As a Marketing Officer with the Department of National Defence, you will develop and implement marketing strategies that promote DND programs, services, and initiatives to internal and external audiences. You will work collaboratively with communications teams, senior leadership, and stakeholders to create compelling campaigns that support organizational objectives and advance public understanding of defence and security matters.
Your day-to-day responsibilities include analyzing market trends and audience insights, developing marketing plans and promotional materials, managing digital and traditional marketing channels, coordinating campaigns across multiple platforms, and measuring campaign effectiveness through analytics and reporting. You may specialize in areas such as recruitment marketing, public awareness campaigns, or internal communications depending on your position and organizational needs.
You will work in a professional office environment, primarily in Ottawa or other major Canadian cities where DND has operations. This role offers the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to national defence priorities while developing expertise in strategic communications and marketing within a large, complex organization.
Key Responsibilities
Develop and deliver advertising and marketing products and services, Draft content for various channels and audiences, Coordinate with stakeholders on messaging and approvals, Monitor and evaluate communications effectiveness
Required Skills
Writing and editing, Strategic thinking, Media relations, Digital content creation, Stakeholder engagement, Technical proficiency, Attention to detail, Collaboration, Continuous learning
Typical Education
Post-secondary education or equivalent experience relevant to the position
Training
Education: You will typically need a bachelor's degree in marketing, communications, business, or a related field. Some positions may accept equivalent professional experience combined with relevant coursework or certifications.
Certifications and Professional Development: The Government of Canada encourages professional development in areas such as digital marketing, social media strategy, marketing analytics, and public sector communications. Many Marketing Officers pursue or maintain certifications through professional associations such as the Canadian Marketing Association or the Professional Communicators Association of Canada. DND provides professional development opportunities, including access to learning platforms, workshops, and mentoring programs to support your career growth and technical skill development.
Entry Plans
As a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, you can enter the DND Civilian Workforce as a Marketing Officer through several pathways:
Public Service Job Competitions: DND regularly posts Marketing Officer positions on the Government of Canada Job Bank (jobs.gc.ca). Competitions are open to Canadian citizens and permanent residents. You will need to demonstrate the required education, experience, and core competencies through your application and assessment process.
Student Programs: The Government of Canada offers Co-op and Student Work programs that allow post-secondary students to gain experience in federal organizations before completing their studies. These programs can provide a pathway to permanent positions upon graduation.
Lateral Moves: If you are already a federal public servant in another department or agency, you may apply for Marketing Officer positions within DND without competing in an open competition, depending on organizational needs and Treasury Board policies.
Temporary and Contract Work: Some positions are posted as term or contract roles, which can lead to permanent opportunities as staffing needs evolve.
Part-Time Options
Part-time and flexible work arrangements are available for Marketing Officer positions in the federal public service, subject to operational requirements and manager approval. Many DND offices support flexible work schedules, compressed work weeks, and job sharing arrangements to accommodate work-life balance needs.
Remote work options have expanded significantly across the Government of Canada. Depending on the specific role, location, and organizational priorities, you may have opportunities to work from home for part or all of your week. Some positions are fully remote, while others operate on a hybrid model requiring periodic in-office attendance for collaboration and team activities.
Availability of flexible and remote arrangements varies by position, team, and location. During the recruitment process, you can discuss flexibility options with the hiring manager to determine what arrangements are feasible for your specific role.
