As a Director of Communications in the Department of National Defence, you will lead strategic communications initiatives that support Defence and military operations. You will develop and implement comprehensive communications strategies, manage internal and external messaging, and ensure consistent, effective communication across the organization. This role requires you to navigate complex defence and security issues while communicating clearly with diverse audiences including media, the public, Parliament, and Defence personnel.
Your day-to-day responsibilities include overseeing communications teams, directing the creation of communications products, managing media relations, and advising senior leadership on communications implications of policy and operational decisions. You will work with colleagues across Defence, other government departments, and international partners to ensure coordinated messaging on defence matters.
The work environment is dynamic and often involves responding to time-sensitive communications needs. You will work in an office setting, primarily in National Defence Headquarters in Ottawa or regional Defence offices across Canada, though remote work arrangements may be available depending on operational requirements.
Key Responsibilities
Plan and manage the delivery of general communications services and programs, Supervise and develop staff within the general communications 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 be eligible for this position, you typically require a university degree in communications, journalism, public relations, political science, or a related field. Many successful candidates also hold advanced degrees such as a Master's in Communications or Public Administration.
Professional certifications from organizations such as the Canadian Public Relations Society (CPRS) or the International Association for Public Relations (IAPR) are valued. The Government of Canada provides ongoing professional development through courses in leadership, strategic communications, media relations, and digital communications. You will have access to Government of Canada learning systems and may pursue training in specialized areas such as crisis communications, strategic messaging, or multimedia content development. Candidates should demonstrate experience with modern communications tools and platforms, including social media and digital content management systems.
Entry Plans
You can enter this career path through several routes within the federal Public Service. The most common entry point is through open competitions for Director-level communications positions advertised on the Government of Canada Jobs website (jobs.gc.ca). These competitions are typically open to Canadian citizens and permanent residents.
If you are already working in the Public Service in a communications role at a lower level, you may advance to Director through internal promotion competitions or by applying to lateral posting opportunities. Many Directors begin their careers in entry-level communications positions (Communications Officer or equivalent) and progress through intermediate levels (Senior Communications Officer, Manager - Communications) over time.
The Government of Canada also offers student and early-career programs such as the Federal Student Work Experience Program (FSWEP) and the Accelerated Executive Development Program (AEDP) that can lead to permanent positions. Some candidates enter through external recruitment when specialized expertise is required. Networking with Defence communications professionals and staying informed of current competitions will help you identify opportunities.
Part-Time Options
Director-level positions in Defence Communications are typically full-time roles due to the strategic nature of the work and leadership responsibilities. However, the Government of Canada is committed to offering flexible work arrangements where operationally feasible.
Depending on the specific branch and operational requirements, some flexibility may be available regarding work location, including the option to work remotely for a portion of the week. Work schedule adjustments may be negotiated on a case-by-case basis, though the role may require occasional evening or weekend work to respond to communications needs or media inquiries.
To learn about specific flexible work options available for Director positions in Communications at Defence, we recommend discussing arrangements with the hiring manager or recruiter during the application process, as availability varies based on operational demands and organizational needs.
Related Careers
No related military careers on file for this position.
