As a Manager - Relationship Management with the Department of National Defence, you will lead and develop relationships with internal and external stakeholders to support DND's strategic objectives. You will be responsible for planning, organizing, and directing relationship management activities across multiple organizational levels, ensuring effective communication and collaboration between government departments, external partners, and the public. This role requires strong interpersonal skills, strategic thinking, and the ability to navigate complex organizational environments while maintaining professional standards and departmental priorities.
In this position, you will oversee teams responsible for stakeholder engagement, partnership development, and relationship coordination. Your responsibilities include setting relationship management strategies, monitoring performance metrics, resolving complex stakeholder issues, and ensuring alignment with government policies and DND priorities. You will represent DND in discussions with external organizations, manage communication protocols, and contribute to policy development related to relationship management practices.
You will work in a dynamic government environment where collaboration and coordination are essential. This role may involve travel to meet with stakeholders, attend meetings at various organizational levels, and participate in government-wide initiatives. You will report to a senior manager and supervise a team of relationship management professionals, requiring you to balance strategic planning with hands-on leadership and people management.
Key Responsibilities
Plan and manage the delivery of general relationship management services and programs, Supervise and develop staff within the general relationship management 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 qualify for this position, you typically need a bachelor's degree from a recognized institution. Preferred fields of study include public administration, business administration, communications, political science, or related disciplines. Some positions may accept equivalent combinations of education and relevant work experience.
Professional certifications in project management, stakeholder engagement, or government administration are advantageous. The Government of Canada offers professional development opportunities through the Canada School of Public Service, including courses in leadership, strategic planning, stakeholder management, and federal policy frameworks. Many managers pursue certifications such as the Project Management Professional (PMP) designation or government-specific credentials. Ongoing training in conflict resolution, intercultural communication, and emerging government priorities is encouraged to maintain effectiveness in this evolving role.
Entry Plans
You can enter this career path through several routes within the federal Public Service. Most positions are filled through open competitions advertised on the Government of Canada's Job Bank and the DND Civilian Careers website. These competitions are open to Canadian citizens and permanent residents and typically require you to meet specific education and experience requirements.
The Federal Student Work Experience Program (FSWEP) and the Cooperative Education Program allow students to gain relevant experience within DND, which can lead to permanent positions after graduation. The Post-Secondary Recruitment Initiative (PSRI) targets recent graduates for entry-level management positions.
Lateral moves from other government departments or from non-management relationship management roles within DND are common pathways. If you already work for the federal government in a related field, you may be able to transition into a manager position through internal competitions or deployment opportunities. Some candidates advance from coordinator or specialist positions in relationship management, communications, or stakeholder engagement roles after gaining sufficient experience and demonstrating management potential.
Part-Time Options
Part-time and flexible work arrangements are often available for Manager - Relationship Management positions, depending on operational requirements and departmental needs. Many managers at DND work on a full-time basis due to the nature of stakeholder engagement and team leadership responsibilities; however, discussions about flexible arrangements can be explored with your manager and Human Resources.
Remote and hybrid work options have become increasingly common in the federal government. Depending on your specific duties and organizational structure, you may have the opportunity to work from home for portions of your week, particularly for administrative tasks, virtual meetings, and relationship coordination activities. However, roles involving direct team supervision, in-person stakeholder meetings, or classified work may require more on-site presence. The extent of remote work flexibility varies by position and is subject to operational requirements and management approval. It is recommended to discuss specific arrangements with the hiring manager during the recruitment process.
Related Careers
No related military careers on file for this position.
