How to become a manager in public administration
Official title: Other managers in public administration
Also called: Public works director, Director of public works, Cabinet relations manager, Public works superintendent, Emergency safety manager - government services, Emergency measures manager - government services, Chief of protocol, Bilateral relations chief, Elections canada director, Cabinet relations director, Elections expenses director, Elections finances director
Other managers in public administration plan, organize, direct, control and evaluate the development of policies and programs which govern the daily operations of legislatures and other activities unique to government such as intergovernmental affairs and elections. They are employed by all levels of government.
Main tasks
- Participate in the development of policies and programs by providing advice to senior government managers of legislatures or departments or agencies involved in activities unique to government
- Organize government unit or agency and establish procedures to meet objectives set by senior management
- Direct and advise professional and non-professional staff conducting research, preparing documents or providing administrative support
- Plan, administer and control research and administration budgets for projects, programs, equipment and supplies
- Organize and direct committees and working groups to plan, manage or evaluate projects and programs
- Interview, hire and provide training for staff
How to become one
A bachelor's degree in a social science discipline, law or business administration is required. Several years of experience in government policy development, research or program administration, or in a professional occupation in social science, law or business administration are usually required.
Ways in
- University: Business & Commerce degrees, Offered by 17 universities in Canada
- University: Engineering degrees, Offered by 15 universities in Canada
Pay · Outlook
- Median pay: $117,995 a year The middle half earn $99,996 to $136,656.
- About 32,300 people worked in this job in 2023, and about 38,200 are projected by 2033. (+18.3%)
- Projected labour market to 2033: balance.
Related jobs
- Government managers - health and social policy development and program administration
- Government managers - economic analysis, policy development and program administration
- Government managers - education policy development and program administration
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Questions people ask
How do I become a manager in public administration?
A bachelor's degree in a social science discipline, law or business administration is required. Several years of experience in government policy development, research or program administration, or in a professional occupation in social science, law or business administration are usually required.
How much does a manager in public administration earn in Canada?
Median full-time pay is $117,995 a year (Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank)). The middle half earn $99,996 to $136,656.
Is a manager in public administration a growing career in Canada?
Yes. Employment is projected to grow 18% by 2033, from about 32,300 to about 38,200 people (Employment and Social Development Canada).
Do you need a degree to become a manager in public administration?
Not always. 54% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Ways in include: Business & Commerce degrees; Engineering degrees.
Sources
- Statistics Canada: Census 2021: employment by occupation, gender and education (98-10-0449) (2021 Census), Statistics Canada Open Licence, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Statistics Canada: National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 (Version 1.0), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Employment and Social Development Canada: Canadian Occupational Projection System (COPS) (2024 to 2033), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank): Wages by occupation (2025 (revised 2025-11-19)), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
Updated 2026-10-03