Executive Assistant to the Director General

Tenure:

Term

Duration: 1 year

Language Requirements: Bilingual Imperative CBC/CBC

Work arrangements:Due to the nature of the work and operational requirements, this position may be eligible for a limited hybrid work arrangement (combination of working onsite and telework).

At the NRC, we recognize that Indigenous candidates may have important connections to their communities and you may be eligible for an exception to this work arrangement. Alternative work arrangements may also be considered to accommodate candidates as required. To learn more about these options, please contact the NRC Hiring team using the contact information below.

Discover the possible

Anything is possible at the NRC, named in 2025 one of Canada’s Top Employers for Young People, Top Employer in the National Capital Region and Forbes Canada’s Best Employers!

As Canada’s largest research and innovation organization, our world-renowned research pushes the boundaries of science and engineering to make the impossible, possible. Every day we explore new ideas through innovative research and help companies discover possibilities that impact Canada’s future and the world.

At the NRC, you’ll also discover new possibilities. Our supportive workplace fosters a culture of creativity, welcoming fresh perspectives and innovation at all levels. We value teamwork. You’ll collaborate across multiple fields and with the brightest minds to find creative solutions. Most importantly, you’ll discover what’s possible within you as you grow, make valuable contributions and progress in your professional journey. From ground-breaking discoveries to a life-changing career, discover your possible at the NRC.

The role

We are looking for a qualified Executive Assistant to the Director General to support our Canadian Photonics Fabrication Centre (CPFC). The Executive Assistant would be someone who shares our core values of Integrity, Excellence, Respect and Creativity.

Reporting within the Director General office, the Executive Assistant plays a key role in contributing to the effectiveness of management through their versatility and by providing professional and efficient administrative support. The Executive Assistant establishes front-line contacts with internal and external clients, responds to complex and confidential requests, and ensures that their actions are aligned with the organization’s strategic objectives.

The ideal candidate is a team player who excels at planning, organizing, and delivering the tasks at hand and who assists the management team in achieving its objectives. This is an exciting, demanding and prominent position for an enthusiastic, detail-oriented, flexible and organized professional with a demonstrated ability to work with sensitive, critical and confidential matters.

Screening criteria

Applicants must demonstrate within the content of their application that they meet the following screening criteria in order to be given further consideration as candidates:

Education

College diploma or University degree in office administration, business administration, communications, public administration, or another field relevant to administrative support.

A combination of high school education and work experience may be considered.

For information on certificates and diplomas issued abroad, please see Degree equivalency

Experience

• Significant experience* in providing administrative support services at a senior management level, including managing and prioritizing all aspects of a busy executive office;
• Significant experience* in drafting and preparing minutes, as well as tracking and following up on action items;
• Significant experience* with MS Office suite products such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook and Teams;
• Significant experience* supporting an executive within a federal government context, such as arranging meetings, making travel arrangements and processing claims, creating and maintaining files, and data entry, and;
• Experience using SharePoint would be an asset.

*Significant experience is defined as two (2) to six (6) years of experience.

Condition of employment

Secret clearance

A thorough security clearance process will be applied.

For a Secret Clearance, verification of background information over a period of 10 years is required. Individuals must have lived in Canada for a sufficient period of time to enable the security screening process.

Language requirements

Bilingual Imperative CBC/CBC

Information on language requirements and self-assessment tests

Assessment criteria

Candidates will be assessed on the basis of the following criteria:

Technical competencies

• Advanced knowledge of office administration procedures and practices such as preparing and maintaining files; arranging meetings; making travel arrangements; and data entry;
• Ability to demonstrate discretion, tact and sound judgment, especially when reviewing sensitive or confidential information and determining the appropriate course of action;
• Ability to perform tasks with accuracy and attention to detail;
• Ability to follow directions, provide information, explain processes and respond to queries;
• Ability to compose, proofread and edit documents in both official languages;
• Ability to manage a number of files in parallel, set priorities, and meet established deadlines;
• Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office suite such as Outlook, Word, Excel and PowerPoint, and;
• General knowledge of the objectives, procedures and structure of the NRC is an asset.

Behavioural competencies

• Management services - Communication (Level 2)
• Management services - Conceptual and analytical ability (Level 1)
• Management services - Initiative (Level 2)
• Management services - Results orientation (Level 2)
• Management services - Organizational and environmental awareness (Level 2)
• Management services - Teamwork (Level 1)
• Management services - Client focus (Level 2)

Competency Profile(s)

For this position, the NRC will evaluate candidates using the following competency profile(s): Management Services

View all competency profiles

Compensation

From $68,047 to $80,289 per annum.

In addition, the incumbent will receive the Bilingualism Bonus of $800 per year.

NRC employees enjoy a wide-range of competitive benefits including a robust pension plan, comprehensive health and dental coverage, disability and life insurance, office closure at the end of December, and additional supports to enhance your well-being throughout your career and beyond.