As a Director of Public Relations within the Department of National Defence, you will lead the development and execution of strategic communications initiatives that shape public understanding of defence and security matters. You will oversee a team of communications professionals, managing public relations strategies, media relations, stakeholder engagement, and digital communications across multiple platforms and audiences. This role requires you to balance transparency with security considerations, ensuring accurate and timely information reaches the Canadian public, media, and other key stakeholders.
Your responsibilities include developing comprehensive communications plans aligned with departmental and government priorities, directing media relations and press operations, managing crisis communications, overseeing social media and digital channels, and ensuring consistent messaging across all communications products. You will work closely with senior leadership, other government departments, and external partners to communicate the value and activities of the Canadian Armed Forces and DND to diverse audiences.
You will work in a dynamic, fast-paced environment where priorities can shift rapidly due to operational developments, political circumstances, or emerging issues. This role combines strategic planning with hands-on involvement in day-to-day communications activities, requiring strong judgment, flexibility, and the ability to work effectively under pressure while maintaining the highest standards of accuracy and professionalism.
Key Responsibilities
Plan and manage the delivery of public relations services and programs, Supervise and develop staff within the public relations 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, public relations, journalism, political science, or a related discipline. Many successful candidates hold a master's degree in communications, public administration, or a specialized communications field.
Professional experience in public relations, communications management, or related fields is essential. Experience in government communications, strategic communications, media relations, or crisis communications is highly valued. Familiarity with the defence and security environment is an asset.
The Government of Canada and DND support ongoing professional development for employees in this role. You may pursue certifications from the Canadian Public Relations Society (CPRS), participate in federal leadership development programs, and access training in crisis communications, digital strategy, and stakeholder engagement. Security clearance requirements for this position typically require Top Secret clearance, and DND will facilitate the clearance process for successful candidates.
Entry Plans
You can enter this career through various pathways within the federal Public Service. Most Director-level positions are filled through open external competitions advertised on the Public Service Commission (PSC) website, allowing both Canadian citizens and current public servants to apply. These competitions assess your experience, qualifications, and ability to perform the role.
If you are already a federal public servant in a communications or related role, you may be able to apply for lateral moves or promotions into Director positions through internal competitions or priority processes. The Public Service uses staffing pools and inventory systems to identify qualified candidates from within government.
Government of Canada students and recent graduates may start their careers in the Public Service through programs such as the Student Work Experience Program (SWEP) or the Federal Student Work Program (FSWP), typically in junior communications roles, and progress to director-level positions through internal competitions and career development over time. Some candidates also enter DND through external recruitment for positions at the Communications Officer level and advance through demonstrated performance and competitive promotion processes.
Part-Time Options
Director-level positions in public relations at DND are typically full-time permanent positions due to the strategic nature of the role and the need for consistent leadership and decision-making. However, the federal Public Service does offer flexible work arrangements that may be negotiated on a case-by-case basis depending on operational requirements and departmental needs.
Many DND communications teams support flexible and hybrid work options for team members, including remote work arrangements where operational security and work requirements permit. As a Director, you may have opportunities to work from home on certain days, particularly for strategic planning and report-writing activities, while maintaining regular on-site presence for team leadership, stakeholder meetings, and time-sensitive communications activities.
Specific flexible work options should be discussed during the hiring process and will be determined in consultation with your manager based on the operational demands of your position, team needs, and departmental communications requirements. The federal Public Service is committed to work-life balance and will work with you to establish arrangements that maintain service delivery while supporting employee well-being.
Related Careers
No related military careers on file for this position.
