More about the role:

Hill & Knowlton, a Burson Company, Canada’s leading strategic communications and public affairs consultancy, is looking for a passionate and high-performing health-focused Senior Consultant to join our growing Public Affairs team in Toronto.

This role will allow you to work with some of the most important global and Canadian companies and non-profits in the health space, while also providing opportunities to work with a broad portfolio of clients across a range of other sectors, including technology, finance, transportation and energy. As a global agency offering a full spectrum of public affairs and communications expertise, as part of our team you will also be exposed to – and may get to work on – diverse other services and specialties, on projects in Canada and beyond. We are looking for not only incredible talent but also great attitude, energy and passion for H&K and our clients.

The position will be responsible for providing strategic government relations and advocacy counsel for a diverse portfolio of health clients, ensuring that client satisfaction is maintained at the highest level. You will apply strategic thinking and oversight to client programs, deploy the firm’s resources to achieve client objectives, monitor client projects on a day-to-day basis, and work as part of a team, supporting and networking with your peer group.

What you'll do:

Account Directors are leaders who love a challenge. You will be responsible for designing and executing public affairs programs on behalf of our clients, leading collaborative account teams while managing budgets to ensure both profitability and accountability. You will employ strategic thinking, strong interpersonal skills, and health and public affairs knowledge in all you do. More specifically, you will be:

• Creating and executing comprehensive stakeholder engagement, advocacy, communications, and government relations plans that support our health-focused clients’ business objectives
• Exercising creativity and problem-solving to devise innovative strategies to address complex client issues or public affairs challenges
• Leveraging existing relationships with an established network of health system stakeholders and government officials, developing additional contacts where needed to allow for expert analysis and insights into current policy priorities and political issues
• Crafting compelling, engaging, and well-informed messages and advocacy materials, including briefing notes, backgrounders, fact sheets, position papers, submissions, presentations, and responses to requests for proposals
• Counselling clients on government relations responses and messaging related to crises and issue developments
• Working in an integrated way with Sector Leads, Specialty Experts, and other leaders across the business to provide integrated support and service
• Providing mentorship and leadership to colleagues on account teams
• Measuring and reviewing the success of H&K programs for clients against stated goals
• Managing profitability of accounts and/or performance and utilization of account team

Experience that contributes to success:

• Minimum 7 to 10 years’  experience in a public affairs, communications, government, or political role
• Post-secondary degree in political science, public policy, communications, or similar program
• Demonstrated understanding of the provincial political environment and public policy process, as well as Canada’s health landscape and Ontario’s health system
• Established network of health stakeholder and government relationships
• Subject matter depth with strong working knowledge of the health sector, including policy, trends, and relevant stakeholders is preferred
• Proven ability to provide thoughtful insights and strategic recommendations based on a broad understanding based on the political and policy landscapes to achieve clients’ objectives with government stakeholders
• Outstanding verbal and written communications and presentation skills
• Client service mindset with the ability to establish, grow and maintain strong relationships with client contacts; ability to function as a trusted resource and counselor
• Strong project and budget management skills, ability to delegate and prioritize
• Entrepreneurial spirit motivated and able to identify and secure new business opportunities
• A collaborative approach to working with a high-performing team
• Agency experience is a considerable asset
• Experience in managing multiple client programs and budgets and leading account teams is an asset

#LI-MA1

More about the role:

Burson Canada is looking for a Consultant to join our dynamic Consumer & Brand team in Toronto. If you are interested in joining a group of passionate brand builders and working with some of the world’s most well-respected brands, we want to hear from you. This is an exciting opportunity to execute programs within the Consumer PR & influencer space, while also working alongside an ambitious and growing national team. 

Our ideal candidate is a self-starter, tapped into emerging social trends, is culturally fluent, and brings a proven track record of executional excellence. We are looking for people who love what they do, value different perspectives, bring energy to their work and are excited to roll up their sleeves to help push our work even further.  

Here’s what you’d be doing: 

• Playing a central role in executing PR & influencer campaigns 
• Ensuring high levels of client satisfaction, anticipating needs before they arise
• You don’t just clock trends – you see them coming, and bring those insights to your work
• Leveraging your existing media relationships and continuing to develop new ones
• Exercising strategic thinking and attention to detail in day-to-day project management
• Ship with taste and precision, ensuring all of your work meets high standards
• Contributing creativity, passion and expertise to an entrepreneurial team environment where everyone’s voice is heard, highly valued and rewarded 

What you’ll need to get here: 

• 2-3 years’ experience in a communications and/or influencer relations role (prior agency experience preferred)
• Undergraduate degree from an accredited post-secondary educational institution
• Natural curiosity and genuine passion for storytelling
• Creative thinker and problem solver
• Deep understanding of the Canadian media landscape, as well as the consumer PR & influencer space
• Tapped into emerging social trends and culture
• Experience and/or interest in working in the Consumer Tech industry  
• Experience executing integrated communications programs (media relations, influencer engagement, digital, community management, events, etc.)
• Excellent written and verbal communications skills that can be applied across various platforms
• Strong project management skills, with high attention to detail 

What else is in it for you? 

• Full health benefits package—including paid time off, schedule flexibility, wellness reimbursement, and more
• Strong leadership with a focus on entrepreneurial thinking, mentoring, learning + development to help you grow, expand your skills and become your professional best
• A passionate, smart, fun, and creative culture
• The opportunity to work on some of the world’s most well-respected brands
• Dynamic experience and exposure to different practice areas beyond Consumer PR – including corporate communications, technology, health, public affairs and more. 

About the role:

Burson Canada is looking for a Consultant to join our Corporate Affairs team in Toronto. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to strategic communications programs for a diverse portfolio of corporate, financial, professional services, and industrial clients.

The ideal candidate is a motivated communications professional who brings strong strategic thinking, excellent client service, and a proven ability to execute integrated campaigns that drive measurable impact. You have a solid understanding of corporate reputation, media relations, stakeholder communications, and issues management and you’re passionate about helping clients navigate complex business environments.

We’re looking for exceptional talent with strong energy, curiosity, and a collaborative mindset. If this sounds like you, we’d love to meet you.

Strategic Communications & Client Counsel

• Support the development and execution of high-impact corporate affairs programs, including national and regional campaigns across a range of sectors.
• Provide thoughtful client counsel and contribute to strategic recommendations that support business objectives and protect or enhance reputation.
• Ensure communication plans are grounded in clear strategy, realistic objectives, and achievable timelines.

Media Relations & Storytelling

• Lead and support earned media outreach, including story development, media list building, pitching, interview coordination, and ongoing relationship cultivation.
• Draft high-quality written materials such as key messages, pitches, media advisories, briefing notes, Q&As, and news releases.
• Review and refine content developed by team members to ensure quality and accuracy.

Project & Campaign Management

• Apply strong project management skills to drive seamless campaign execution, including developing workback schedules, managing deadlines, and coordinating cross-functional teams.
• Oversee measurement, reporting, and insights, flagging notable results or risks to the account team and clients.

Digital & Social Integration

• Leverage knowledge of digital and social media to support content planning, creative asset development, community management, and response planning.
• Work with integrated teams to ensure digital strategies complement traditional communications activities.

Business Development & Growth

• Support new business initiatives, including research, insights gathering, proposal development, and pitch participation.
• Identify opportunities to grow existing client mandates and introduce Burson specialties and services.

What You’ll Need

• Post-secondary degree or post-graduate certificate in communications, public relations, journalism, political science, business, or a related field or relevant equivalent experience.
• 4+ years of experience in corporate communications, public relations, or an advisory-focused role.
• Proven experience delivering integrated communications programs, including media relations, stakeholder engagement, issues support, campaign management, content development, and reporting.
• Demonstrated ability to pitch media across online, print, and broadcast platforms.
• Strong understanding of social media, digital strategies, analytics tools, and media monitoring platforms.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to distill complex information into clear, compelling narratives.
• Strong critical thinking, attention to detail, and a solutions-oriented mindset.
• Collaborative team player with a proactive, can-do attitude and strong interpersonal skills.
• Natural curiosity and passion for corporate storytelling, business trends, and reputation management.

More about the role:

Burson Canada is looking for a Senior Consultant to join our Corporate Affairs team in Toronto. This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in developing and delivering strategic communications programs for leading organizations across corporate, financial, professional services, industrial, and technology sectors.

The ideal candidate is a strong strategic thinker with demonstrated experience counseling clients, leading integrated campaigns, and managing complex, multi-stakeholder projects. You bring excellent judgment, a proactive mindset, and the ability to translate business needs into compelling, high-impact communications strategies. You thrive in fast-paced environments, collaborate naturally, and have a genuine passion for corporate reputation, media relations, and stakeholder communications.

We’re looking for exceptional talent with curiosity, drive, and a commitment to excellence. If this sounds like you, we’d love to talk.

What You’ll Do

Strategic Counsel & Client Leadership

• Act as a day-to-day strategic partner to clients, providing thoughtful counsel on corporate reputation, issues, stakeholder communications, and media strategy.
• Lead the development and execution of integrated communications programs aligned with client business goals and reputation priorities.
• Anticipate client needs, identify risks, and proactively recommend strategic solutions.

Media Relations & Story Development

• Lead earned media strategy, including narrative development, story opportunities, media outreach, and interview facilitation.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key reporters across business, corporate, financial, and sector-specific media.
• Draft and oversee high-quality written materials, including key messages, media statements, advisories, thought leadership, briefing notes, and releases.

Project & Team Management

• Manage complex workstreams, ensuring high-quality deliverables, strong integration across teams, and seamless project execution.
• Develop workback schedules, oversee timelines and budgets, and ensure clarity across internal and client teams.
• Provide guidance, feedback, and mentorship to Consultants and Coordinators; help strengthen overall team performance and growth.

Digital & Integrated Communications

• Work closely with digital and creative teams to develop integrated communications plans (paid, owned, earned) that strengthen corporate reputation.
• Guide social and digital content development, ensuring alignment with corporate narratives and campaign goals.

Insights, Measurement & Reporting

• Oversee tracking, analytics, and reporting for client programs, translating data into insights and actionable recommendations.
• Identify opportunities for optimization, efficiencies, and ongoing improvement.

Business Development

• Lead or support new business initiatives, including proposal development, insights gathering, narrative creation, and pitch participation.
• Identify organic growth opportunities within existing accounts by understanding client needs and connecting them to Burson’s specialties.

What You’ll Need

• Post-secondary degree or post-graduate certificate in communications, public relations, journalism, political science, business, or related field—or equivalent experience.
• 5 to 7+ years of experience in corporate communications, public relations, issues management, public affairs, or a related advisory function.
• Demonstrated success leading integrated communications programs and managing multi-channel campaigns.
• Strong experience with media relations, including pitching business, corporate, financial, and trade media.
• Excellent writing, editing, and storytelling skills across a range of corporate and executive communications materials.
• Deep understanding of digital and social platforms and how they integrate into strategic communications programs.
• Exceptional client management skills, including the ability to influence, problem-solve, and support high-stakes decision-making.
• Strong project management discipline, with the ability to oversee multiple workstreams and deliver high-quality work under tight deadlines.
• Collaborative, curious, and solutions-oriented mindset with a strong commitment to team culture and professional growth.

About us

For the last five decades, NATIONAL’s Public Affairs team has helped organizations navigate complex policy environments and shape reputation through smart government relations and strategic communications. From energy and transportation to consumer goods and labour, we work on mandates that sit at the intersection of public policy, media and stakeholder engagement. We’re looking for a director who can lead with sound judgment, build lasting relationships, and help our team deliver high-impact work across Canada.

The role

You’ll lead public affairs mandates from strategy to execution, translating political, legislative and regulatory developments into clear, actionable recommendations for clients. This senior advisory role requires a strong understanding of federal and Ontario political dynamics and the ability to anticipate policy shifts. It combines client leadership, business development and team leadership within a collaborative, pan-Canadian team.

Key responsibilities

• Lead client accounts and serve as a trusted advisor on government relations and public affairs strategy
• Identify and pursue business development opportunities, including expanding existing client relationships
• Develop advocacy and communications plans, including earned media and digital approaches, aligned to client objectives
• Provide counsel on current events, policy and political developments and their implications for client business goals
• Manage project delivery, including timelines, budgets, reporting and quality control across team outputs
• Build and maintain senior-level relationships with clients, elected officials, political staff, senior public servants and industry stakeholders
• Mentor and develop team members through coaching, goal setting and delegation of meaningful opportunities
• Stay current on emerging tools, platforms and best practices and integrate them into public affairs programs

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in government relations/public affairs (agency/consulting experience is an asset)
• Experience working in a political office (e.g., on Parliament Hill or at Queen’s Park, or similar legislative environments) or advising elected officials or ministers, is strongly preferred
• Post-secondary education in political science, communications, public relations or a related field
• Proven ability to develop clear, compelling communications content for public affairs audiences
• Experience using digital advocacy approaches and social platforms to support public affairs mandates
• Excellent writing, editing, presentation and interpersonal skills
• Comfort using AI-enabled tools (e.g., ChatGPT)
• Nice to have: Bilingualism (English and French).

Abilities

• Strategic thinker who can simplify complex issues and provide practical recommendations
• Client-service mindset with strong relationship-building and stakeholder management skills
• Strong project management skills and comfort working with budgets and tight deadlines
• Collaborative leader who can motivate teams and contribute to an inclusive workplace
• Proactive, detail-oriented and able to manage multiple priorities at once

What we offer

• Hybrid work environment and a supportive, collegial office culture
• Competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits
• Opportunities to work on high-profile mandates with leading organizations across sectors
• Professional development, coaching and growth opportunities within a national team
• Occasional travel as required by client and team needs

Expected Compensation

The expected salary for this role is $92,000-$115,000 CAD. Actual compensation will be determined based on experience, skills, and internal equity.

How to apply

Submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your interest and fit for the role. If you’re up for a new challenge to join Canada’s PR Firm, we’d love to hear from you.

NATIONAL is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are dedicated to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Should you require any accommodation during the selection process, please inform us.

A vacancy currently exists for this position. Please note that only candidates selected for further consideration will be contacted. We use artificial intelligence tools to assist in screening, assessing, and selecting applicants for this role. Thank you for considering a career with us.

NATIONAL Public Relations provides creative communications solutions that move people in thought and actions. We bring together a team of 300 seasoned professionals, who are committed to helping organizations of all sizes and in all sectors understand their challenges and opportunities and solve the issues they are facing. For 47 years, NATIONAL has been at the center of issues and industries that matter, leading change for today and tomorrow.

NATIONAL is Canada’s leading public relations firm, with offices in Vancouver, Calgary, Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal, Quebec City, Saint John, Halifax and St. John’s. Its network includes Time & Space, a leader in media strategy, data analysis, planning and execution.

NATIONAL Public Relations is an AVENIR GLOBAL company, the largest Canadian-owned global communications firm, ranked among the 25 largest in the world with offices in 23 locations across Canada, the U.S., Europe and the Middle East. For more information about NATIONAL, please visit our website or follow us on LinkedIn and X.

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More about the role:

Hill & Knowlton, a Burson Company, Canada’s leading strategic communications and public affairs consultancy, is looking for a passionate and high-performing health-focused Senior Consultant to join our growing Public Affairs team in Toronto.

This role will allow you to work with some of the most important global and Canadian companies and non-profits in the health space, while also providing opportunities to work with a broad portfolio of clients across a range of other sectors, including technology, finance, transportation and energy. As a global agency offering a full spectrum of public affairs and communications expertise, as part of our team you will also be exposed to – and may get to work on – diverse other services and specialties, on projects in Canada and beyond. We are looking for not only incredible talent but also great attitude, energy and passion for H&K and our clients.

As a Senior Consultant, you will be responsible for tracking emerging policy and political issues, creating original messaging and outreach materials, researching and writing on policy matters, and suggesting proactive ideas and programs to help meet achieve our clients’ business and advocacy goals.

What you'll do:

Senior Consultants drive much of our work. You will take a leading role on accounts, working directly with account leads to ensure public affairs plans are executed with excellence, while directly advising and assisting clients in achieving their public affairs objectives. More specifically, you will be:

• Supporting the creation and implementation of integrated public affairs plans that change public opinion and prompt government action
• Providing insight and intelligence to account leads that could advance a file or client issue
• Recommending strategies, messages and adjustments to client programs based on experience and feedback
• Proactively monitoring, interpreting, and reporting on government activities – including the political, parliamentary, legislative, and regulatory landscapes
• Undertaking specific policy research activities in support of broader strategies and plans
• Preparing written materials such as stakeholder maps, briefing documents, presentations, submissions, and leave-behinds, tailored for different audiences and platforms
• Coordinating arrangements for client engagement with government representatives and stakeholders, accompanying or directly representing clients where appropriate
• Working with teams to plan and execute virtual and in-person events and meetings
• Overseeing or managing ongoing tracking and reporting on client activities and results
• Fostering relationships and building trust with colleagues, clients, government, and stakeholders

Experience that contributes to success:

• Minimum 4 to 7 years’ experience in a communications, public affairs, government, or political role
• Post secondary degree in political science, public policy, communications, or similar program
• Outstanding verbal and written communications and presentation skills
• Excellent grasp of the provincial political environment, factors that influence government decision-making, and parliamentary, legislative, and regulatory processes
• Working knowledge of the health sector, including policy, trends, and stakeholder networks is preferred
• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills, ability to clearly articulate complex content
• Superior project and time management skills with attention to detail, ability to prioritize and to deliver projects despite obstacles
• Creative thinking, initiative and problem-solving
• Curiosity, passion, and a keen interest in growing your skills and network
• A collaborative approach to working with a high-performing team
• Previous experience at a communications or public affairs agency is an asset

#LI-MA1

More about the role:

Hill & Knowlton, a Burson Company, Canada’s leading strategic communications and public affairs consultancy, is looking for a passionate and high-performing health-focused Senior Consultant to join our growing Public Affairs team in Toronto.

This role will allow you to work with some of the most important global and Canadian companies and non-profits in the health space, while also providing opportunities to work with a broad portfolio of clients across a range of other sectors, including technology, finance, transportation and energy. As a global agency offering a full spectrum of public affairs and communications expertise, as part of our team you will also be exposed to – and may get to work on – diverse other services and specialties, on projects in Canada and beyond. We are looking for not only incredible talent but also great attitude, energy and passion for H&K and our clients.

As a Senior Consultant, you will be responsible for tracking emerging policy and political issues, creating original messaging and outreach materials, researching and writing on policy matters, and suggesting proactive ideas and programs to help meet achieve our clients’ business and advocacy goals.

What you'll do:

Senior Consultants drive much of our work. You will take a leading role on accounts, working directly with account leads to ensure public affairs plans are executed with excellence, while directly advising and assisting clients in achieving their public affairs objectives. More specifically, you will be:

• Supporting the creation and implementation of integrated public affairs plans that change public opinion and prompt government action
• Providing insight and intelligence to account leads that could advance a file or client issue
• Recommending strategies, messages and adjustments to client programs based on experience and feedback
• Proactively monitoring, interpreting, and reporting on government activities – including the political, parliamentary, legislative, and regulatory landscapes
• Undertaking specific policy research activities in support of broader strategies and plans
• Preparing written materials such as stakeholder maps, briefing documents, presentations, submissions, and leave-behinds, tailored for different audiences and platforms
• Coordinating arrangements for client engagement with government representatives and stakeholders, accompanying or directly representing clients where appropriate
• Working with teams to plan and execute virtual and in-person events and meetings
• Overseeing or managing ongoing tracking and reporting on client activities and results
• Fostering relationships and building trust with colleagues, clients, government, and stakeholders

Experience that contributes to success:

• Minimum 4 to 7 years’ experience in a communications, public affairs, government, or political role
• Post secondary degree in political science, public policy, communications, or similar program
• Outstanding verbal and written communications and presentation skills
• Excellent grasp of the provincial political environment, factors that influence government decision-making, and parliamentary, legislative, and regulatory processes
• Working knowledge of the health sector, including policy, trends, and stakeholder networks is preferred
• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills, ability to clearly articulate complex content
• Superior project and time management skills with attention to detail, ability to prioritize and to deliver projects despite obstacles
• Creative thinking, initiative and problem-solving
• Curiosity, passion, and a keen interest in growing your skills and network
• A collaborative approach to working with a high-performing team
• Previous experience at a communications or public affairs agency is an asset

#LI-MA1