For a description of key terms used on CRA job notices, go to Definitions for job seekers.
About The Job
The CRA is committed to providing an inclusive and barrier-free work environment with a diverse workforce that reflects the Canadians we serve. It starts with the hiring process. To find out more about the CRA's actions in support of Employment Equity (EE), diversity and inclusion (DI), and read testimonials from our employees and executives, please visit the following CRA web sites: Employment equity, diversity and inclusion and Our workforce testimonials - Canada.ca.
We encourage you to complete the EEDI Staffing questionnaire as part of your application if you wish to be considered for appointments using the EE and/or DI staffing requirement in this process. Also, ensure that you have provided consent in the EEDI staffing questionnaire for your EEDI information to be used for screening or selection. If you do not complete the questionnaire, you will not be considered for any appointments using the EE and/or DI staffing requirement in this process. If you decide to modify your response or fill out this questionnaire at a later date, please notify the contact listed at the bottom of this notice of job opportunity.
The Commissioners' office is looking for a seasoned EX-02 to join the Corporate Secretariat who is a dynamic, collaborative and strategic leader with a proven track record to contribute to the People First vision and take the delivery of services to Canadians to the next level while demonstrating character leadership. The CRA is elevating character leadership alongside competencies, as "leading from who you are" is recognized as an important part of the CRA leadership practice.
As the Corporate Secretary, you will be responsible for corporate governance and executive secretariat services to the CRA Board of Management and the Agency Corporate Committees as well as for the oversight and direction of the corporate policy framework and related instruments. Additionally, you will be accountable for providing strategic advice and direction on Board of Management and corporate committee governance practices and processes and for developing and coordinating Agency management policies and frameworks.
This unique role, reporting to the Commissioner with a dotted line to the Chair of the Board of Management, offers a broad view of the functioning of the Agency and its overall governance. Along with this opportunity comes the requirement for possible longer hours, ability to manage stress, and navigate challenging situations. Furthermore, the duties and responsibilities of this position may require the incumbent to work five (5) days per week in person at 555 Mackenzie Ave., Ottawa, ON.
The CRA is committed to providing an inclusive and barrier-free work environment, starting with the hiring process. If you need to be accommodated during any phase of the evaluation process, please use the Contact information below to request specialized accommodation. All information received in relation to accommodation will be kept confidential.
Intent Of This Process
- The intent of this process is to find a qualified individual for the position of Corporate Secretary within the CRA. As such, it is recommended that individuals apply to this staffing process only if they are interested in accepting the above mentioned position.
- No pool will be created as a result of this staffing process.
Who Can Apply
- Employees of the CRA who occupy a substantive position at the EX-02 group and level. Eligible veteran or a Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) member may also apply.
- If the number of applicants is insufficient, the following may be considered: Persons employed in the federal public service, including Crown corporations and agencies, at the substantive EX-02 level.
Essential Requirements
- Have a degree (see note 1) from a recognized post-secondary institution.
- Have a record of strong performance.
- Have recent and significant experience (see note 2) in the following four (4) experiences:
- Providing strategic advice and support to senior management (see note 3) and committees.
AND
- Developing and maintaining consultative and collaborative relationships with various internal and external stakeholders.
AND
- Managing complex issues (see note 4) and situations in an environment requiring a high degree of tact, diplomacy and compromise.
AND
- Managing corporate governance activities to support senior management (see note 3) decision-making.
Notes - Degree is defined as a baccalaureate or higher level degree.
- Recent and significant experience is normally associated with having performed these functions as part of the major job duties at the executive level for a period of at least two (2) years within the last five (5) years.
- Senior management is defined as Assistant Commissioners/Assistant Deputy Ministers or higher/ equivalent level.
- Complex issues include those with at least two (2) of the following characteristics: multidimensional sensitive, confidential, under tight deadlines, affecting many partners or stakeholders, precedent setting, having a major impact on the organization, or having a potential for significant media coverage.
- Preference may be given to candidates:
- who self-identify as Indigenous Peoples or visible minority.
- who possess more depth, breadth and relevance of experience.
- who occupy a position at the EX-02 group and level for at least two (2) years.
These Experiences Would Be Considered An Asset
- Experience in managing emerging issues.
- Experience in dealing with Board members, members of the Parliament or Ministers' Office.
- Experience managing parliamentary business.
Conditions Of Employment Required At The Time Of Appointment
- Secret security clearance level
- Willingness to relocate to the National Capital Region (NCR). Candidates not currently located in the NCR or within commuting distance must indicate in their application their willingness to relocate. Failure to do so at the time of application will result in being screened out of the staffing process.
- All appointments (except acting appointments) to and within the Executive (EX) Group at the CRA are subject to the Agreement to be laterally moved provision as a mandatory condition of employment. This provision is included in the CRA's Directive on Terms and Conditions of Employment for the EX Group.
Languages Requirements
- Bilingual – CBC levels
- Candidates must have valid (not expired) Second Language Evaluation test results at the CBC level at the time of application in order to be considered further in the staffing process. If you are not an employee from the CRA, your results must be transferable to the CRA to be considered in this staffing process.
To apply
Submit the following documents via the CRA's careers portal: Please note that it is your responsibility to attach
all required documents to your on-line application.
- A cover letter that clearly demonstrates, in 1,500 words or less, how you meet the essential experiences (this does NOT include assets). You should outline each experience as a header followed by concrete examples.
- A curriculum vitae that includes:
- group and level of your substantive position;
- current security clearance level;
- education;
- for each position occupied/listed:
- position titles with the group and level ;
- name of organization;
- duration (years and months); and
- the number of direct and indirect reports, and the dollar figures of the budgets you directly managed and were accountable for.
Complete the additional questionnaires, which are part of the application process:
- General questionnaire:
- Asset experience factors: You will be required to describe how you meet each asset experience factor.
- Reference checks: You will be required to provide the names and coordinates of six (6) references (two (2) most recent supervisors, two (2) colleagues and two (2) subordinates). The Staffing Board reserves the right to contact references other than those provided by the applicants, if found necessary, to adequately assess the applicants. The Staffing Board may also consider using reference checks completed from a previous staffing process at the EX level.
- Mobility: You will be required to indicate your willingness to relocate to the National Capital Region, if you do not reside within commuting distance.
- Second Language Evaluation (SLE) results: You will be asked to indicate your SLE Results with expiration date.
- Job performance and talent management: You will be asked to indicate your performance rating and talent placement for the last two years.
- Employment Equity (EE) staffing questionnaire: Candidates must complete this questionnaire upon application. The information collected is kept under the confidentiality provisions of the Privacy Act and the Employment Equity Act and its Regulations.
Note: Failure to provide the requested information according to the above-noted instructions will result in your application being screened out of this staffing process.
Assessment
If you have a limitation that may impact your performance during an assessment, such as a test or interview, you may require an accommodation, and we encourage you to ask for it. Assessment accommodations are designed to remove the obstacles without altering the criteria being assessed so candidates with limitations can fully demonstrate their abilities. If we invite you to be assessed, we will send you more information on how to request accommodation measures throughout this staffing process.
Each request will be individually reviewed. You will be asked to provide information regarding your limitations to be reviewed by a trained assessment accommodation advisor. If needed, professional documentation may be requested to determine the appropriate accommodation measures. All information will be kept confidential.
For examples of assessment accommodations, please visit: Accommodation during an assessment as a candidate.
This staffing process will be conducted under tight deadlines shortly after the closing date of the job notice. As such, applicants are required to provide requested information promptly and make themselves available for assessment. Failure to respond in a timely manner could lead to your candidacy not being further considered.
Rescheduling will be on an exceptional basis only.
Depending on the volume of applicants, volume management strategies such as top-down approach may be used for the purpose of managing applications and determining who will be retained for the next stage of the staffing process. Note that although you may attain the established pass mark on any of the assessments used in this staffing process, the Staffing Board may determine the need to apply a higher pass mark.
IMPORTANT: All communication for this process will be conducted via the email address provided in your application. Any change to your email address must be communicated to the Executive staffing team as soon as possible.
We Plan To Assess Candidates As Follows
Screening: Candidates' applications will be reviewed to determine if they meet the screening requirements. Asset experience may be invoked at the screening or any other stage. Candidates must ensure they fully demonstrate in their application how they meet all experience requirements. Candidates are expected to succinctly respond and ensure that instructions under the "To Apply" section are respected. Candidates are also encouraged to review the notes listed under the essential requirements.
Key Leadership Competencies (KLCs): Candidates may be assessed on the following KLCs: Create Vision and Strategy; Mobilize People; Uphold Integrity and Respect; Collaborate with Partners and Stakeholders; Promote Innovation and Guide Change; and Achieve Results.
References: References will assess the effective demonstration of the KLCs. The Staffing Board reserves the right to contact references other than those provided by the applicants, if found necessary, to adequately assess the applicants. The Staffing Board may also consider using reference checks completed from a previous staffing process at the EX level.
Performance and talent management: The performance results and talent map placements may be considered for the two (2) most recent years. You could also be required to submit a copy of your last two performance evaluations and confirmation of your last two placements on the talent board.
Character Leadership Interview: Candidates who meet the previous assessment phases may be invited to an interview where Character Leadership will be assessed. The CRA is looking to attract candidates who demonstrate strong character leadership. Dimensions of character are courage, drive, accountability, transcendence, humanity, humility, collaboration, temperance, integrity, justice and judgment.
Interviews are tentatively scheduled for
April 2025.
Note: Additional assessments may be completed throughout the process.
Want to know more?
We encourage you to read Important information on staffing at the CRA to find out more about staffing processes and how to apply.
CRA employees support the economic and social well-being of Canadians, and build public trust. We have high expectations, and our employees are held to the standards of conduct outlined in our Code of integrity and professional conduct and Directive on conflict of interest, gifts and hospitality, and post-employment.
