As a Director General - Publishing, you will lead a publishing organization or directorate within the Department of National Defence, overseeing the development, production, and distribution of communications materials. In this senior executive role, you are responsible for strategic direction, operational management, and ensuring that published content aligns with departmental priorities and government communications standards. You will manage budgets, personnel, and complex publishing operations while maintaining quality control and adherence to official languages requirements.
Your responsibilities include setting organizational strategy, managing stakeholder relationships across multiple departments and agencies, and ensuring compliance with Treasury Board policies on communications and accessibility. You will provide strategic advice to senior leadership on publishing matters, oversee the development of publishing standards and processes, and ensure that communications materials are delivered effectively to both internal and external audiences. This role requires strong leadership capabilities and the ability to navigate complex organizational environments.
You will work in a dynamic federal government setting where your decisions impact how DND communicates with Canadian Armed Forces members, employees, and the Canadian public. The role involves frequent collaboration with communications professionals, senior military and civilian leadership, and other government departments. You may work in a headquarters environment or at regional/operational locations depending on the specific posting.
Key Responsibilities
Develop and deliver publishing 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
A bachelor's degree is typically required, often in communications, journalism, publishing, public administration, business, or a related field. Many successful candidates hold master's degrees in communications, public administration, or business administration.
Professional certifications in project management (PMP, PRINCE2), communications (APR through IABC), or government relations may be advantageous. You should have demonstrated expertise in publishing operations, digital communications, and content management systems.
The Government of Canada offers professional development opportunities including executive leadership programs, advanced management courses, and specialized training in government communications policies. DND provides ongoing learning through the Canadian Armed Forces Leadership and Management Institute and internal development programs. You are encouraged to maintain memberships in professional associations such as the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) or the Canadian Public Relations Society (CPRS) to stay current with industry best practices.
Entry Plans
Entry to this Director General level typically occurs through closed, competitive recruitment processes. Most candidates progress through the federal Public Service in communications, publishing, or related management roles before reaching this senior executive level.
Common pathways include: progressing from Manager or Senior Manager roles in communications, publishing, or content management within DND or other federal departments; lateral moves from equivalent executive positions in other government departments or the private sector; and participation in executive development programs designed to prepare mid-level managers for senior leadership roles.
Candidates must be Canadian citizens and eligible for Top Secret security clearance. Selection is based on demonstrated executive leadership experience, strategic communications expertise, and a strong understanding of government operations and policies. The Public Service Commission manages recruitment for these positions, and competitions may be open to internal candidates only or may include external candidates depending on departmental needs.
Part-Time Options
Director General positions are typically full-time, permanent roles due to the strategic and operational responsibilities involved. However, flexible work arrangements may be negotiated on a case-by-case basis depending on operational requirements and departmental policy.
Remote work options are increasingly available within the federal government, and arrangements may be made for hybrid or occasional remote work depending on the specific duties and organizational needs. The nature of executive leadership—including in-person meetings, stakeholder engagement, and decision-making processes—may require regular on-site presence.
Leave and benefits available to federal employees, including vacation, sick leave, and parental leave, apply to this position. Specific details on flexible work arrangements should be discussed during the recruitment and hiring process with the hiring manager and departmental human resources team.
Related Careers
No related military careers on file for this position.
