As a Business Development Assistant in the Department of National Defence, you will support the growth and expansion of DND's business operations and partnerships. You will work alongside senior business development professionals to identify new opportunities, conduct market research, and help develop strategies that advance departmental objectives. This role is essential to ensuring DND maintains strong relationships with industry partners, stakeholders, and other government departments.
Your day-to-day responsibilities will include preparing business proposals, analyzing market trends, coordinating meetings and events, and maintaining project documentation. You will gather and compile information to support decision-making, assist in developing presentations, and help coordinate communications with external partners. Your work will directly contribute to building and maintaining the strategic partnerships that support DND's operational capabilities and modernization initiatives.
You will work in a collaborative, fast-paced environment within DND's headquarters, regional offices, or specialized units. This position offers exposure to varied business sectors, government operations, and the opportunity to develop professional skills in a dynamic organization. You will interact with colleagues at all levels, external industry representatives, and partners from other government departments.
Key Responsibilities
Perform general commerce, retail services and insurance duties within the commerce, retail services and insurance function, Prepare reports and documentation as required, Collaborate with team members and stakeholders, Maintain records and ensure compliance with relevant policies
Required Skills
Client service, Business acumen, Negotiation, Process management, Communication, Technical proficiency, Attention to detail, Collaboration, Continuous learning
Typical Education
Post-secondary education or equivalent experience relevant to the position
Training
To be successful in this role, you should have a high school diploma or equivalent. Post-secondary education in business administration, commerce, marketing, communications, or a related field is preferred and will strengthen your candidacy.
No specific professional certifications are required to enter this position. However, pursuing certifications in areas such as marketing, business analysis, or project management can enhance your career progression. DND offers professional development opportunities, including access to training programs, online learning platforms, and in-service development to help you build skills in business communications, data analysis, and stakeholder engagement. Many employees pursue further education through the Public Service Learning Policy while employed.
Entry Plans
You can enter this career through several pathways within the federal Public Service. Most commonly, positions are filled through open competitions advertised on the Government of Canada's official job board (jobs.gc.ca). You may also enter through targeted recruitment campaigns, departmental staffing processes, or priority hiring initiatives.
If you are a recent graduate, consider applying to the Federal Student Work Experience Program (FSWEP) or the Post-Secondary Recruitment Campaign (PSRC) to gain initial experience with DND. Current public service employees can pursue lateral moves into Business Development Assistant roles through internal competitions or staffing requests. Temporary assignments and casual work may also provide pathways to permanent positions. Veterans and Indigenous peoples may have access to additional recruitment initiatives. Check jobs.gc.ca regularly and subscribe to DND's recruitment notifications to stay informed about opportunities.
Part-Time Options
Part-time and flexible work arrangements are available for Business Development Assistant positions, though availability may vary depending on operational requirements and the specific work unit. Many DND locations support hybrid work models, allowing employees to work remotely for a portion of their week while maintaining in-person collaboration for meetings and relationship-building activities.
Flexible schedules may be negotiated with your manager based on business needs and departmental policies. Remote work options are increasingly common for administrative and support tasks such as research, proposal preparation, and document coordination. However, some duties—particularly those involving stakeholder meetings, site visits, or industry engagement—may require on-site presence. Discuss your specific needs and preferences with your hiring manager, as arrangements are determined on a case-by-case basis within collective agreement provisions and operational requirements.
