As a Supervisor - Public Outreach, you will lead and manage a team dedicated to building relationships between the Department of National Defence and the Canadian public. You will be responsible for developing and implementing public communication strategies, managing outreach campaigns, and ensuring consistent messaging across multiple platforms and audiences. Your leadership will focus on creating engaging content and coordinating activities that enhance public understanding of defence and security issues.
In this supervisory role, you will oversee day-to-day operations of your team, set performance expectations, and provide guidance on public outreach initiatives. You will work with internal stakeholders across DND to align messaging and coordinate communications efforts. Your responsibilities will include budget management, staff development, scheduling, and ensuring quality standards are met for all outreach materials and activities.
You will work in a collaborative, fast-paced environment within the Department of National Defence headquarters or regional offices. This role requires strong communication skills, the ability to manage multiple priorities, and experience working with diverse audiences. You will interact regularly with media, community organizations, and the general public while maintaining departmental standards and policies.
Key Responsibilities
Coordinate and oversee daily public outreach 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
Stakeholder engagement, Negotiation, Cross-cultural competence, Diplomatic communication, Partnership building, 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 successful in this role, you will typically need a bachelor's degree in communications, marketing, public relations, journalism, or a related field. Some positions may accept relevant work experience in place of formal education. Professional certifications from organizations such as the Canadian Public Relations Society (CPRS) or the Public Relations Institute of Canada (PRIC) are advantageous.
Once hired, you will have access to Government of Canada learning and development programs specific to leadership and public outreach. DND offers training in internal communication systems, security protocols, and departmental procedures. You will have opportunities to pursue professional development in areas such as digital communications, stakeholder engagement, and crisis communication. Ongoing training ensures you stay current with emerging communication technologies and public engagement best practices.
Entry Plans
There are several pathways to enter the Supervisor - Public Outreach position within the federal Public Service. The most common route is through a competitive job competition advertised on the Government of Canada's Job Bank or the DND careers website. You may apply as an external candidate or as a current federal public servant seeking promotion or a lateral move.
Current DND employees working in public outreach, communications, or related roles may be appointed through internal advancement competitions. The federal Public Service also uses staffing pools for supervisory positions, which can expedite the hiring process. If you are interested in transitioning to a federal career, you can start in an entry-level Public Outreach position and work toward supervisory roles as vacancies arise.
Post-secondary students and recent graduates may enter the Public Service through the Federal Student Work Program or the Accelerated Executive Development Program (AEDP), which can provide pathways to supervisory positions after gaining relevant experience. Lateral moves from other federal departments with comparable supervisory experience are also considered.
Part-Time Options
Part-time opportunities for the Supervisor - Public Outreach role are limited, as supervisory positions typically require full-time commitment to effectively manage team operations and workload. However, the federal Public Service does offer flexible work arrangements in some cases.
Depending on operational requirements and departmental policy, some flexibility may be available in work hours or compressed work weeks. Remote work options have expanded across the federal government and may be available for portions of this role, particularly for administrative and planning tasks. However, supervisory duties often require in-person presence for team management and coordination.
To explore specific part-time, flexible, or remote options for this position, inquire directly with the hiring manager or DND Human Resources during the application process. Arrangements are typically determined based on operational needs and individual circumstances.
Related Careers
No related military careers on file for this position.
