Project Coordinators in the Department of National Defence play a vital administrative role in supporting the successful delivery of defence and security initiatives. Working within the Project Management function, you will coordinate project activities, manage documentation, and ensure that projects stay on track to meet their objectives. Your work directly supports military operations, defence infrastructure, technology implementations, and organizational initiatives across DND.
In this role, you will manage project schedules, track budgets, prepare reports, and communicate progress to stakeholders. You may coordinate meetings, maintain project documentation, assist with risk management, and help ensure compliance with Treasury Board policies and DND directives. You will work collaboratively with military personnel, civilian colleagues, and external partners to remove administrative barriers and keep projects moving forward.
Project Coordinators work in office environments at DND headquarters, regional offices, and operational bases across Canada. The work environment is dynamic and deadline-driven, requiring strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously. You will interact regularly with senior managers, project teams, and external government departments.
Key Responsibilities
Perform project management duties in support of departmental operations, Prepare correspondence, reports, and administrative documents, Coordinate schedules, meetings, and logistics, Maintain records and filing systems
Required Skills
Organizational skills, Written and oral communication, MS Office proficiency, Time management, Attention to detail, Technical proficiency, Attention to detail, Collaboration, Continuous learning
Typical Education
Post-secondary education or equivalent experience relevant to the position
Training
To become a Project Coordinator at DND, you typically need a secondary school diploma or equivalent, with some positions requiring post-secondary education in business administration, public administration, or a related field. Many successful candidates have completed college-level programs in office administration or project support.
Professional development opportunities include training in project management methodologies (such as Prince2 or Agile), Microsoft Office applications, and government-specific project management tools. DND supports employees pursuing the Project Management Professional (PMP) certification or the Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) credential through the Project Management Institute. You may also access training in government financial management, Treasury Board policies, and Defence-specific systems and procedures.
Entry Plans
You can enter the Project Coordinator career in the federal Public Service through several pathways. The most common route is through open public service competitions advertised on the Government of Canada Job Bank and DND's careers website. These competitions are merit-based and open to Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and other eligible candidates.
Student hiring programs, such as the Post-Secondary Recruitment Program, provide opportunities for recent graduates to gain federal experience. Some candidates transition into Project Coordinator roles through lateral moves from other administrative positions within the Public Service, bringing their existing experience and security clearances. Co-op and internship programs may also lead to permanent positions. To apply, you will need a valid Social Insurance Number and a completed Government of Canada security clearance process, which typically takes 4-6 months.
Part-Time Options
Part-time and flexible work arrangements are available for Project Coordinator positions at DND, depending on operational needs and manager approval. Many coordinators work standard full-time hours (37.5 hours per week), but compressed work weeks, flexible scheduling, and part-time opportunities may be negotiated based on the specific project and department requirements.
Remote and hybrid work options have expanded across DND civilian roles. Many Project Coordinator duties—such as scheduling, documentation, and virtual meeting coordination—can be performed remotely. However, some coordination responsibilities may require in-person presence for meetings, document handling, or site-based support. Your specific remote work eligibility will depend on your work location, project requirements, and your manager's approval. DND supports work-life balance initiatives and encourages discussions about flexible arrangements during the hiring and onboarding process.
Related Careers
No related military careers on file for this position.
