As a Supervisor in Advertising and Marketing with the Department of National Defence, you will lead a team of advertising and marketing professionals who develop and execute strategic communications campaigns. Your role involves directing the planning, creation, and delivery of advertising and marketing initiatives that support DND's strategic objectives and public engagement efforts. You will oversee team members, manage budgets, coordinate with internal and external stakeholders, and ensure all communications align with Government of Canada standards and DND priorities.
In this position, you will be responsible for setting team direction, mentoring staff, and ensuring the quality and effectiveness of advertising and marketing deliverables. You will work with various departments across DND, other government agencies, and external partners such as advertising agencies and media outlets. Your work environment will be fast-paced and dynamic, requiring you to balance strategic thinking with hands-on project management and team leadership.
This role offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on how the Canadian Armed Forces and DND communicate with the public, service members, and stakeholders. You will contribute to building awareness, understanding, and support for DND's mission and initiatives across Canada and internationally.
Key Responsibilities
Coordinate and oversee daily advertising and marketing 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
Writing and editing, Strategic thinking, Media relations, Digital content creation, Stakeholder engagement, Team supervision, Work coordination, Quality control, Staff development
Typical Education
Post-secondary diploma or degree; experience in the relevant technical or functional area
Training
Most candidates for this position hold a bachelor's degree in advertising, marketing, communications, business, or a related field. Experience in marketing strategy, campaign development, digital marketing, or communications planning is highly valued. Many successful candidates have completed professional certifications such as the Certified Professional Marketer (CPM) or similar credentials from recognized marketing associations.
Once hired, you will have access to professional development opportunities through the Public Service Learning Portal, which offers courses in leadership, project management, and advanced marketing practices. DND also supports participation in government-specific training programs focused on federal communications standards, official languages, and accessible communications. Many supervisors pursue additional certifications or participate in workshops offered by professional marketing and advertising organizations to stay current with industry trends and best practices.
Entry Plans
There are several pathways to become a Supervisor in Advertising and Marketing with the Government of Canada:
Competitive Job Postings: DND regularly posts supervisor-level positions on the Government of Canada Job Bank. To apply, you must be a Canadian citizen, have valid security clearance eligibility, and meet the specific qualifications outlined in the posting.
Internal Advancement: Current DND employees in advertising and marketing positions can compete for supervisor roles through internal competitions, which often provide priority consideration. This is a common pathway for professionals who have demonstrated strong performance and leadership potential.
Lateral Moves: Experienced supervisors from other federal departments or agencies may transition into DND advertising and marketing roles through interdepartmental competitions or staffing processes.
Student and Early Career Programs: DND participates in the Federal Student Work Experience Program (FSWEP) and Co-op programs, which can lead to permanent positions for students and recent graduates who demonstrate capability.
Talent Pools: Government departments maintain talent pools for advertising and marketing professionals, which may fast-track qualified candidates into available supervisor positions.
Part-Time Options
The Supervisor - Advertising and Marketing role is typically a full-time permanent position. However, flexible work arrangements may be available depending on operational needs and departmental policy. Many DND offices offer hybrid work options, allowing supervisors to work from home part of the week while maintaining core office presence for team meetings and collaboration.
Part-time permanent or term positions in supervisory roles within advertising and marketing are rare in the federal Public Service, as supervisory positions usually require consistent full-time commitment for team management and accountability. However, candidates interested in part-time work are encouraged to inquire about flexible scheduling during the application and interview process, as arrangements may be negotiated based on individual circumstances and business requirements.
Remote work options have become more common across DND since 2020, particularly for roles that involve digital marketing and campaign planning. Supervisors may have the flexibility to manage some tasks remotely while maintaining regular in-person engagement with their teams and stakeholders.
