As a Director General of Photography, you lead a strategic communications function within the Department of National Defence. You oversee the direction, planning, and delivery of high-quality photographic content that supports DND's communications objectives, public engagement, and historical documentation. This executive-level position requires you to manage a team of professional photographers, technicians, and support staff while ensuring alignment with departmental priorities and government communications standards.
Your responsibilities include setting photography standards and best practices, managing budgets and resources, developing strategic communications campaigns that incorporate visual content, and ensuring compliance with Treasury Board policies and government-wide communications guidelines. You work closely with senior leadership, communications teams, and other government departments to deliver compelling visual narratives that support military operations, recruitment, public affairs, and institutional memory.
The work environment is dynamic and demanding. You may oversee photography operations in various locations, from headquarters to field deployments. You'll manage competing priorities, adapt to rapidly changing communications needs, and ensure your team meets tight deadlines while maintaining the highest professional standards. This role combines creative leadership with business acumen, requiring you to balance artistic vision with operational efficiency and government accountability.
Key Responsibilities
Develop and deliver photography 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 succeed in this role, you typically require a university degree in communications, journalism, photography, or a related field. Many successful candidates have a Master's degree in Communications, Public Administration, or Business Administration. You must demonstrate extensive professional photography experience, ideally 15+ years, with progressive responsibility in senior photographic or visual communications roles.
Professional certifications in photography, digital media management, or project management are valuable. Knowledge of copyright law, intellectual property, digital asset management systems, and accessibility standards (WCAG) is essential. You should be proficient in industry-standard photography and editing software, digital workflow management, and emerging visual media technologies.
Continuing professional development is expected at this level. DND supports participation in executive leadership programs, management training, and specialized communications courses offered through the Canada School of Public Service. Professional memberships in organizations like the Professional Photographers of Canada or the Canadian Association of Journalists can enhance your credentials and network.
Entry Plans
Entry to this Director General position typically occurs through open competitions advertised on the Government of Canada's Job Bank and the DND Civilian Workforce careers website. Candidates must be Canadian citizens or permanent residents with valid security clearance eligibility.
Most appointments at this executive level come from experienced professionals already working within the federal public service, either through lateral moves from other departments or promotions from lower-level photography management positions (such as Senior Photographer or Manager of Photography Services). Some external candidates with extensive private-sector photography management experience and strong government communications backgrounds may be considered.
The selection process includes a detailed application review, written examination, and structured interviews assessing strategic thinking, leadership capability, financial management, and communications expertise. Candidates may also be required to present a portfolio of significant photographic projects and articulate their vision for photography's role in government communications.
Student and early-career entry typically begins at the Photographer or Junior Photographer level through student bridging programs or entry-level competitions, with career progression toward management roles over time.
Part-Time Options
Director General positions are full-time, ongoing roles requiring your presence and availability for strategic decision-making and leadership oversight. The executive nature of this position typically requires standard full-time hours, though flexibility may be negotiated on a case-by-case basis depending on departmental needs.
Where feasible, DND supports flexible work arrangements including compressed work weeks, variable hours, and remote work options for administrative and planning tasks. However, the role's leadership responsibilities—including team management, stakeholder meetings, and operational oversight—generally require regular in-person presence at your primary work location.
DND is committed to work-life balance and supports employees through the Duty to Accommodate policy, allowing discussion of flexible arrangements for personal circumstances. Telework eligibility depends on the specific position's requirements and approval by your manager. Leave provisions, including parental leave and sabbatical opportunities, follow Treasury Board directives for executive-level positions.
Related Careers
No related military careers on file for this position.
