As a Director of Intergovernmental Affairs, you will lead strategic relationship management and coordination efforts between the Department of National Defence and other levels of government, including federal, provincial, territorial, and municipal authorities. You will develop and implement policies, frameworks, and initiatives that facilitate effective collaboration on defence and security matters that cross jurisdictional boundaries. Your role involves representing DND in high-level discussions, managing complex negotiations, and ensuring alignment between defence priorities and broader government objectives.
Your day-to-day responsibilities include directing teams of intergovernmental specialists, overseeing the development of partnership agreements and protocols, and coordinating responses to emerging defence and security issues that require multi-level government engagement. You will analyze policy implications, manage stakeholder relationships, and provide strategic advice to senior leadership on intergovernmental matters. This position requires strong diplomatic skills, political acumen, and the ability to navigate competing interests while maintaining DND's defence and security mandate.
You will work in a dynamic federal environment where priorities shift based on national defence needs, emerging security threats, and changes in government relationships. The role offers exposure to senior decision-making processes and the opportunity to influence national defence policy through effective intergovernmental collaboration.
Key Responsibilities
Plan and manage the delivery of intergovernmental affairs services and programs, Supervise and develop staff within the intergovernmental affairs team, Monitor performance metrics and report on results, Develop and implement operational plans and procedures, Manage stakeholder relationships and ensure service quality
Bachelor's degree or equivalent; significant experience in the relevant discipline with demonstrated leadership
Training
To qualify for this position, you typically need a bachelor's degree in public administration, political science, international relations, public policy, or a related field. A master's degree in public administration, public policy, or international affairs is advantageous and often expected at the director level. You should have demonstrated expertise in intergovernmental relations, policy analysis, and strategic management.
Professional certifications in project management (PMP), policy analysis, or government relations are assets. The Government of Canada offers extensive professional development opportunities including executive leadership programs through the Canada School of Public Service, specialized training in federal governance and policy frameworks, and access to departmental mentoring programs. Ongoing learning in areas such as federal-provincial relations, national security policy, and stakeholder engagement is encouraged throughout your career.
Entry Plans
You can enter this career stream through several pathways in the federal Public Service. The most common route is through open competitions for Director-level positions posted on the Government of Canada's job board (jobs.gc.ca). These competitions are merit-based and typically require several years of progressive experience in intergovernmental affairs, policy development, or related management roles.
Lateral moves from other government departments are frequent, particularly if you have experience in strategic policy, federal-provincial coordination, or similar relationship management functions. The Public Service also operates appointment pools and staffing processes that allow qualified candidates to be considered for multiple positions across departments. Some candidates progress internally within DND by starting in junior intergovernmental affairs roles (Analyst or Advisor positions) and advancing through experience and demonstrated competency.
If you are new to the federal Public Service, you may begin through Entry-Level positions (typically requiring a recent degree) and progress through the ranks. The Canadian Armed Forces also offers exchange opportunities and lateral integration for military personnel transitioning to civilian defence roles. All positions require successful security clearance and proof of Canadian citizenship or permanent residency.
Part-Time Options
Director-level positions in Intergovernmental Affairs are typically full-time, as the strategic and representational nature of the role requires consistent presence and availability for high-level meetings and negotiations. However, the Government of Canada is committed to supporting work-life balance and workplace flexibility where operationally feasible.
Remote and hybrid work arrangements have become more available across the federal government, and many intergovernmental affairs functions can be performed effectively from home or alternate work locations. Telework options are increasingly negotiable depending on your specific team's operational requirements and the nature of your responsibilities. Part-time positions at the director level are rare but may be available in specific circumstances through individual arrangements.
The federal Public Service also offers flexible scheduling, compressed work weeks, and leave options including parental leave, unpaid leave, and sabbaticals. Benefits such as health and wellness programs, employee assistance services, and professional development leave support work-life integration. Specific flexibility arrangements are determined through discussion with your manager and must align with operational needs and Treasury Board policies.
Related Careers
No related military careers on file for this position.
