As a Manager - Indigenous Affairs in the Department of National Defence, you will lead and direct Indigenous affairs initiatives, programs, and relationship-building efforts that support DND's commitment to reconciliation and meaningful engagement with Indigenous peoples and communities. You will be responsible for developing strategies, policies, and programs that align with federal priorities while fostering respectful partnerships with Indigenous nations, organizations, and stakeholders. This role involves managing teams, overseeing project delivery, and ensuring that Indigenous perspectives are integrated throughout DND operations and decision-making processes.
Your daily responsibilities will include directing the work of staff members, managing budgets and resources, coordinating with other government departments and Indigenous partners, and monitoring the progress of Indigenous affairs initiatives. You will represent DND in meetings with Indigenous leadership and community representatives, contribute to policy development, and ensure compliance with government commitments related to Indigenous reconciliation. You will also identify emerging issues, recommend strategic direction, and report on outcomes to senior leadership.
You will work in a collaborative federal environment that values cultural competency, inclusive leadership, and innovative problem-solving. This role offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on DND's relationship with Indigenous peoples and contribute to the broader government reconciliation agenda.
Key Responsibilities
Plan and manage the delivery of indigenous affairs services and programs, Supervise and develop staff within the indigenous affairs 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
To be successful in this role, you should have a university degree in a relevant field such as public administration, political science, Indigenous studies, business administration, or a related discipline. Some positions may accept equivalent work experience in place of formal education.
Key competencies include strong knowledge of Indigenous history, culture, rights, and governance structures; experience in relationship management and stakeholder engagement; demonstrated leadership and people management abilities; knowledge of federal government processes and priorities; and excellent communication skills in both official languages (English and French).
Professional development opportunities are available through the Public Service Learning Portal, including courses on Indigenous cultural competency, federal policy frameworks, leadership development, and project management. DND also supports employees in pursuing relevant certifications and advanced education. Many managers in this field benefit from mentorship programs and networking with Indigenous affairs professionals across the federal government.
Entry Plans
There are several pathways to enter this career in the federal Public Service:
1. Direct Competition: Apply to open Manager - Indigenous Affairs positions advertised on the Government of Canada Job Bank and DND's internal career portal. Competitions typically require relevant education and experience in Indigenous affairs, government relations, or program management.
2. Lateral Movement: If you are already employed in the federal Public Service, you may apply to competitions as an internal candidate, which can provide advantages in the selection process.
3. Bridging from Related Roles: Many managers transition into Indigenous Affairs from roles in policy development, program administration, human resources, or community relations within DND or other government departments.
4. Student and Early-Career Programs: DND offers student employment and post-secondary recruitment programs that can lead to permanent careers. These programs provide practical experience and may lead to priority hiring for permanent positions.
5. Indigenous-Specific Recruitment: DND actively recruits Indigenous candidates and may offer targeted recruitment initiatives to support the growth of Indigenous representation in management roles.
All entry pathways require successful completion of a security clearance process and may include interviews, assessments, and reference checks.
Part-Time Options
Part-time and flexible work arrangements are often available for Manager - Indigenous Affairs positions, though availability may depend on operational requirements and team structure. Many managers in the federal Public Service negotiate flexible schedules, such as reduced hours or compressed work weeks, with their supervisors.
Remote and hybrid work options have become more common in the federal government following recent policy updates. Depending on the specific position and DND location, you may have the opportunity to work from home for part of the week or conduct relationship-building activities in communities while maintaining some work-from-home flexibility. Positions requiring significant in-person engagement with Indigenous communities and stakeholders may have less remote work availability.
Family-friendly benefits include leave provisions for parental care, personal care, and other life circumstances. DND also supports work-life balance initiatives and employee wellness programs. During your recruitment process, you can discuss flexible work arrangements with your hiring manager to find options that align with both operational needs and your personal circumstances.
Related Careers
No related military careers on file for this position.
