As a Director of Advertising and Marketing within the Department of National Defence, you will lead strategic communications initiatives that build awareness, engagement, and support for DND and Canadian Armed Forces programs, operations, and initiatives. You will oversee the development and execution of integrated marketing campaigns across multiple channels, ensuring messaging is consistent, compelling, and aligned with Government of Canada priorities. Your work directly impacts how Canadians understand and connect with defence and security matters.
In this leadership role, you will manage a team of communications professionals, including marketing specialists, content creators, media planners, and digital strategists. You will develop annual marketing plans, manage budgets, oversee vendor relationships, and ensure all campaigns meet rigorous government communications standards and Treasury Board guidelines. You will work closely with senior leadership, other government departments, and external stakeholders to ensure marketing efforts support broader organizational objectives.
You will work in a dynamic, fast-paced environment where priorities can shift based on operational needs, government announcements, and current events. This role requires strong strategic thinking, creative problem-solving, and the ability to make sound decisions with incomplete information. You may work standard office hours, though campaign launches and time-sensitive communications may require flexibility.
Key Responsibilities
Plan and manage the delivery of advertising and marketing services and programs, Supervise and develop staff within the advertising and marketing team, Monitor performance metrics and report on results, Develop and implement operational plans and procedures, Manage stakeholder relationships and ensure service quality
Required Skills
Writing and editing, Strategic thinking, Media relations, Digital content creation, Stakeholder engagement, Team leadership, Operational planning, Stakeholder engagement, Results management
Typical Education
Bachelor's degree or equivalent; significant experience in the relevant discipline with demonstrated leadership
Training
To succeed in this role, you should have a university degree in communications, marketing, business, journalism, or a related field. An advanced degree (Master's level) in marketing, business administration, or communications is an asset. Professional certifications such as CAM (Certified in Association Management), PMC (Professional Marketing Certified), or equivalents are valued.
DND provides extensive professional development opportunities, including leadership training, advanced project management courses, and specialized communications certifications. You will have access to Government of Canada learning platforms, external workshops, and mentorship programs. Many directors pursue ongoing education in digital marketing, data analytics, and emerging media technologies to stay current with industry trends.
You will need strong proficiency in Microsoft Office, project management software, and familiarity with marketing analytics platforms and social media management tools. Security clearance requirements (at minimum Secret level) are mandatory for this position, and you must be willing to obtain and maintain the required clearance.
Entry Plans
Most positions are filled through Public Service Commission competitions open to Canadian citizens. These competitions typically include written assessments, panel interviews, and evaluation of work samples or portfolios demonstrating your marketing and leadership capabilities.
You may enter at the Director level if you have 10+ years of progressive marketing and communications experience, with at least 3-5 years in a senior leadership role. Lateral moves from other federal departments are common, as are promotions for exceptional Advertising and Marketing Managers within DND. The Public Service uses talent pools to identify qualified candidates for advertised positions.
If you are early in your career, consider entering the Public Service as an Advertising and Marketing Officer or Manager first, then competing for Director roles as you gain experience and develop your leadership capabilities. Student internship programs and recruitment initiatives also provide pathways into federal communications roles.
Part-Time Options
Director-level positions in Advertising and Marketing are typically full-time permanent roles due to the strategic leadership and management responsibilities required. However, DND is committed to flexible work arrangements where operationally feasible.
Depending on the specific work unit and operational needs, some flexibility may be available for compressed work weeks or partial remote work arrangements, particularly for strategic planning and administrative tasks. Time-sensitive campaign launches and team leadership responsibilities may require full-time on-site presence during critical periods.
Remote or hybrid work options are increasingly common for aspects of marketing work such as content development, data analysis, and stakeholder coordination. Any flexible arrangement would be negotiated with your manager and aligned with operational requirements. Parental leave, compassionate care leave, and other Government of Canada leave provisions apply to all employees.
Related Careers
No related military careers on file for this position.
