As an Assistant Deputy Minister (ADM) of Communications, you will provide strategic leadership and direction for communications functions across the Department of National Defence. You will report directly to the Deputy Minister and serve as a key advisor on all communications matters, including media relations, internal communications, digital strategy, and public engagement. This senior executive role is responsible for developing and implementing departmental communications policies, strategies, and initiatives that support DND's mandate and government priorities.
In this position, you will lead a team of communications professionals and manage a significant budget. Your responsibilities include overseeing the department's interaction with media, Parliament, and the public; ensuring consistent messaging across all communication channels; managing communications crises; and ensuring compliance with Treasury Board communications policies and guidelines. You will also collaborate with other senior leaders to integrate communications planning into strategic decision-making and program delivery.
You will work in a dynamic, fast-paced environment where priorities can shift rapidly in response to operational, political, and public affairs considerations. This role requires strong judgment, discretion, and the ability to navigate complex stakeholder relationships while maintaining the highest standards of professional integrity.
Key Responsibilities
Provide strategic direction and leadership for general communications programs and initiatives, Advise senior management on policy and operational matters, Manage human and financial resources to achieve organizational objectives, Represent the organization in interdepartmental and external forums, Ensure compliance with Treasury Board policies and Government of Canada directives
Required Skills
Writing and editing, Strategic thinking, Media relations, Digital content creation, Stakeholder engagement, Senior executive leadership, Strategic planning, Policy direction, Cross-functional management
Typical Education
Graduate degree preferred; significant experience at the executive level in the public service
Training
A university degree in communications, public relations, journalism, political science, public administration, or a related field is typically required. Advanced qualifications such as a Master's degree in Communications, Public Administration, or Business Administration are highly valued.
Professional certifications from recognized bodies such as the Public Relations Institute of Canada (PRIC) or the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) are beneficial. Candidates should demonstrate extensive professional development through strategic communications experience, executive leadership training, and crisis communications management courses.
Ongoing professional development is expected at this level, including participation in senior executive leadership programs, advanced strategic planning workshops, and participation in interdepartmental working groups. Access to Treasury Board-approved training in emerging communications technologies, digital strategy, and inclusive communications is available to support continuous learning.
Entry Plans
Entry to the ADM level typically occurs through an open, merit-based competition run by the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat. Candidates must demonstrate extensive senior-level communications experience, preferably including previous service in a middle or senior management position within the federal Public Service or equivalent executive experience in the private or non-profit sector.
Lateral moves from other departments are common at this level, as is recruitment of experienced external candidates who have demonstrated excellence in strategic communications leadership. Candidates should have significant experience managing large teams, developing organizational strategy, managing substantial budgets, and operating effectively in complex, high-pressure environments.
While there are no specific student or early-career programs that lead directly to the ADM level, careers in DND Communications typically begin at the junior Communications Officer level (CR-02/03), with progression through intermediate levels (CR-04/05) and senior levels (CR-06/07) before consideration for senior management positions. Successful advancement requires consistently strong performance evaluations, demonstrated leadership capability, and increasing responsibility for strategic communications initiatives.
Part-Time Options
The ADM position is a full-time, permanent executive appointment and does not typically offer part-time arrangements due to the nature of senior leadership responsibilities and the requirement for continuous availability during operational and crisis situations.
However, flexible work arrangements may be negotiated on a case-by-case basis within operational constraints. As a senior executive, the role may offer some flexibility in work location, with the possibility of working remotely for specific tasks, though regular presence at National Defence Headquarters in Ottawa is expected.
Given the strategic nature of the position and its involvement in crisis management and urgent communications matters, predictable part-time or job-sharing arrangements are not compatible with the core responsibilities of the role. Work-life balance support is provided through the federal Public Service's employee assistance programs and flexible benefits.
Related Careers
No related military careers on file for this position.
