As a Manager - Education within the Department of National Defence, you will lead and oversee education programs, policies, and initiatives that support the professional development and learning needs of military and civilian personnel. Your role involves strategic planning, program development, and the coordination of educational resources to ensure effective delivery of training and learning opportunities across the organization.
Your key responsibilities include developing and implementing education policies and programs, managing budgets and educational resources, supervising education staff and coordinators, evaluating program effectiveness and outcomes, and ensuring alignment with DND strategic objectives. You will work collaboratively with stakeholders at all levels, from frontline training delivery teams to senior leadership, to identify learning needs and deliver solutions that enhance organizational capability.
You will work in a dynamic military and civilian environment where your decisions directly impact personnel readiness and professional growth. This role offers the opportunity to shape the future of defence education and to contribute meaningfully to the success of Canada's Armed Forces and the DND civilian workforce.
Key Responsibilities
Plan and manage the delivery of general education services and programs, Supervise and develop staff within the general education team, Monitor performance metrics and report on results, Develop and implement operational plans and procedures, Manage stakeholder relationships and ensure service quality
Post-secondary education in the relevant field; supervisory and operational management experience
Training
A bachelor's degree is typically required, preferably in education, adult learning, human resources, business administration, public administration, or a related field. Some positions may accept equivalent work experience in education management or program administration.
Professional certifications in project management (PMP), adult education (CAE), or instructional design are assets. Familiarity with learning management systems (LMS), training needs analysis, and educational assessment methods is valuable.
Once hired, you will have access to ongoing professional development through the Public Service Learning Portal, DND-specific leadership training, and opportunities to pursue advanced certifications. Many managers in this role pursue credentials in educational leadership, organizational development, or public sector management to advance their careers.
Entry Plans
Entry into this position typically occurs through Public Service recruitment competitions advertised on the Government of Canada Jobs website. The Competition Process involves submitting an application, participating in a written assessment, and attending an interview with a selection panel.
Lateral Moves: If you are already employed in the federal Public Service, you may be able to move into this role through internal competitions or deployment, which can offer a faster pathway than external recruitment.
Student Programs: The Federal Student Work Experience Program (FSWEP) and Post-Secondary Recruitment Campaign (PSRC) can provide entry opportunities for recent graduates, though these typically lead to junior positions before advancing to management roles.
Edge Rated Pools: DND periodically maintains recruitment pools for manager-level positions in education, which can expedite hiring when positions become available.
We recommend checking the DND Careers page and the Government of Canada Jobs website regularly for current opportunities.
Part-Time Options
Part-time work is available for some Manager - Education positions, though full-time roles are more common at the management level. Eligibility depends on operational requirements and specific position classifications.
Flexible work arrangements, including flexible hours and telework, are increasingly available within DND. Many education managers work a combination of office-based and remote days, particularly for planning, policy development, and administrative tasks. However, some responsibilities may require in-person attendance for staff meetings, training delivery oversight, or stakeholder engagement.
We encourage you to discuss specific flexibility options during the recruitment process, as arrangements vary by position, location, and directorate. DND is committed to supporting work-life balance while maintaining operational effectiveness.
Related Careers
No related military careers on file for this position.
