As a Supervisor - Curriculum Development with the Department of National Defence, you will lead a team of curriculum specialists and instructional designers in creating, updating, and delivering educational programs that support military training and professional development. You will oversee the design and implementation of curricula across various training environments, ensuring learning objectives align with operational requirements and Defence priorities. This role requires you to balance strategic educational planning with hands-on supervision, managing timelines, budgets, and team performance while maintaining the highest standards of instructional quality.
Your daily responsibilities will include reviewing curriculum materials for accuracy and effectiveness, coordinating with subject matter experts and stakeholders to identify training needs, and mentoring team members in instructional design best practices. You will participate in meetings with senior leadership to present curriculum initiatives, address training gaps, and recommend improvements to existing programs. You will also ensure compliance with Defence training standards and federal accessibility requirements across all educational materials and platforms.
You will work in a collaborative environment within Defence organizations, alongside military personnel, civilian instructors, and other government departments. This position offers the opportunity to directly impact how Canadian Armed Forces members and civilians develop critical professional competencies, contributing meaningfully to Defence operational readiness and workforce development.
Key Responsibilities
Coordinate and oversee daily curriculum development 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
Instructional design, Facilitation, Curriculum development, Assessment, Adult learning principles, Team supervision, Work coordination, Quality control, Staff development
Typical Education
Post-secondary diploma or degree; experience in the relevant technical or functional area
Training
A bachelor's degree in education, instructional design, curriculum development, adult learning, or a related field is typically required. Many successful candidates hold degrees in subject areas such as military studies, organizational psychology, or communications, supplemented by professional credentials in curriculum design or adult education.
Professional certifications that strengthen your candidacy include credentials from the International Society for Performance Improvement (ISPI), the Association for Talent Development (ATD), or the Instructional Design Certificate from recognized Canadian institutions. Some candidates may hold teaching credentials or previous experience designing training programs in military, government, or private sector environments.
Once hired, you will have access to professional development opportunities through the Canadian Armed Forces Learning and Development Centre, Treasury Board learning initiatives, and external training in curriculum design tools, learning management systems, and instructional technology. Supervisor-specific training in people management, federal HR practices, and Defence policies is provided to support your leadership role.
Entry Plans
Entry to this supervisor-level position typically occurs through several pathways within the federal Public Service. Most commonly, candidates are selected through open competitions advertised on the Public Service Commission (PSC) website and the Government of Canada Jobs portal. These competitions are open to Canadian citizens and permanent residents with the required education and experience in curriculum development or instructional design.
Lateral moves into this role are possible if you are already a federal public servant in a related field such as training coordination, instructional design, or education policy. Current DND civilian employees may apply for internal competitions or be appointed through priority hiring processes if available. Some candidates transition from military service (Regular or Reserve Force) where they have training or educational background, leveraging their Defence experience and understanding of military culture.
The federal government also maintains talent pools for curriculum specialists and education professionals. If you have completed a relevant degree or professional qualification, you may be eligible to join recruitment initiatives or participate in ongoing hiring processes for Defence training roles. Internship and student programs through institutions like the Canadian Forces Morale and Welfare Services or Defence Research and Development Canada can provide entry points for recent graduates seeking to begin careers in Defence education.
Part-Time Options
Part-time and flexible work arrangements for this supervisor role are available on a case-by-case basis and depend on operational requirements and team needs. Some supervisory duties—such as people management, performance evaluations, and budget oversight—typically require regular full-time presence, though the specific schedule may be negotiable.
Remote work is increasingly available for curriculum development activities such as content creation, research, and coordination with geographically dispersed teams. Many supervisors in this role work in hybrid arrangements, with some days spent at Defence facilities for meetings and team supervision and other days spent working from home on instructional design and material development.
Flexible scheduling options such as compressed work weeks or adjusted start and end times may be negotiated with your manager, provided core supervisory responsibilities are covered. The Defence Learning and Development environment continues to evolve in support of work-life balance and modern workplace flexibility. Specific arrangements are determined during the hiring process and reviewed regularly with your manager to ensure they meet both organizational and personal needs.
Related Careers
No related military careers on file for this position.
