As a Supervisor of Academic Administration at the Department of National Defence, you will lead and manage a team responsible for the delivery of educational programs, academic services, and administrative functions that support DND's learning and development mandate. You will oversee the planning, coordination, and implementation of academic initiatives while ensuring compliance with departmental policies and Treasury Board guidelines. This role bridges leadership and technical expertise, requiring you to manage both people and complex academic operations.
Your responsibilities will include supervising staff, allocating resources, managing budgets, monitoring performance metrics, and ensuring quality standards across academic programs and services. You will work collaboratively with other departments, educational institutions, and stakeholders to develop and deliver training solutions that meet organizational and individual development needs. You will also be responsible for policy implementation, reporting to senior management, and identifying opportunities for continuous improvement.
You will work in a professional environment within DND's civilian workforce, typically in office settings at National Defence Headquarters or other DND facilities. This role offers the opportunity to influence educational outcomes across the organization and contribute to the professional development of military and civilian personnel.
Key Responsibilities
Coordinate and oversee daily academic administration operations, Assign work, monitor progress, and provide guidance to team members, Review work products for quality and compliance with standards, Contribute to operational planning and process improvement
Required Skills
Instructional design, Facilitation, Curriculum development, Assessment, Adult learning principles, Team supervision, Work coordination, Quality control, Staff development
Typical Education
Post-secondary diploma or degree; experience in the relevant technical or functional area
Training
To be considered for this position, you will typically need a bachelor's degree in education, public administration, business, or a related field. Many successful candidates have a master's degree in education, business administration, or organizational management. Professional certifications in project management (PMP, CAPM) or human resources management are assets.
Once hired, you will receive training on Treasury Board policies, DND-specific regulations, and government systems such as DWAN and departmental learning management platforms. Professional development opportunities include access to Treasury Board learning programs, Government of Canada leadership development courses, and external training in areas such as change management, budget administration, and strategic planning. Many supervisors pursue additional credentials through recognized institutions to enhance their expertise in educational administration and organizational leadership.
Entry Plans
Entry into this position can occur through several pathways within the Government of Canada Public Service:
**Open Competitions**: DND regularly posts Supervisor – Academic Administration positions through open competitions. Eligible candidates from any Canadian organization can apply.
**Internal Competitions**: Current DND employees and other federal public service members may have access to internal competitions, which sometimes provide priority consideration.
**Priority Hiring**: Appointments may be made from various priority groups including veterans, Indigenous peoples, and other designated equity-seeking groups.
**Lateral Moves**: Employees in related roles such as Education Program Officers, Training Coordinators, or other supervisory positions in the federal public service may transition into this role through internal staffing processes.
**Student and Graduate Programs**: DND participates in federal student employment programs and graduate recruitment initiatives where high-performing candidates can transition to permanent positions.
All candidates must complete a security clearance process and meet Government of Canada citizenship and language requirements (English or French, often at the Professional level).
Part-Time Options
Supervisor – Academic Administration positions are typically full-time, permanent roles. However, the Government of Canada offers flexible work arrangements that may be available depending on operational requirements and manager approval.
Remote and hybrid work options have become more common across DND civilian positions, particularly for roles involving administrative planning and coordination. Many supervisors have the flexibility to work from home on designated days while maintaining regular office presence for team meetings, training delivery, and stakeholder engagement.
Part-time or job-share arrangements may be possible in some circumstances, though supervisory roles often require consistent full-time presence for effective team management. Interested candidates should discuss flexible work options during the recruitment process or after appointment. All arrangements must align with operational needs and DND policy.
Related Careers
No related military careers on file for this position.