As a Director of Public Opinion Research, you lead and manage public opinion research functions within the Department of National Defence. You are responsible for developing research strategies, overseeing complex research projects, and ensuring that evidence-based public opinion insights inform departmental communications and policy decisions. Your work directly supports senior leadership in understanding public perceptions of defence, security, and military operations.
In this role, you direct teams of researchers and analysts, manage budgets and contracts with external research firms, and ensure research methodologies meet the highest professional and ethical standards. You collaborate with communications, policy, and operations teams to identify research priorities and translate findings into actionable recommendations. Your leadership extends to establishing research frameworks, mentoring staff, and building relationships with Statistics Canada, academic institutions, and private sector research organizations.
You work in a dynamic, security-conscious environment where your research may inform communications strategies, media responses, and public engagement initiatives. Your findings contribute to the Department's understanding of how Canadians view defence capabilities, military readiness, recruitment, and defence spending.
Key Responsibilities
Plan and manage the delivery of public opinion research services and programs, Supervise and develop staff within the public opinion research 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
A bachelor's degree in social sciences, statistics, communications, business, or a related field is typically required. Many Directors in this role hold a master's degree in public opinion research, market research, communications, political science, or business administration.
Essential professional experience includes 10+ years in public opinion or market research, with at least 5 years in a supervisory or management capacity. Experience with quantitative research methods, survey design, data analysis, and familiarity with statistical software is expected. Knowledge of Canadian political and defence contexts is highly valued.
Professional certifications through organizations such as the Marketing Research and Intelligence Association (MRIA) or the Canadian Association of Research Organizations (CARO) strengthen your credentials. Ongoing professional development through research seminars, advanced analytics training, and leadership programs supports career progression. Security clearance eligibility and the ability to obtain a Top Secret or Secret clearance is required for this position.
Entry Plans
You can enter this career through federal government job competitions advertised on the Government of Canada's Job Bank and the DND careers website. Competitions are typically open to Canadian citizens and permanent residents with relevant education and experience.
Lateral moves from other departments or agencies within the federal Public Service—such as Statistics Canada, Canadian Heritage, or Public Services and Procurement Canada—are common for experienced research managers. Your years of service in the Public Service are recognized through the appointment process.
If you are early in your career, you may enter as a Research Officer or Senior Research Officer and advance to the Director level through internal promotions and demonstrated leadership. Some positions may be filled through Public Service pools maintained by DND or shared across departments for management-level roles. Contract or term positions may also be available and can lead to permanent appointments.
The federal hiring process includes submission of a detailed application, possible written assessments, and interviews with selection boards. Security clearance processing occurs after a conditional job offer.
Part-Time Options
Director-level positions in public opinion research are typically full-time roles due to management and strategic responsibilities. However, flexible work arrangements—including compressed work weeks, staggered schedules, and hybrid remote work options—may be negotiated on a case-by-case basis with your manager and in accordance with departmental policies.
Remote work is possible for certain research, analysis, and administrative tasks, particularly when managing external research contracts or conducting desktop analysis. However, you are expected to be present for team meetings, stakeholder consultations, and senior leadership briefings, which may require on-site work at your assigned location, typically in the National Capital Region.
DND and the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat support work-life balance initiatives for managers, including access to Employee Assistance Programs, flexible leave options, and telework guidelines. Specific arrangements depend on operational requirements and approval by your director general.
Related Careers
No related military careers on file for this position.
