Public Affairs Specialist

Canadian Internet Registration; Ottawa; Hybrid; CAD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a dynamic team dedicated to enhancing internet safety and policy in Canada, as a Public Affairs Specialist. You will lead advocacy initiatives and engage with government officials, while also managing important projects that drive CIRA's mission. Ideal candidates have solid expertise in policy development and excellent communication skills, contributing to a safe and accessible internet for all.

Qualifications

• 3-5 years experience in advocacy or related fields.
• Experience with government and technology stakeholders.
• Fluency in French is a considered asset.

Responsibilities

• Manage thought leadership activities and public affairs support.
• Track regulatory issues and their impact on CIRA.
• Advise staff and leaders on strategic opportunities.

Skills

Excellent writing

Communication skills

Policy analysis

Collaboration

Project management

Job description

Join the team that is building a trusted internet for Canadians! CIRA may be best known for managing the .CA domain but our impact reaches far beyond that. We’re at the forefront of advancing cybersecurity technologies and leading projects that improve the digital experience for users across Canada and the world. Our broad scope of activities is driven by one central goal: to strengthen and secure Canada’s digital landscape.

By joining our team, you’ll have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact, ensuring that the internet remains open, safe and accessible for everyone!

Who youare:

As a member of CIRA’s policy and advocacy team, you’ll develop and advocate for policy positions that promote a trusted internet. You geek out about internet policy here in Canada, and can’t wait to share the latest global developments with the team. As Public Affairs Specialist, you’ll be part of a small team responsible for CIRA’s engagement with government officials, media, and other stakeholders in pursuit of CIRA’s domestic and global internet policy agenda. Day-to-day, you’ll play a leading role in advancing the organization’s thought leadership portfolio, and you’ll work across product areas, teams and global regions to build CIRA’s profile and drive opportunity for the organization.

What you will do:

• Manage key thought leadership activities (e.g., presentations, reports, speaking opportunities, op-eds, etc.) to advance CIRA’s position as an industry leader.

• Provide public affairs support to CIRA’s business units (e.g., develop campaign materials, key messages, speeches and presentations).

• Manage CIRA’s Secretariat duties for the Canadian Internet Governance Forum; plan and execute the annual hybrid in-person/virtual event.

• Support CIRA’s international engagement at fora such as the ITU and global IGF on internet governance matters, working closely with the Internet Governance Manager.

• Advise CIRA staff and leaders, ensuring they have the right information and a solid understanding of risks and opportunities in order to make sound decisions.

• Track regulatory, legislative, and other policy issues in Canada and beyond and analyze their relevance and potential impact on CIRA.

What you bring:

• Three to five years of experience working within government, think tanks, advocacy organizations, technology companies, or relevant industry associations.

• Experience working with government and/or international internet policy stakeholders.

• Familiarity with emerging domestic and global internet and technology policy issues.

• Experience advising and collaborating cross-functionally on policy and advocacy strategies. Comfort translating complex issues for a range of audiences.

• Excellent writing and communications skills, with the ability to research and synthesize issues, balancing speed and depth.

• The ability to juggle and prioritize multiple simultaneous projects and competing deadlines, collaborating with multiple internal and external stakeholders and subject matter experts.

• Eligible to register as a lobbyist federally and provincially as required.

• Fluency in French will be considered an asset.

Who we are:

At CIRA, we’re driven by a passion to make a positive impact on Canada’s digital future. We’re not just asking, ‘What more can we do?’—we’re actively exploring new frontiers to enhance and secure the internet for all Canadians. Our recognition as one of the National Capital Region’s Top Employers for nine years is a testament to our vibrant culture.

We believe in fostering an environment where collaboration and candour are second nature and where diverse perspectives are integral to our success, because we know that great ideas come from everywhere. If you’re passionate about innovation and ready to make a difference in a dynamic field, join us and help shape the future of the internet!

CIRA embraces a blend of remote and IRL in-office work to keep our team connected and engaged. Our Ottawa headquarters is a hub for regular events and social activities that bring our team together, encouraging a strong sense of community within our organization. No matter where you work from, you'll always feel part of our vibrant team and our shared mission.

For any accommodations during the recruitment process, please contact us at [e-mail].