As a Supervisor - Publishing within the Department of National Defence, you will lead and manage a team of publishing professionals responsible for producing high-quality communications and informational materials. This role combines strategic oversight with hands-on involvement in publishing operations, ensuring that all materials meet DND standards, deadlines, and messaging objectives. You will supervise staff engaged in editing, layout, design coordination, and production management while maintaining alignment with departmental communications goals.
Your responsibilities include managing team performance and development, allocating resources and workload, maintaining quality standards, and coordinating with other departments and external partners. You will oversee the complete publishing lifecycle from concept through distribution, ensuring compliance with government communications policies, accessibility standards, and brand guidelines. This position requires strong leadership skills, publishing expertise, and the ability to adapt to evolving digital and print publishing environments.
You will work within DND's Communications function, collaborating with policy teams, subject matter experts, and other supervisors to deliver publications that support military operations, public engagement, and internal communications. The work environment is dynamic and deadline-driven, requiring excellent organizational skills and the ability to manage competing priorities while maintaining team morale and productivity.
Key Responsibilities
Coordinate and oversee daily publishing 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
Entry to this supervisor role typically requires a combination of education and professional experience. A post-secondary education in communications, journalism, publishing, business administration, or a related field is commonly expected. Many successful candidates hold diplomas or degrees in publishing, technical communications, or communications management.
Professional certifications in project management (such as PMP or CAPM), editing (such as those offered by professional editorial associations), or relevant software proficiencies can strengthen your candidacy. Within the Public Service, you may access professional development through the Canadian Forces Learning System and departmental training programs focused on leadership, management, and publishing industry best practices.
DND supports ongoing learning through workshops, online courses, and mentorship opportunities. As a supervisor, you may pursue formal management training through Treasury Board or departmental leadership development programs to enhance your skills in personnel management, budgeting, and strategic communications planning.
Entry Plans
Entry into a Supervisor - Publishing position in the DND civilian workforce typically occurs through competitive staffing processes. Most positions are filled through internal competitions open to current Public Service employees at the appropriate classification level (usually CR-04 or CR-05 range, depending on the specific posting).
You may enter this career through several pathways: (1) promotion from within DND as a Publishing Officer or Editor after demonstrating supervisory potential; (2) lateral movement from another federal department with relevant publishing or communications experience; (3) external recruitment when competitions are open to the public; or (4) participation in the Public Service Priority Hiring List if you are a former Public Service employee.
The most common route is progression from a Publishing Officer position (CR-03 or CR-04) where you have gained hands-on publishing experience and demonstrated leadership capabilities. Some candidates may enter at the supervisor level directly if they bring extensive private-sector publishing management experience combined with Public Service knowledge. All candidates must obtain a security clearance as required by DND and pass a formal staffing competition that typically includes a written exam, panel interview, and competency assessment.
Part-Time Options
Part-time and flexible work arrangements for Supervisor - Publishing positions depend on operational requirements and departmental needs. While supervisory roles traditionally require a consistent presence for team management and decision-making, DND increasingly offers flexible options where feasible.
Some positions may accommodate flexible hour arrangements or compressed work weeks, allowing you to complete your 37.5 weekly hours across a modified schedule. Remote work options vary by directorate and position; some publishing work can be performed remotely using secure government systems, though some in-person presence is typically required for team meetings, coordination, and oversight.
Job-sharing arrangements for supervisory positions are less common but may be possible in specific circumstances with departmental approval. To determine the specific flexibility available for a particular Supervisor - Publishing position, consult the staffing competition posting or contact the recruiting manager. Arrangements are typically negotiated at the time of hire and may be adjusted based on operational demands and team needs.
Related Careers
No related military careers on file for this position.
