As a Supervisor in Relationship Management at DND, you play a vital role in building and maintaining strategic partnerships that support Defence and Security operations. You lead a team responsible for managing complex stakeholder relationships, coordinating communication across multiple departments and external organizations, and ensuring alignment between organizational goals and partner expectations. Your work directly contributes to the success of DND initiatives by fostering collaboration, resolving conflicts, and creating pathways for effective cooperation.
In this position, you manage day-to-day relationship management activities while supervising staff who engage with internal and external stakeholders. You oversee the development and implementation of relationship strategies, monitor partnership performance, and report on outcomes to senior leadership. You also serve as a primary point of contact for key stakeholders, representing DND's interests and values in all interactions. Your responsibilities include staff performance management, workload planning, budget oversight, and continuous improvement of relationship management processes.
You'll work in a dynamic environment that requires strong interpersonal skills, political acuity, and the ability to navigate complex organizational structures. Whether working from a DND office or in hybrid arrangements, you'll collaborate with colleagues across Defence, other federal departments, provincial and municipal governments, and external partners in the private and non-profit sectors.
Key Responsibilities
Coordinate and oversee daily general relationship management 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 succeed in this role, you typically need a bachelor's degree in a field such as public administration, business, political science, international relations, communications, or a related discipline. Some positions may accept candidates with a high school diploma combined with substantial relevant work experience in relationship management, stakeholder engagement, or program coordination.
Professional development opportunities include training in stakeholder management, negotiation and conflict resolution, project management, and federal government policies and procedures. DND supports continuing education through the Public Service Learning Network and encourages participation in professional associations related to your field. Supervisory training is provided to help you develop leadership and people management competencies. Security clearances, typically Secret or Top Secret, are required for most DND positions and the government will support you through the clearance process.
Entry Plans
You can enter this career through several pathways. The most common route is through a Public Service staffing competition, where positions are advertised on the Government of Canada Jobs website and assessed based on your experience, education, and competencies. You may also be recruited through internal DND talent pools or management programs that identify high-potential employees for supervisory roles.
If you're new to the Public Service, consider applying for entry-level Relationship Management positions first to build experience and establish your career within DND. The Canadian Armed Forces and DND offer various student programs, including co-op placements and internships, that can lead to permanent positions. Lateral moves from other federal departments are also possible if you have relevant relationship management experience. Before applying, review the specific job posting to confirm education and experience requirements, as these may vary depending on the classification level and organizational needs.
Part-Time Options
Part-time and flexible work arrangements are often available for this role, depending on operational requirements and team needs. Many DND locations support flexible scheduling, compressed work weeks, and telework options that allow you to balance work and personal responsibilities. Remote work is possible for certain tasks such as stakeholder communications, report writing, and virtual meetings, though some in-person collaboration with your team and partners may be necessary.
To explore part-time or flexible options, discuss your needs with your manager during the hiring process or after joining DND. Arrangements are determined on a case-by-case basis and depend on the specific duties, security requirements, and business continuity needs of your position. The federal Public Service is committed to supporting work-life balance and accommodating employees' needs where operationally feasible.
Related Careers
No related military careers on file for this position.
