Corporate Assistants provide essential administrative support to senior management, executives, and teams across the Department of National Defence. You will be the organizational backbone of your workplace, managing schedules, correspondence, records, and coordinating meetings and events. This role requires strong attention to detail, excellent communication skills, and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic government environment.
Your day-to-day responsibilities include scheduling meetings and travel, preparing briefing materials, managing databases and filing systems, answering inquiries, and supporting human resources and financial processes. You will work with various stakeholders at all levels, from frontline staff to senior military and civilian leadership. Corporate Assistants often serve as the first point of contact for their teams, making communication and professionalism key to success.
You will work in office environments at DND headquarters, Canadian Armed Forces bases, or regional offices across Canada. The work environment is collaborative and fast-paced, requiring adaptability as priorities shift with organizational needs. This is an excellent entry point for those seeking a stable, meaningful career in Canada's public service.
Key Responsibilities
Perform corporate administration duties in support of departmental operations, Prepare correspondence, reports, and administrative documents, Coordinate schedules, meetings, and logistics, Maintain records and filing systems
Required Skills
Organizational skills, Written and oral communication, MS Office proficiency, Time management, Attention to detail, Technical proficiency, Attention to detail, Collaboration, Continuous learning
Typical Education
Post-secondary education or equivalent experience relevant to the position
Training
Most Corporate Assistant positions require a high school diploma or equivalent. Many successful candidates have completed a college diploma in business administration, office management, or a related field, though this is not always mandatory. Typing proficiency and demonstrated computer skills are essential, with particular emphasis on Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) and government systems.
Once hired, you will receive on-the-job training specific to your workplace and the unique systems used within DND. The Government of Canada offers professional development opportunities including courses in project management, financial administration, records management, and communication skills. Many Corporate Assistants pursue certifications such as the Professional Association of Administrative Professionals (PAAP) credentials to advance their careers. Ongoing learning is supported through the Public Service Learning Portal, which provides access to courses that enhance your skills in areas like time management, conflict resolution, and workplace technology.
Entry Plans
Entry to the Corporate Assistant position in the DND civilian workforce typically occurs through competitions advertised on the Government of Canada's Job Bank and the Public Service Commission website. These competitions are open to Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and those with valid work authorization.
There are several pathways to this role: (1) Direct application to advertised Corporate Assistant competitions, (2) Participation in the Public Service Commission's Administrative Support Services (AS) pool, which allows placement into multiple organizations, (3) Student programs such as the Federal Student Work Experience Program (FSWEP) or Cooperative Education Program (Co-op), which provide entry opportunities for students and recent graduates, and (4) Internal lateral moves if you are already employed in the federal public service.
DND also participates in recruitment initiatives targeting Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, and other underrepresented groups. Once you have been appointed to a position, you become part of the federal public service and have access to internal competitions and advancement opportunities. We encourage candidates to monitor job postings regularly and consider applying to pools to increase their chances of selection.
Part-Time Options
Corporate Assistant positions at DND offer flexible work arrangements depending on operational requirements and management discretion. Many Corporate Assistant roles support traditional office hours, though flexibility is increasingly available. Part-time and job-sharing arrangements are possible and can be negotiated with your manager, subject to business needs.
Remote and hybrid work options have expanded across DND since 2020. Depending on your specific role and the sensitivity of information you handle, you may be eligible to work from home for part of the week while maintaining in-office presence for meetings, file access, and team collaboration. Security clearance requirements and access to classified information may affect remote work eligibility in some positions.
The federal government supports work-life balance through flexible hours, compressed work weeks, and leave policies including vacation, sick leave, and family-related leave. Discuss specific arrangements with your hiring manager during the interview and appointment process, as flexibility depends on your team's operational needs and the nature of your responsibilities.
