The Northwest Territories is home to 33 communities, 11 official languages, and a depth of Indigenous culture and history found nowhere else in Canada. It is also a place where government operates in close connection to the people it serves, where decisions made at the senior table are felt directly in classrooms, on the land, in workplaces, and across communities.

Few executive roles in Canada offer this breadth of impact. The Deputy Minister of Education, Culture and Employment (ECE) oversees a portfolio that spans learning, workforce development, income security, and cultural preservation, shaping outcomes that affect residents at every stage of life. For a leader motivated by public impact, partnership, and system-wide change, this role offers a rare opportunity to influence both policy and lived experience across an entire jurisdiction.

About the Role

Reporting to the Premier through the Secretary to Cabinet and accountable to the Minister of Education, Culture and Employment, and serving as a key member of the Government of the Northwest Territories' senior leadership team, the Deputy Minister is responsible for the overall strategic direction, performance, and delivery of the Department's policies, programs, and services.

The Deputy Minister provides leadership to staff across the territory and advises the Minister and Cabinet on complex social, economic, and cultural priorities. The role requires close collaboration with Indigenous governments, community governments, education bodies, employees' organizations, and federal and non-government partners.

Operating within a consensus government model, the Deputy Minister must balance strategic vision with strong political acumen, working in a highly relationship-driven environment where progress depends on trust, partnership, and alignment across diverse perspectives.

About the Department

The Department of Education, Culture and Employment touches nearly every resident of the Northwest Territories. Its mandate spans early childhood development; the JK-12 education system; post-secondary education; careers, employment and labour services; income assistance; and the stewardship of culture, heritage, and official and Indigenous languages.

Together, these interconnected responsibilities contribute to a single, ambitious goal: a territory where northern residents lead fulfilled lives and contribute to a strong, inclusive, and sustainable society.

Key Responsibilities

This is a significant and results-oriented leadership agenda. Key priorities include:

• Advancing reconciliation by working in partnership with Indigenous governments to modernize the Education Act and implement the NWT Indigenous Languages Action Plan in alignment with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples;
• Strengthening the post-secondary system through implementation of the Post-Secondary Education Act and supporting a sustainable, accessible northern learning landscape;
• Transforming income security programs by redesigning income assistance systems, including new supports for Seniors and Persons with Disabilities, through an integrated, trauma-informed approach that improves client outcomes;
• Enhancing student success and well-being by strengthening early childhood and JK-12 education, with increased focus on mental health and wellness supports in schools;
• Growing a skilled northern workforce by expanding apprenticeship and trades certification, supporting Indigenous language instructors, and aligning training with major economic transitions;
• Improving labour market participation by connecting residents to education, training, and career pathways that support long-term economic growth and community resilience.

The Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate is an accomplished senior executive who understands that education, employment, culture, language, and community well-being are deeply interconnected. They are comfortable leading across multiple policy domains, bringing together diverse partners, and finding practical solutions to complex challenges that span government, communities, and sectors.

They demonstrate a strong track record of working collaboratively with Indigenous - First Nations, Inuit, and Métis - to advance shared priorities and support reconciliation through practical, sustained partnership.

They are a skilled communicator and relationship-builder, comfortable operating at the most senior levels of government and representing the Department in high-stakes environments. They bring the political judgment required to succeed in a consensus government context, along with the ability to navigate complexity, ambiguity, and competing priorities.

Experience in northern, rural, or similarly decentralized environments, and an appreciation for the realities of delivering programs across diverse and remote communities, will be considered a strong asset.

Above all, they are motivated by the opportunity to make a visible and lasting impact in a jurisdiction where leadership decisions translate quickly into outcomes for people and communities.

Qualifications

Typically, the knowledge, skills and abilities required for this position are attained through the completion of a graduate degree in Education, the Social Sciences, Public Administration, or a related field, combined with progressively senior management experience in a large, complex public-sector organization. Equivalent combinations of education and experience will be considered.

Compensation and Benefits

The salary range for this position is $261,474 to $326,842, plus a Northern Allowance of $3,700 annually.

The Government of the Northwest Territories offers a comprehensive executive compensation package including a defined benefit pension plan, generous leave provisions, health and dental benefits, and relocation assistance. Further details are available at: gov.nt.ca/careers/en/benefits

Living in the North

This position is based in Yellowknife, the capital of the Northwest Territories, located on the shores of Great Slave Lake. Yellowknife offers a unique combination of professional opportunity and northern lifestyle, with access to outdoor recreation, vibrant cultural experiences, and a strong sense of community.

Relocating to the North is a significant decision. The GNWT provides relocation assistance and a comprehensive compensation package designed to reflect the realities of northern living. Candidates should be prepared for a highly visible leadership role and the opportunity to become part of a close-knit and engaged community.

Job Opening Information

Job Opening ID #27971

Closing Date: July 6, 2026 - 11:59 PM

GNWT Inquiries

Department of Finance
Government of the Northwest Territories
YELLOWKNIFE CENTRE 5TH FLOOR  
BOX 1320 YELLOWKNIFE NT X1A 2L9
Tel (867) 767-9154 Extension 14106
Fax (867) 873-0445
jobsyk@gov.nt.ca

Note: If you do not receive electronic notification confirming receipt of your application, please follow up via telephone.