As a Manager of Public Opinion Research within the Department of National Defence, you will lead teams responsible for conducting, analyzing, and interpreting public opinion research to support strategic communications and policy decisions. Your work will directly influence how the Department understands and responds to public attitudes, concerns, and perceptions regarding defence and security matters. You will oversee the planning, execution, and reporting of quantitative and qualitative research projects, ensuring data quality and analytical rigor. This role bridges research methodology, communications strategy, and organizational decision-making in a complex, dynamic environment where public trust and understanding are critical to national defence operations.
Your day-to-day responsibilities will include managing research teams, developing methodologically sound research designs, overseeing data collection and analysis, and presenting findings to senior leaders and stakeholders. You will work collaboratively with communications professionals, policy advisors, and operational teams across Defence to identify research needs and translate findings into actionable insights. You will also be responsible for budget management, resource allocation, and ensuring compliance with Treasury Board standards and ethical research practices.
This position offers the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to Canada's defence communications strategy while working in a professional environment that values evidence-based decision-making. You will interact with diverse stakeholders at all organizational levels and have access to cutting-edge research tools and methodologies. The work environment is collaborative yet intellectually rigorous, requiring both strong analytical skills and the ability to communicate complex findings clearly to non-specialist audiences.
Key Responsibilities
Plan and manage the delivery of public opinion research services and programs, Supervise and develop staff within the public opinion research 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 enter this role, you typically need a university degree in a relevant field such as communications, psychology, sociology, statistics, market research, public policy, or a related discipline. Many successful candidates hold a Master's degree in market research, public opinion research, communications, or business administration (MBA). Formal training in quantitative and qualitative research methodologies is essential.
Professional certifications valued in this field include those offered by the Insights Association, the Canadian Association for Public Opinion Research (CAPOR), and professional bodies focused on market and social research. These certifications demonstrate expertise in research ethics, methodology, and best practices.
Ongoing professional development is encouraged through workshops on advanced statistical analysis, emerging research technologies, survey design, and data visualization. Many managers in this field pursue training in project management (PMP), advanced analytics, and artificial intelligence applications in research. The Department supports employees in maintaining professional memberships and attending conferences that enhance their expertise and keep them current with evolving research practices and government communications standards.
Entry Plans
Entry into this Manager role typically occurs through several pathways within the federal Public Service. The most common route is through a staffing competition advertised on the Government of Canada Jobs website. These competitions are open to Canadian citizens and may be restricted to current Public Service employees or open to the general public, depending on organizational needs.
If you are already employed within the DND civilian workforce or the broader federal Public Service, you may advance to this position through internal promotion competitions. Your experience in public opinion research, communications, or related fields will be valued. Some candidates enter at the Manager level after working in senior analyst or specialist roles within research, communications, or policy teams.
The Public Service may also use inventories or staffing pools for manager-level positions, particularly when multiple departments have similar needs. This allows qualified candidates to be appointed more efficiently once a competition has been held. If you have recent relevant work experience outside government, you can apply through open competitions, though you may need to meet Treasury Board qualification standards specific to the federal Public Service. Bridging programs and lateral entry are available for professionals with strong research credentials transitioning from the private sector, academia, or other organizations.
Part-Time Options
Many Manager positions in the federal Public Service can be structured on a part-time or full-time basis, depending on operational needs and individual circumstances. However, management roles typically involve full-time commitment due to supervisory responsibilities, budget oversight, and the need for consistent leadership and availability to team members and stakeholders.
Flexible work arrangements, including flexible hours and telework, are increasingly available within Defence depending on the role and manager approval. The nature of public opinion research—which often involves managing projects, analyzing data, and preparing reports—allows for some flexibility in where and when work is performed. Remote work options may be available for certain aspects of the role, particularly analytical work and report preparation, though in-person presence is generally expected for team meetings, stakeholder engagement, and collaborative planning sessions.
To explore specific part-time, job-sharing, or flexible work options for a Manager position, you would discuss these arrangements during recruitment or with your manager if already employed. Requests for flexible work are considered on a case-by-case basis and must align with operational requirements and the Department's workforce management needs. The Department is committed to supporting work-life balance while ensuring effective service delivery.
Related Careers
No related military careers on file for this position.
