Director General

Nature of the Work and Responsibilities

Dawson College is seeking an experienced strategic leader to take on the responsibilities of Director General. The ideal candidate is passionate about education, has a deep understanding of the post-secondary system in Quebec, and possesses the qualities to effectively manage a large, diverse institution at the forefront of innovation in teaching and research.

Reporting to the Board of Governors, the Director General serves as the chief executive officer of the College. They are responsible for the management of the CEGEP, its operations, development, and outreach. They are also accountable for the vision and the implementation of the institutional mission and strategic plan. Furthermore, they maintain close relationships with the College’s governing bodies and various partners.

Dawson College is a first-choice college, recognized for the quality of its programs, excellence and inclusivity, the dedication of highly qualified faculty and staff, and its commitment to bold environmental initiatives that have garnered international honours. The College is located at the western tip of downtown Montreal on the traditional unceded territory of the Kanien’kehá:ka peoples.

Qualifications and Experience

• Minimum of ten years’ relevant experience, of which at least five at a senior management level
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively in both English and French
• Extensive knowledge of the higher education and related policy issues
• Minimum of a Master’s degree
• Demonstrated success in managing complex government relations and external stakeholder engagement, including influencing policy outcomes, securing regulatory approvals, and building strategic partnerships within the public and private sectors
• Deep commitment to the mission and values of Dawson College
• Proven strengths in analytical thinking, strategic planning, and organizational effectiveness
• Demonstrated ability to formulate an institutional vision and to motivate employees, students and external partners in the realization of that vision
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• A strong sense of purpose and personal values
• Ability to meet the challenges facing Dawson College in the next five years

Candidates who may not meet all the listed criteria are invited to demonstrate how their background, experience and perspective would make them a strong candidate for the position.

Please consult the Statement of Opportunities and Challenges (https://www.dawsoncollege.qc.ca/human-resources/director-general-opportunities-and-challenges-2026-2030/) to learn about the Board of Governors’ expectations regarding the key issues the next Director General will address during their mandate.

Working Conditions and Benefits

As a public-sector institution, Dawson College offers its employees generous working conditions and benefits, as well as an opportunity to contribute to our society’s future. Dawson is located in downtown Montreal, near the Atwater metro (green line) and several bus lines serve the College. If you prefer cycling, there’s also a bike path to the College. Employee benefits include:

• A defined benefit pension plan
• Health and dental insurance
• 13 public holidays, possibility of summer hours and up to seven weeks of vacation*
• Employee assistant program (EAP), includes access for immediate family members
• Professional development opportunities

*In accordance with the Document consolidé concernant certaines conditions de travail des hors-cadres des collèges d’enseignement général et professionnel (https://cpn.gouv.qc.ca/)

Interested applicants should send their cover letter and CV to dgrecruitment@dawsoncollege.qc.ca before March 25, 2026, at 5 p.m.

Selected candidates will be contacted the week of April 6, 2026, and should be available for interviews the following week.

Please note that internal applicants within this category of employment have priority for all positions. We thank all applicants for their interest in Dawson College, but only those selected for an interview will be contacted. Dawson College adheres to an equal access employment program and, as such, encourages women, Indigenous peoples, visible and ethnic minorities, and persons with disabilities to apply. Dawson College is dedicated to providing reasonable accommodation for applicants with disabilities and encourages candidates to self-identify during the application process.