As a Manager - Correspondence in the Department of National Defence, you lead a team responsible for managing official communications on behalf of senior leaders and executives. Your role bridges strategic communications priorities with day-to-day correspondence operations, ensuring that all written communications reflect DND's voice, comply with government standards, and meet stakeholder expectations. You oversee the planning, coordination, and delivery of correspondence services across your organization.
Your responsibilities include directing correspondence staff, establishing quality standards and processes, managing workflow and timelines, and ensuring compliance with Treasury Board policies and government communications guidelines. You mentor team members, handle complex or sensitive correspondence, and collaborate with other communications professionals, subject matter experts, and departmental leaders. You may also represent DND in inter-departmental correspondence working groups and contribute to communications strategy development.
The work environment is dynamic and deadline-driven. You work in an office setting at National Defence Headquarters in Ottawa or at other DND locations across Canada. Your role requires strong organizational skills, political awareness, and the ability to manage competing priorities while maintaining a professional, collaborative team culture.
Key Responsibilities
Plan and manage the delivery of correspondence services and programs, Supervise and develop staff within the correspondence 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, People management, Operational oversight, Quality assurance, Resource coordination
Typical Education
Post-secondary education in the relevant field; supervisory and operational management experience
Training
To succeed in this role, you typically need post-secondary education in communications, public relations, journalism, English, or a related field. Many managers in this career have completed a bachelor's degree, though some have extensive experience in correspondence or communications roles without formal credentials.
Professional development opportunities include Government of Canada communications training, Treasury Board policy workshops, advanced writing and editing courses, and management training programs offered through the Canada School of Public Service. You may pursue professional designations through organizations like the Canadian Public Relations Society (CPRS) or the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC). Ongoing learning in digital communications, plain language writing, and accessibility standards is encouraged to stay current with evolving government communications practices.
Entry Plans
You can enter this career through several pathways within the federal Public Service:
**Competitions:** DND posts Manager - Correspondence positions through open competitions advertised on the Government of Canada jobs website. These competitions are open to Canadian citizens and may include current Public Service employees.
**Lateral Moves:** If you are already employed in the federal Public Service in a related role (such as Communications Officer, Administrative Officer, or Program Officer), you may apply for Manager - Correspondence positions or participate in priority placement processes.
**Internal Development:** Many managers in this role advance from Correspondence Officer or Senior Correspondence Officer positions within DND. If you are working in a correspondence or communications support role, you can gain experience and apply for managerial competitions when they are posted.
**Student Programs:** The Federal Student Work Experience Program (FSWEP) and the Post-Secondary Recruitment Campaign (PSRC) offer entry points for students and recent graduates to gain experience in DND communications roles, which can lead to permanent positions.
Competitions typically require a written test, interview, and reference checks. Previous experience in correspondence, communications, writing, or team leadership is valued.
Part-Time Options
Part-time and flexible work arrangements for Manager - Correspondence positions depend on operational needs and DND's flexibility policies. While managerial roles traditionally require full-time presence for team leadership and decision-making, many DND workplaces have adopted hybrid and flexible work options.
Remote work may be available for certain correspondence management tasks, particularly those involving writing, editing, and administrative oversight. However, regular in-person presence is typically expected for team meetings, mentoring, and stakeholder collaboration.
Flexible hours and compressed work weeks may be negotiable depending on your manager and operational requirements. To learn about specific flexible work options available at your DND location, discuss arrangements with your hiring manager or HR representative during the hiring process or after you begin employment.
Related Careers
No related military careers on file for this position.
