Canada’s largest natural history museum spans four billion years of Earth’s past. It houses one of the world’s most significant natural history collections, comprising 24 major scientific collections and more than 15 million specimens. These collections support over 300 scientific research publications each year, produced by museum staff and researchers from around the world who use the collections. The specimens—and the knowledge gained from studying them—form the foundation of the Museum’s exhibitions, permanent galleries and educational programs.

The Canadian Museum of Nature is far more than Canada’s national natural history museum. In addition to its exhibition spaces, it is home to globally recognized research scientists who create, advance, and share knowledge about the natural world in partnership with universities, museums, Non-Governmental Organizations, and government organizations across Canada and abroad. The Museum’s team also includes conservators, collection managers, and specialists in education, content design and multimedia.

The Museum is a national leader in documenting, digitizing, and deepening our understanding of biodiversity and Canada’s geological history.

The Canadian Museum of Nature is a Crown corporation governed by a Board of Trustees, which is 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 oversee its activities and provide strategic guidance to management. 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 for evaluating the performance of the Chief Executive Officer on an annual basis.

Further details about the organization and its activities can be found by following the Organization website link above.

Education and Experience

Please ensure that the information provided in your curriculum vitae and cover letter clearly demonstrates how you meet the following requirements:

• A degree from a recognized university in a relevant field of study (Natural Sciences and Engineering, Public or Business Administration, Finance or Accounting, Law, Social Sciences and Humanities) or an acceptable combination of education, job-related training and / or experience;

• A professional accounting designation (CPA) or equivalent credential (CFP, CFA) would be considered an asset;

• Experience on a board of directors or trustees of a public, private or not-for-profit sector organization;

• Experience applying financial literacy to support informed decision-making, including the ability to interpret financial reports, assess financial risks, and contribute to organizational financial oversight;

• Experience in nature conservation, research, biodiversity, national science programs or related fields such as engineering, technological innovation, or applied science would be considered an asset;

• Experience supporting partnership relationships and/or fundraising efforts that contribute meaningful value to the organization would be considered an asset.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

The following criteria will be assessed:

• Knowledge of the legislative and regulatory frameworks, mandate and activities of the Canadian Museum of Nature, as well as its strategic priorities and public policy issues;

• Understanding of federal policy directions, government processes, and public-sector accountability;

• Knowledge of environmental issues and scientific research would be considered an asset;

• Knowledge of information technology governance, cybersecurity, emerging technologies (including artificial intelligence), data privacy, information management, as well as familiarity with digital platforms, and data-driven decision-making would be considered an asset;

• Superior communication skills, both written and oral;

• Ability to evaluate complex information and contribute to sound, evidence-based strategic decision-making;

• Ability to assess organizational risks and contribute to effective risk-informed decision-making;

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with board members as well as with partners and stakeholders.

Language Requirements

Proficiency in both official languages is preferred.

The Government of Canada will consider bilingual proficiency when assessing applicants. Your online profile must include your proficiency in speaking and understanding your second official language.

Personal Attributes

The following will be verified by references at a later date:

• Tact, diplomacy, and discretion

• Sound judgment

• Integrity and impartiality

• Strong interpersonal skills and collegiality

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion

The Government of Canada is committed to providing a healthy and accessible workplace, and to building a skilled and diverse workforce that reflects the population it serves. Appointees will be expected to promote and maintain a healthy, respectful, inclusive and harassment-free work environment.

Candidates who belong to one or more of the designated employment equity groups are encouraged to self-identify when applying. Preference may be given to applicants who are members of one or more of the following groups: Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, visible minorities, and women.

Eligibility Factors and Conditions of Employment

• All appointees must comply with the Ethical and Political Activity Guidelines for Public Office Holders throughout the duration of their appointment.

• All appointees are 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 their appointment, a confidential report in which they disclose all of their assets, liabilities and outside activities.

• All appointees are subject to the Terms and conditions applying to Governor in Council appointees. They must uphold the highest standards of probity and are expected to demonstrate behaviours 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, principles and expected behaviours 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 throughout their time in public office.

• Appointees must also respect the principles of any code of conduct that applies to the organization to which they are appointed.

• Appointees must be Canadian citizens (statutory).

• Appointees must be able to commit to the position an average of 20 days annually.

• Appointees must be able to attend board meetings four times per year, online, in the National Capital Region or elsewhere in Canada, as well as virtual committee meetings as required.

• Appointees must be willing and able to travel across Canada, as required.

A link to this notice will be placed in the Canada Gazette.

A list of qualified candidates may be established and may be considered for other appointment opportunities.

How to Apply

Candidates must submit their application package, including their curriculum vitae and a cover letter addressed to the Director of Selection Processes, Senior Personnel Secretariat, Privy Council Office, by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on June 15, 2026, via the Governor in Council Appointments website.

To learn more or if you require support or accommodation to submit your online application, please visit the How to apply page on the website. For alternatives to online applications, please visit the Application Assistance page.