlefields Commission;
• Knowledge of heritage preservation and environmental sustainability;
• Financial literacy and knowledge of the federal government’ expectations with regard to accountability and reporting;
• Knowledge of real asset management in the Canadian cultural domain would be considered an asset;
• Knowledge of issues specific to Quebec City would be considered an asset;
• Superior communication skills, both written and oral and ability to act as the Commission’ spokesperson in dealing with the Government, the media, and a wide range of stakeholders.
• Ability to lead and manage a public institution and provide the vision and strategic direction needed to ensure the National Battlefields Commission is able to carry out its mandate and achieve its objectives;
• Ability to identify, analyze and define priorities and strategies;
• Ability to focus the energies and talents of employees and motivate them to achieve corporate objectives;
• Ability to lead and develop effective working relationships with key stakeholders in Quebec City and with three levels of government to facilitate collaboration in the planning and development of the National Battlefields Commission’ activities and programs; and
• Ability to develop effective working relationships with the organization’ management, the Minister of Canadian Heritage and his office, the Deputy Minister of Canadian Heritage, and the key stakeholders and partners of the National Battlefields Commission;

Language Requirements

Proficiency in both official languages would be preferred.

If you move on to the next stage of the selection process, we will contact your references to confirm that you meet the above selection criteria and that you possess the following Personal Attributes:

• High ethical standards and integrity

• Tact and diplomacy

• Sound judgment

• Superior interpersonal skills

• Collegiality

Eligibility Factors and Conditions of Employment

• Appointees must comply with the Ethical and Political Activity Guidelines for Public Office Holders throughout their appointment as a term and condition of employment. The guidelines are available on the Governor in Council Appointments website, under Forms and reference material.

• All appointees will be subject to the Conflict of Interest Act. Public office holders appointed on a full-time basis must also submit to the Office of the Conflict of Interest and Ethics Commissioner, within 60 days of appointment, a confidential report in which they disclose all of their assets, liabilities and outside activities. For more information, please visit the Office of the Conflict of Interest and Ethics Commissioner's website.

• Appointees must uphold the highest standards of probity and are expected to demonstrate behaviors in the workplace that afford respect, equality and dignity, to everyone they interact with at work at all times. The Values and Ethics Code for the Public Sector outlines the values and expected behaviors for public servants, including valuing diversity and creating workplaces free from harassment and discrimination. Governor in Council appointees are expected to uphold and respect these values and principles in a positive and active manner.

• The appointee must not have any contract with the commission, or be pecuniarily interested, directly or indirectly, in any contract or work with regard to which any portion of the moneys at the credit of the commission is being or is to be expended (statutory).

• The appointee must reside in or be willing to relocate to Quebec City, or to a location within a reasonable commuting distance.

A link to this notice will be placed in the Canada Gazette to assist the Governor in Council in identifying qualified candidates. It is not, however, intended to be the sole means of recruitment. A list of qualified candidates may be established and may be used for similar opportunities.

How to Apply

Review of applications (more information available here) will begin on December 3, 2024. Candidates should apply online via the Governor in Council Appointments website. Candidates are strongly encouraged to submit their applications by this date. After this date, your application will be retained and may be considered up until an appointment to the position is made. Your cover letter should be addressed to the Director of Selection Processes, Senior Personnel Secretariat, Privy Council Office, and should be sent only through the online application.

Instructions on how to apply for an appointment opportunity can be found on the Governor in Council Appointments website.