As a Manager - Media Relations, you will lead a team responsible for managing the Department of National Defence's relationship with media outlets and journalists. You will develop and execute media strategies that effectively communicate DND and Canadian Armed Forces messages to the public through traditional and digital media channels. This role requires strong strategic thinking, excellent communication skills, and the ability to work in a fast-paced, sometimes challenging environment where news cycles and public interest can shift rapidly.
Your responsibilities will include overseeing media inquiries, coordinating press releases and media events, managing spokesperson preparation, and ensuring consistent and accurate messaging across all communications. You will work closely with senior leadership, other government departments, and external media partners to shape public perception and maintain transparency. This position demands discretion, sound judgment, and the ability to respond effectively to both routine and crisis communications situations.
You will work primarily in an office environment, though you may be required to attend media events, press conferences, and stakeholder meetings. Depending on organizational needs and the news cycle, you may be on-call during critical situations or major announcements. The role offers the opportunity to influence how Canadians understand defence and security matters.
Key Responsibilities
Plan and manage the delivery of media relations services and programs, Supervise and develop staff within the media relations 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
Typically, candidates possess a bachelor's degree in communications, journalism, public relations, media studies, or a related field. Many successful candidates have additional education such as a master's degree in communications, public administration, or business administration. Professional certifications from organizations such as the Canadian Public Relations Society (CPRS) or similar bodies are valued but not always required.
Once hired, you will have access to professional development opportunities including media relations training, crisis communications workshops, leadership development programs, and DND-specific briefings on defence policy and operations. The Government of Canada offers ongoing learning through the Canada School of Public Service, which provides courses in communications, management, and strategic leadership. You will also receive training specific to government protocols, classification levels, and the Freedom of Information and Privacy Act (ATIP) to ensure you meet federal communications standards.
Entry Plans
Entry to this Manager - Media Relations role typically occurs through advertised competitions open to Canadian citizens. These competitions may be open to external candidates or limited to current Government of Canada employees. You may enter as an external applicant with relevant experience in media relations, communications management, or journalism, or as an internal candidate looking to advance your career within the federal public service.
Alternatively, you may advance to this position through lateral moves within DND Communications or other government departments if you already hold a comparable management-level position. Some candidates enter the federal public service through student or early-career recruitment programs and advance to this level after gaining experience. Eligibility requires Canadian citizenship, a valid security clearance (often Secret level for this role, with potential for higher clearance), and the ability to obtain or maintain that clearance throughout your employment.
Part-Time Options
Manager - Media Relations positions are typically full-time roles due to the leadership responsibilities and the need to respond to media inquiries and communications priorities during standard business hours and potentially beyond. However, the Government of Canada is increasingly flexible about how work is completed.
Depending on operational requirements and managerial approval, telework and flexible work arrangements may be available. Some aspects of media relations work, such as strategic planning, writing, and coordination, can be performed remotely. However, this role may require in-person presence during media events, press conferences, or urgent communications situations. Part-time options are limited but may be explored on a case-by-case basis. Work-life balance initiatives and leave provisions, including parental leave and sick leave, are available under the federal Public Service Labour Relations Act.
