Director - Correspondence

NOC 10022 Correspondence Director or equivalent Non-Digital

Overview

As a Director of Correspondence at the Department of National Defence, you lead strategic communication efforts and manage correspondence operations that connect the department with Canadians, stakeholders, and government partners. You oversee the development and execution of correspondence strategies, ensuring messages are clear, consistent, and aligned with DND priorities and Government of Canada communications standards. Your leadership shapes how the department communicates on matters ranging from defence policy to operational updates and public inquiries. In this role, you manage a team of communications professionals, coordinate across multiple branches, and maintain relationships with internal stakeholders and external partners. You're responsible for quality assurance, process improvement, and ensuring correspondence reflects the department's values and strategic direction. You work in a dynamic environment where priorities can shift quickly based on current events, parliamentary activities, and ministerial needs. You'll contribute to the department's broader mission by ensuring transparent, timely, and professional communication. This leadership position offers opportunities to shape organizational culture, mentor talented communicators, and drive continuous improvement in how DND engages with the public and stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

Plan and manage the delivery of correspondence services and programs, Supervise and develop staff within the correspondence 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 as a Director of Correspondence, you typically need a university degree in communications, journalism, public relations, political science, English, or a related field. Many directors have completed professional certifications through organizations like the Canadian Public Relations Society or the International Association of Business Communicators. Government of Canada training in official languages, briefing techniques, and departmental communications systems is provided and supported. Ongoing professional development is encouraged, including courses in leadership, strategic communications, digital media, stakeholder engagement, and organizational management. Some directors pursue advanced certifications in public administration or complete executive development programs offered through the Canada School of the Public Service.

Entry Plans

You can enter this role through several pathways in the federal Public Service. The most common route is through a public competition advertised on the Government of Canada Jobs website, where candidates with relevant communications experience and demonstrated leadership capabilities apply. Many Directors of Correspondence advance from senior analyst or manager positions within DND's communications branches after gaining experience in correspondence, media relations, or strategic communications. Lateral moves from other federal departments' communications functions are also possible, particularly if you have experience managing correspondence operations or leading communications teams. Some candidates come from the private sector with proven expertise in communications management and leadership. The Public Service Commission oversees all staffing processes to ensure fairness and transparency. Once hired, you'll receive orientation on DND-specific policies, security protocols, and departmental priorities.

Part-Time Options

Positions at the Director level are typically full-time permanent roles, as the responsibilities require ongoing strategic oversight and decision-making authority. However, the Government of Canada offers flexible work arrangements on a case-by-case basis, which may include flexible hours or compressed work weeks negotiated with your manager based on operational needs. Remote work options have expanded across the Public Service and may be available depending on the specific duties of the position and DND's operational requirements at the time of your appointment. Discussions about flexible arrangements should occur during the hiring process or after you begin employment. Parental leave, family-related leave, and other statutory leave entitlements are available to all Public Service employees under the same terms as full-time staff.