As a Director General in Correspondence, you are a senior executive responsible for leading a major organizational unit within the Department of National Defence. You provide strategic direction and oversight for correspondence management, ensuring that all written communications meet the highest standards of accuracy, clarity, and alignment with departmental priorities. This role involves managing large teams, overseeing complex communications processes, and reporting directly to senior leadership within DND.
Your day-to-day responsibilities include developing and implementing correspondence policies and procedures, managing senior-level written communications, overseeing the quality and timeliness of correspondence outputs, and ensuring compliance with Treasury Board and other regulatory requirements. You will work with multiple departments and external stakeholders to coordinate communications strategies and ensure consistency across the organization.
You will work in a dynamic, fast-paced environment where attention to detail, leadership excellence, and strategic thinking are essential. Your position requires regular interaction with senior government officials, ministers' offices, and other federal institutions. This role offers the opportunity to shape how DND communicates with Parliament, the public, and key stakeholders.
Key Responsibilities
Develop and deliver correspondence products and services, Draft content for various channels and audiences, Coordinate with stakeholders on messaging and approvals, Monitor and evaluate communications effectiveness
Required Skills
Writing and editing, Strategic thinking, Media relations, Digital content creation, Stakeholder engagement, Relevant technical skills, Communication, Teamwork, Problem-solving
Typical Education
Education and experience commensurate with the role requirements
Training
To qualify for this position, you typically need a bachelor's degree from a recognized institution in a relevant field such as communications, public administration, political science, journalism, English, or a related discipline. Many candidates hold a master's degree in communications, public administration, or business administration.
Professional certifications in communications, project management (PMP), or records management are valuable assets. Experience with the Public Service is highly regarded, and many candidates have completed the Executive Development Program or similar senior management training through the Canada School of Public Service.
Continuous professional development is expected at this level. You will have access to executive coaching, strategic leadership programs, and specialized training in government communications, briefing preparation, and senior management practices. DND supports ongoing learning through partnerships with universities and professional organizations in the communications field.
Entry Plans
Entry to the Director General level typically occurs through advertised public competitions open to Canadian citizens. These competitions are competitive and usually require candidates to have significant prior experience in senior management roles within the federal Public Service or equivalent private sector experience.
Many candidates progress to this level through internal promotion after working in progressively more senior positions within DND or other federal departments, such as Manager, Senior Manager, or Executive Director roles. Some candidates may enter at this level through lateral moves from other departments if they have demonstrated senior leadership experience and subject matter expertise in communications or related fields.
The Public Service Commission manages the staffing process. Candidates must complete a comprehensive evaluation including written assessments, interviews, and reference checks. Veterans of the Canadian Armed Forces may have access to priority consideration under certain programs. Networking and mentorship from current senior executives can be valuable for career progression to this level.
Part-Time Options
The Director General position is typically a full-time, permanent role due to the strategic nature of the responsibilities and the requirement for continuity in senior leadership. However, the federal Public Service does offer flexible work arrangements in many cases, subject to operational requirements and approval by senior management.
Remote or hybrid work arrangements may be negotiated depending on departmental needs and the nature of specific assignments. Given that this role involves regular meetings with senior officials and stakeholders, some in-person presence at the National Defence headquarters or other DND locations is generally expected.
Leave entitlements follow the Public Service Labour Relations Act, including vacation, sick leave, and various other authorized absences. Career break programs and leave without pay options may be available in limited circumstances. Specific flexibility arrangements should be discussed during the recruitment process and will depend on operational requirements and individual circumstances.
Related Careers
No related military careers on file for this position.
