Program Director - De Havilland Canada Centennial

Term: 36-month contract, 40 hours per week

Salary Range: $165,000 - $185,000, per annum

Position Summary

As De Havilland Canada approaches its 100th anniversary in 2028, we are seeking an experienced, strategic, and highly collaborative Program Director to lead the planning, development, and execution of our Centennial Program over the next three years.

This unique opportunity will shape a milestone celebration that honours De Havilland Canada’s rich heritage and enduring contributions to Canadian aviation while positioning the company for its next century of innovation and growth. The successful candidate will develop and oversee a multi-year centennial strategy encompassing signature events, communications, stakeholder engagement, partnerships, and legacy initiatives that create lasting value for the organization.

Reporting to the designated Executive Sponsor, the Program Director will work across all areas of the business to deliver a coordinated national program that engages employees, customers, government, industry, and communities across Canada. This role requires an exceptional relationship builder who combines strategic thinking, strong program management, and communications expertise with the ability to execute complex, high-profile initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute the company’s comprehensive Centennial Program strategy, roadmap, and implementation plan.
• Partner with the DeHavilland Governance and Strategy Committee to establish strategic priorities and program objectives, delivering reports biweekly on progress, planning etc.
• Develop and manage program governance, budgets, schedules, milestones, performance metrics, and reporting.
• Identify opportunities to create meaningful legacy initiatives that extend beyond the centennial year and strengthen De Havilland Canada’s long-term brand and community impact.
• Lead the planning and execution of a diverse portfolio of centennial events, including employee celebrations, customer and industry events, public open houses, community activities, VIP engagements, and commemorative ceremonies.
• Coordinate cross-functional teams and external vendors to deliver exceptional experiences across multiple Canadian locations.
• Ensure consistent brand experience, messaging, and level of excellence across all centennial activities.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Build and maintain strong relationships with employees, customers, suppliers, government representatives, aviation organizations, museums, industry associations, educational institutions, Indigenous partners, and community organizations.
• Foster engagement across De Havilland Canada’s sites to encourage local participation while maintaining a cohesive national vision.
• Serve as the primary liaison between internal and external stakeholders throughout the program lifecycle.

Communications & Public Relations

• Partner with Corporate Communications and Marketing to develop and implement an integrated communications strategy supporting the Centennial Program.
• Identify and coordinate media opportunities that showcase the company’s history, achievements, and future vision.
• Support the development of executive speeches, announcements, publications, digital content, historical storytelling, and promotional materials.
• Ensure the company’s legacy is accurately documented and effectively shared with internal and external audiences.

Partnerships & Sponsorships

• Identify and cultivate strategic partnerships that enhance the Centennial Program.
• Develop collaborative relationships with government agencies, aviation organizations, museums, educational institutions, community organizations, and industry associations.
• Explore sponsorship opportunities, collaborative programming, and co-hosted initiatives that expand the reach and impact of the celebration.

Heritage & Legacy Initiatives

• Partner with Corporate Archives and Heritage on initiatives that celebrate, preserve, and showcase De Havilland Canada’s history, including collaborating with retirees, museums, aviation organizations, and internal subject matter experts to collect stories, artifacts, photographs, and historical content.
• Support the development of legacy projects that create lasting value beyond the centennial celebration.

Program & Project Management

• Oversee multiple concurrent initiatives while effectively managing budgets, timelines, resources, and priorities.
• Identify program risks and develop mitigation strategies to ensure successful delivery.
• Prepare regular progress reports and presentations for senior leadership and governance committees.

Qualifications

Required

• Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in strategic marketing, communications, public relations, program management, or a related field.
• Degree or diploma in Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, Business, Event Management, or a related discipline, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Demonstrated success leading complex, multi-stakeholder programs, major events, or strategic initiatives.
• Exceptional project and program management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
• Outstanding written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Proven ability to build strategic partnerships, sponsorships, and collaborative relationships with a broad range of internal and external stakeholders.
• Strong organizational, planning, and execution skills with exceptional attention to detail.
• Ability and willingness to travel regularly within Canada.

Preferred

• Knowledge of the Canadian aviation or aerospace industry, supported by an established network within the aviation community.
• Experience leading national or large-scale events or programs such as expos, festivals, product launches, corporate anniversary events, or commemorative programs.

Personal Attributes

The successful candidate will be:

• A strategic thinker who can translate vision into execution.
• An exceptional relationship builder with strong networking and influencing skills.
• Creative, resourceful, and solutions oriented.
• Highly organized and comfortable managing multiple complex initiatives simultaneously.
• Professional, diplomatic, and confident working with senior executives and external stakeholders.
• Collaborative and able to inspire engagement across diverse teams and locations.
• Passionate about storytelling, corporate heritage, and creating meaningful experiences.
• Comfortable working independently while navigating ambiguity and evolving priorities.

Success in the Role

By the conclusion of the three-year term, the Program Director will have successfully delivered a nationally coordinated Centennial Program that:

• Celebrates De Havilland Canada’s rich history and enduring contributions to aviation.
• Strengthens relationships with employees, customers, government, industry partners, and communities.
• Enhances the company’s reputation as a leader in Canadian aerospace.
• Creates meaningful partnerships and lasting legacy initiatives.
• Leaves the organization well positioned as it embarks on its second century of innovation and success.

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