As a Relationship Management Officer with the Department of National Defence, you will develop and maintain strategic relationships with internal and external stakeholders to support Defence objectives. You will serve as a liaison between DND and partner organizations, coordinate collaborative efforts, and ensure effective communication across organizational boundaries. This role is essential to building partnerships that strengthen Canada's defence capabilities and support whole-of-government initiatives.
Your day-to-day responsibilities include identifying partnership opportunities, negotiating agreements and memoranda of understanding, tracking relationship performance metrics, and resolving issues that arise between organizations. You will prepare briefing materials for senior leaders, attend meetings and conferences, and represent DND at engagement events. You may also conduct research on potential partners, analyze stakeholder needs, and develop strategies to deepen existing relationships.
You will work in a dynamic environment within DND headquarters, regional offices, or deployed locations depending on the posting. This role requires strong interpersonal skills, strategic thinking, and the ability to work collaboratively across cultures and organizational structures. You will interact regularly with military personnel, government colleagues, industry partners, international representatives, and non-governmental organizations.
Key Responsibilities
Perform general relationship management duties within the relationship management function, Prepare reports and documentation as required, Collaborate with team members and stakeholders, Maintain records and ensure compliance with relevant policies
Post-secondary education or equivalent experience relevant to the position
Training
To qualify for this position, you typically need a bachelor's degree from a recognized university in any discipline, though backgrounds in public administration, political science, international relations, business, or communications are particularly valued. Some positions may accept a diploma from a recognized institution combined with relevant work experience.
Professional development opportunities within this career include training in negotiation, conflict resolution, project management, and intercultural communication. Many officers pursue certifications in change management, stakeholder engagement, or government relations. DND supports continued learning through access to online courses, workshops, and conferences. You may also have opportunities to take French language training to meet bilingual requirements for certain positions, as many roles require or prefer English-French proficiency.
Entry Plans
You can enter this career through several pathways within the federal Public Service. The most common route is through a Public Service Commission (PSC) competitive staffing process, where you apply for advertised Relationship Management Officer positions. These competitions are regularly posted on the Government of Canada's official job portal (jobs.gc.ca).
If you are a Canadian Armed Forces member or veteran, you may access veterans' priority consideration in competitions. Current federal public service employees can apply as internal candidates, which may provide an advantage in some processes. Some positions participate in the Interchange Canada program, allowing private sector professionals to work temporarily in government roles.
DND also participates in student recruitment programs, including the Federal Student Work Experience Program (FSWEP) and Co-op placements, which can provide a pathway to permanent employment. Recent graduates may find opportunities through the Post-Secondary Recruitment Campaign or the Federal Public Service Internship Program. Lateral moves from related roles in other government departments—such as Strategic Communications, Policy Analysis, or Program Management—are also common.
Part-Time Options
Part-time and flexible work arrangements are available for Relationship Management Officer positions, though availability depends on operational requirements and the specific posting. Many offices support flexible hours and telework options, allowing you to manage your schedule around core business hours. Remote work is increasingly common for certain relationship management functions, particularly for those based in or near National Defence Headquarters in Ottawa.
Job-sharing arrangements may be available in some contexts, and DND is committed to supporting work-life balance for its civilian workforce. However, positions involving frequent stakeholder engagement, negotiations, or in-person meetings may have less flexibility. When applying, you can discuss accommodation needs with the hiring manager. Compressed work weeks and variable start times are sometimes available depending on the operational needs of your specific team.
Related Careers
No related military careers on file for this position.
