As a Director - Publishing in the Department of National Defence, you will provide strategic leadership and oversight for publishing operations and initiatives. You are responsible for setting the direction, priorities, and standards for all publishing activities within your area of responsibility. This role involves managing teams of publishing professionals, overseeing budget and resource allocation, and ensuring that publications meet departmental communications objectives and quality standards.
Your day-to-day responsibilities include developing publishing strategies aligned with organizational goals, managing the production of various publications (digital and print), ensuring compliance with government communications standards, and maintaining relationships with internal stakeholders and external partners. You will supervise and mentor publishing staff, review and approve publishing content, and make decisions regarding resource distribution and workflow optimization.
You will work in a dynamic communications environment within DND, collaborating with other departments, military personnel, and civilian teams. Your work directly impacts how the organization communicates with personnel, the public, and external audiences. The role requires strong leadership capabilities, strategic thinking, and a deep understanding of modern publishing practices and digital communications trends.
Key Responsibilities
Plan and manage the delivery of publishing services and programs, Supervise and develop staff within the publishing 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
You should have a post-secondary degree, typically a bachelor's degree in Communications, Journalism, Publishing, English, or a related field. Many successful candidates also hold master's degrees in Communications, Business Administration, or Publishing Management.
Professional certifications in digital publishing, project management (such as PMP), or specialized communications credentials are valued assets. Experience with content management systems, digital publishing platforms, and print production workflows is essential.
DND supports ongoing professional development through training in leadership and management, digital communications technologies, accessibility standards (WCAG), and government communications policies. Candidates are encouraged to pursue certifications from professional organizations such as the Professional Publishers Association of Canada or the International Association of Business Communicators.
Entry Plans
Entry to the Director - Publishing position typically occurs through open competitions advertised on the Public Service Commission website (jobs.gc.ca). Candidates may also enter through lateral moves from other director-level communications positions within the federal Public Service, leveraging their existing management experience and security clearance.
Experience as a Senior Publishing Officer or manager in publishing, communications, or related fields strengthens your candidacy. Some candidates progress through internal development within DND after establishing themselves in middle-management publishing roles. Student programs and graduate recruitment initiatives may lead to entry-level publishing positions, from which you can build the experience necessary for director-level roles.
A Secret security clearance is typically required for this position due to the nature of DND work. The selection process includes an assessment of your management experience, strategic vision, knowledge of publishing best practices, and ability to lead and develop teams.
Part-Time Options
Director-level positions are typically full-time roles due to the strategic leadership and decision-making responsibilities involved. However, the federal Public Service does offer flexible work arrangements on a case-by-case basis. This may include flexible hours, compressed work weeks, or hybrid work models combining office and remote work, subject to operational requirements and approval by management.
Remote work options may be available for certain aspects of the role, particularly for strategic planning, communications with stakeholders, and administrative tasks. However, on-site presence is often required for team leadership, meetings with senior management, and sensitive communications work. The extent of flexibility depends on the specific branch, operational needs, and agreement with your supervisor. DND encourages discussions about work-life balance and accommodations as part of the management relationship.
Related Careers
No related military careers on file for this position.
