As a Manager - Photography, you will lead a team of professional photographers and support staff in delivering high-quality visual content that supports Department of National Defence communications objectives. You will be responsible for planning, directing, and controlling photography operations, including assignment coordination, quality assurance, and resource management. This role ensures that all photographic work meets departmental standards and supports strategic communications goals across the defence organization.
Your day-to-day responsibilities include overseeing the planning and execution of photography assignments, mentoring and evaluating photography staff, managing budgets and equipment, and collaborating with communications teams to understand project requirements. You will ensure that photography standards and best practices are maintained across all projects, and that deadlines are met consistently. You will also liaise with other government departments and external partners when photography services are required.
You will work in a dynamic communications environment within the Department of National Defence, where visual storytelling plays a critical role in public engagement and internal communications. Your work may involve coordinating photography at military operations, events, training exercises, and official ceremonies. This role offers the opportunity to lead a talented team while contributing to the Defence mission through compelling visual communication.
Key Responsibilities
Plan and manage the delivery of photography services and programs, Supervise and develop staff within the photography 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 be successful in this role, you typically need a combination of formal education and professional experience. Most candidates have a post-secondary degree in photography, communications, fine arts, or a related field, combined with several years of professional photography experience and demonstrated supervisory or management experience.
Certifications and credentials that enhance your candidacy include professional memberships with recognized photography associations, advanced training in digital asset management systems, and knowledge of government communications protocols and security requirements. Once hired, you may have opportunities to pursue management development programs offered through the Public Service, including leadership training, conflict resolution, and strategic communications courses.
Continuous professional development is encouraged and supported, including attendance at photography and communications conferences, workshops on emerging imaging technologies, and training in new software and equipment relevant to visual communications.
Entry Plans
Entry into this role in the DND civilian workforce typically occurs through federal government job competitions advertised on the Government of Canada Jobs website. These competitions are open to Canadian citizens and may be open to Canadian permanent residents depending on the specific posting.
You may enter this career through several pathways: direct application to advertised Manager - Photography positions, participation in lateral transfer processes if you already work in the federal Public Service, or advancement from a photographer or senior photographer role within DND. The Public Service may also maintain talent pools of qualified candidates for management positions, allowing faster placement when vacancies arise.
If you are a recent graduate, you might explore the Federal Student Work Experience Program (FSWEP) or the Post-Secondary Recruitment (PSR) program to gain initial experience and familiarity with DND operations. These programs can provide a pathway to permanent employment once you have completed your studies and meet all requirements.
Part-Time Options
Manager - Photography positions are typically full-time roles due to the supervisory and management responsibilities involved. However, the Department of National Defence is committed to offering flexible work arrangements where operationally feasible.
Depending on your team's needs and departmental policies, flexible scheduling, compressed work weeks, or telecommuting options may be negotiated with your manager. Remote work may be possible for some administrative and planning tasks, though in-person presence is often required for assignment oversight, team meetings, and operational coordination.
Part-time or job-sharing arrangements for management positions are less common in the federal Public Service but may be explored on a case-by-case basis. We encourage you to discuss specific work arrangement needs during the recruitment and hiring process to determine what options may be available for your situation.
Related Careers
No related military careers on file for this position.
