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