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Chairperson, Canadian Museum of Nature,

Appointment Opportunity

We know that our country is stronger — and our government more effective — when decision-makers reflect Canada's diversity. Moving forward, the Government of Canada will use an appointment process that is transparent and merit-based, strives for gender parity, and ensures that Indigenous Canadians and minority groups are properly represented in positions of leadership. We will continue to search for Canadians who reflect the values that we all embrace: inclusion, honesty, fiscal prudence, and generosity of spirit. Together, we will build a government as diverse as Canada.

The overarching goal of the Minister of Canadian Heritage is to implement the government's plan to strengthen our cultural and creative industries.

The Government of Canada is currently seeking applications from diverse and talented Canadians from across the country who are interested in the following position:

Chairperson (part-time position)

Canadian Museum of Nature

The largest museum of natural history in Canada covers four billion years of Earth history. It houses one of the most important natural history collections in the world, including 24 major science collections of more than 10 million specimens. The specimens are the backbone of its many special exhibitions, its permanent galleries and educational programs. The Canadian Museum of Nature is more than Canada's national natural-history museum. In addition to its exhibition spaces, the Museum is composed of world-renowned research scientists, collections experts and education and multimedia specialists. The Museum is also a leader in the documentation of biodiversity and of the geological history of Canada. As a national institution and member of the Canadian Heritage Portfolio, the Museum's mandate is to increase, throughout Canada and internationally, interest in, knowledge of, and appreciation and respect for, the natural world. The Corporation is accountable to Parliament through the Minister of Canadian Heritage.

The Canadian Museum of Nature is governed by a Board of Trustees composed of a Chairperson, a Vice-Chairperson and nine other trustees. The Board has responsibility for the overall stewardship of the Corporation and is expected to provide strategic guidance to management and to oversee the activities of the Corporation. It has a duty to act in the best interests of the Corporation and to exercise care and due diligence. The Board is also responsible to evaluate the performance of the Chief Executive Officer on an annual basis. The members of the Board serve as ambassadors for the Museum. They are each called on to govern, to give and to galvanize support for the Museum. The Chairperson is responsible for the proper conduct of the Board meetings in such a way that the Corporation carries out its mandate and objectives effectively, ensures good value for public funds, and holds management accountable for its performance.

Further details about the organization and its activities can be found on the Canadian Museum of Nature's website.

Candidates must apply online by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on March 7, 2017, via the Governor in Council Appointments website. Your cover letter should be addressed to the Assistant Secretary to the Cabinet (Senior Personnel), Privy Council Office, and should be sent only through the on-line application.

Per Diem: $275 - $325

Annual Retainer: $7,100 - $8,400

Official Languages and Diversity

The Government of Canada will consider bilingual proficiency and diversity in assessing candidates for this position. You are therefore encouraged to include in your online profile your ability to speak and understand your second official language. Preference may be given to candidates who are members of one or more of the following groups: women, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, and members of visible minorities.

To be considered for this position, please provide examples from your career that clearly demonstrate how you meet the following requirements in your application:

Education and Experience

  • A degree from a recognized university in a relevant field of study or an acceptable combination of education, job-related training and/or experience;
  • Experience on a board of directors/trustees, preferably as chairperson;
  • Experience at the senior management level within the private or public sector;
  • Experience in the development of strategies, objectives, plans, best business practices or in corporate governance would be considered an asset;
  • Experience in dealing with the federal government, preferably with senior government officials, would be considered an asset;
  • Experience in fundraising activities within cultural institutions and developing self-generated revenues would be considered an asset;
  • Experience in dealing with cultural institutions would be considered an asset.

If you are selected for an interview, the following criteria will be assessed:

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

  • Knowledge of the legislative framework, mandate and activities of the Canadian Museum of Nature;
  • Knowledge of the roles and responsibilities of the Chairperson, the Board, and the Chief Executive Officer of a Crown corporation, including the fundamental accountabilities to all Canadians;
  • Knowledge of sound governance principles, strategic planning, and the monitoring and evaluation of performance, and financially literate with knowledge of the federal government's expectations regarding accountability and reporting;
  • Knowledge of the cultural, heritage and/or recreational tourism sectors, or of the evolving public expectations regarding Museums;
  • Knowledge of the federal government's cultural policy priorities and how these relate to the Canadian Museum of Nature would be considered an asset;
  • Superior communication skills, both oral and written, and the ability to manage communications with a variety of stakeholders and the media;
  • Superior leadership and management skills to enable the Canadian Museum of Nature to accomplish its work effectively and with a national perspective;
  • Ability to lead strategic discussions, foster debate among Board members, facilitate consensus and manage conflicts, should they arise;
  • Ability to anticipate emerging issues and trends, and develop strategies to enable the Board to seize opportunities; and
  • Ability to develop and maintain effective relationships with the Museum's senior management, the Minister of Canadian Heritage, her office, the Deputy Minister of Canadian Heritage, and the Museum's key stakeholders and partners.

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 verify how you have demonstrated the Experience requirements and the following Personal Attributes in your current and recently held positions:

  • Strategic and innovative leader
  • High ethical standards and integrity
  • Tact and diplomacy
  • Sound judgment
  • Superior interpersonal skills
  • Collegiality

Eligibility Factors and Conditions of Employment

In your application, it will be important that you confirm you meet the following requirements:

  • A person is not eligible to be appointed as Chairperson of the Board if that person is not a Canadian citizen (statutory).
  • The Board meets three times per year: two meetings in Ottawa/Gatineau and one videoconference meeting.
  • The successful candidate should expect to commit to the position an average of two to three weeks annually, excluding committee work.
  • The Chairperson also serves on the National Nature Council, which is responsible for providing advice on the implementation of a major gifts program.

If you are appointed to this position:

You must comply with the Ethical and Political Activity Guidelines for Public Office Holders throughout your appointment, as a term and condition of employment. The guidelines are available on the Governor in Council Appointments website, under "Forms and Reference Material".

You will be subject to the Conflict of Interest Act. For more information, please visit the Office of the Conflict of Interest and Ethics Commissioner’s website.

A link to this notice will be placed in the Canada Gazette to assist the Governor in Council in identifying qualified candidates for this position. It is not, however, intended to be the sole means of recruitment.

A roster of qualified candidates may be established and may be used for similar opportunities.

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