Senior Communications Advisor

Royal College Careers; Ottawa; Hybrid; CAD 77,000 - 98,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent organization is seeking a Senior Communications Advisor for a full-time role in Ottawa. Responsibilities include developing communication strategies, managing issues, and providing counsel to leadership. The ideal candidate has 8 years of experience in communications and holds a degree in a relevant field. This position offers a hybrid work environment and a competitive salary ranging from $39.88 to $49.88 per hour.

Qualifications

• 8 years of related experience in communications and change/risk management.
• Knowledge of web-publishing platforms and experience writing and publishing web content.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement internal and external communication strategies.
• Focus on issues management and crisis communications.
• Advise leadership on sensitive high-risk issues.
• Manage project timelines and monitor progress.

Skills

Communication strategies

Crisis communications

Media relations

Counseling senior leadership

Education

Bachelor’s degree in communications, public relations, journalism or related technical field

Job description

Senior Communications Advisor

2 x Full‑time Contracts until December 2026 (Role #1: Partnering & planning communications; Role #2: Maternity‑leave replacement, issues management & conference support).

Role #1 – Communications Planning

• Partner with Learning Strategy, Member Experience and External Relations to develop and implement communication plans.
• Support the Member Services / Royal College Services Centre in outgoing communications and member‑experience initiatives.
• Lead communication planning, content creation and asset development for new or enhanced Royal College programmes or services.
• Contribute to advocacy projects to elevate the College’s presence on key issues.
• Provide editorial support for bulk‑email communications (CiJ) and guidance on new technology implementations.
• Advise on and promote annual operational programmes such as dues billing, MOC year‑end reporting, awards, grants, podcasts, videos and learning series.

Role #2 – Issues Management & Conference Support

• Develop, manage and implement internal and external communication strategies supporting strategic goals.
• Focus on issues management (small‑to‑large scale) and projects with significant risks, including crisis communications and media relations.
• Advise leadership and internal clients on sensitive high‑risk issues to protect the College’s reputation.
• Provide communications support for one of the College’s largest conferences.
• Maintain crisis‑communications channels and oversee media spokesperson support.

Typical Day‑to‑Day

• Apply communications and risk‑communication best practices to develop and execute strategies and deliverables.
• Identify, analyse and respond to emerging high‑risk issues; propose mitigation strategies.
• Build relationships and counsel leaders on messaging, tactics and strategy.
• Ensure deliverables align with strategy, business needs and brand standards.
• Draft and post website content on issues management, crisis communications and events.
• Manage project timelines, monitor progress and recommend solutions to meet milestones.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, public relations, journalism or related technical field.
• Eight (8) years of related experience in communications, counseling senior leadership, and change/risk management.
• Knowledge of web‑publishing platforms and experience writing and publishing web content.

How to Apply

Please apply through the UKG recruitment platform with your résumé, cover letter and salary expectations by November 9th 2025. Indicate which opportunity you are interested in; if both, note this in your cover letter.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The Royal College invites applications from all qualified applicants. The Royal College is strongly committed to employment equity and diversity and encourages applications from Black, racialised/visible minorities, Indigenous/Aboriginal people, women, persons with disabilities and 2SLGBTQQIA persons.

Salary & Compensation

Hourly rate: $39.88–$49.88. Equivalent salary range: $77,770–$97,263.

Hybrid work environment: combination of onsite work in Ottawa and remote work.