As a Supervisor - Public Opinion Research, you lead a team of researchers and analysts dedicated to understanding public perspectives on defence and military matters. Your role is critical to helping the Department of National Defence (DND) develop policies and communications strategies that resonate with Canadians. You oversee the planning, design, and execution of research projects, including surveys, focus groups, and data analysis, while managing budgets, timelines, and team performance. This position combines strategic leadership with technical expertise in social science research methodologies. You work in a collaborative environment alongside communications professionals, policy experts, and senior leadership, contributing directly to informed decision-making at the departmental level. Your insights shape how DND communicates with the public and understands Canadian views on defence issues.
Key Responsibilities
Coordinate and oversee daily public opinion research 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
To succeed in this role, you typically need a bachelor's degree in social sciences, psychology, statistics, communications, or a related field. Many supervisors hold a master's degree in public administration, political science, market research, or social science research methods. Professional certifications in research methodologies, survey design, or data analysis are valued assets. The Public Service Commission offers federal public sector management training programs to develop your supervisory skills. DND provides ongoing professional development in areas such as defence communications, policy analysis, and public engagement strategies. You may also pursue credentials through organizations like the Canadian Association for Public Opinion Research (CAPOR) or the Professional Marketing Research Society (PMRS) to enhance your credibility and stay current with industry best practices.
Entry Plans
Entry into this supervisor role typically occurs through one of several pathways within the federal Public Service. You may apply directly to advertised competitions posted on the Government of Canada Job Bank when this position becomes available. Many supervisors are promoted internally after gaining experience as Research Officers or Analysts within DND's communications or research teams, usually after 2-3 years demonstrating strong performance and leadership potential. The Public Service may also use staffing pools—groups of pre-qualified candidates—to fill vacancies more quickly. If you are new to the federal government, you can explore student programs such as the Federal Student Work Experience Program (FSWEP) or post-graduation recruitment initiatives to gain initial experience. Lateral moves from other federal departments' communications or research units are also common, as your research and analytical skills are transferable across government.
Part-Time Options
This supervisor role is typically offered on a full-time basis; however, the federal Public Service does support flexible work arrangements where operationally feasible. Part-time employment at the supervisor level is less common due to the continuity and leadership presence required to manage a team effectively. Many DND civilian positions, including this one, offer flexible work schedules and telework options, allowing you to balance professional and personal commitments. Remote work arrangements have become more prevalent, particularly for research, analysis, and planning activities that do not require daily on-site presence. Your specific options will depend on operational needs, team structure, and agreement with your manager. We encourage you to discuss flexible work possibilities during the recruitment process or with your manager once hired, as DND is committed to supporting work-life balance for its civilian workforce.
Related Careers
No related military careers on file for this position.
