As a Manager - Public Outreach, you will lead strategic initiatives that connect the Department of National Defence with Canadian communities, stakeholders, and the public. You'll develop and oversee comprehensive outreach programs, manage relationships with external partners, and ensure effective two-way communication about DND's mandate, operations, and contributions to national security and defence. This role is essential to building public understanding and support for Canada's defence objectives.
Your responsibilities will include planning and executing outreach campaigns, managing team members who deliver public engagement activities, and collaborating with communications, operations, and policy teams across DND. You'll analyze public sentiment, identify emerging communication needs, and recommend strategies to enhance the department's reputation and public trust. You may oversee events, educational initiatives, media relations support, and community engagement programs at national or regional levels.
You'll work in a dynamic environment where priorities shift based on current events, operational developments, and government direction. This position offers opportunities to influence how Canadians understand defence and security, working alongside dedicated professionals committed to serving the public interest.
Key Responsibilities
Plan and manage the delivery of public outreach services and programs, Supervise and develop staff within the public outreach 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 competitive for this role, you should have a bachelor's degree from a recognized institution. Preferred fields of study include communications, public relations, political science, public administration, business, or related disciplines. Many successful candidates also hold a master's degree in these or similar fields.
Essential knowledge includes public communications strategies, relationship management, program management, and government operations. You should demonstrate strong writing and presentation skills, experience leading teams, and familiarity with digital and traditional media. Many managers in this role have completed professional certifications through organizations like the Canadian Public Relations Society or similar bodies.
Once hired, the Government of Canada provides extensive professional development through the Canada School of Public Service, departmental training programs, and leadership development initiatives. You'll have access to courses in management, communications policy, stakeholder engagement, and other areas relevant to your role. Continuous learning is encouraged to stay current with communication trends, digital platforms, and evolving public expectations.
Entry Plans
Entry to this Manager - Public Outreach position typically occurs through several pathways within the federal Public Service. Most commonly, candidates apply through competitive job postings advertised on the Government of Canada Jobs website (jobs.gc.ca). These competitions are open to Canadian citizens and permanent residents.
If you're already a federal public servant, you may be eligible to apply through internal competitions, which sometimes offer advantages in the selection process. Many managers in this role have progressed from coordinator or specialist positions in communications or public outreach, gaining experience before moving into management.
The Public Service also maintains inventory lists and talent pools for managerial positions. If you've recently completed a federal recruitment process, you may be placed on an inventory that allows departments to contact you for suitable opportunities without a new competition.
Student programs like the Federal Student Work Experience Program (FSWEP) and post-graduation recruitment initiatives (like the Post-Secondary Recruitment Campaign) can provide pathways into the Public Service. Lateral moves from other government departments or levels of government are also possible, though you may need to compete for the specific position.
Part-Time Options
Part-time opportunities for Manager - Public Outreach positions are limited, as management roles typically require full-time commitment to lead teams and maintain continuity in strategic initiatives. However, the Public Service is increasingly exploring flexible work arrangements.
Remote and hybrid work options are available depending on operational needs and departmental policy. Many outreach managers can perform significant portions of their work—such as strategic planning, stakeholder communication, report writing, and virtual meetings—from home or alternative locations. Some duties, particularly team meetings, event oversight, and in-person stakeholder engagement, may require presence at a DND office or in the community.
Job sharing arrangements may be possible in some cases, though these are negotiated individually and depend on organizational requirements. Telework agreements are typically formalized in your employment contract or established once you're in the role. Work-life balance initiatives, flexible hours, and leave options (including parental leave and unpaid leave) are available to all federal employees under the Treasury Board policies and your collective agreement or terms of employment.
Related Careers
No related military careers on file for this position.
