Director, Public Affairs

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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