Senior Consultant, Public Affairs

NATIONAL Public Relations; Ottawa; Hybrid; CAD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading public relations firm in Ottawa is seeking a Senior Consultant to provide expert counsel in government relations, reputation management, and campaign strategy. The ideal candidate will have 5-8 years of experience in public affairs, a relevant degree, and strong communication skills. This role includes managing key client accounts and delivering impactful communication strategies. The firm offers hybrid work arrangements, a collaborative culture, and competitive benefits for its employees.

Benefits

Hybrid and flexible work arrangements

Collaborative culture

Competitive salary and benefits

Career development opportunities

High-profile client projects

Qualifications

• 5-8 years of experience in government relations, public affairs, and strategic communications.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Established relationships in government and the Ottawa business community.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the day-to-day client-facing manager for accounts.
• Design and manage impactful government relations programs.
• Lead reputation management programs and crisis management campaigns.

Skills

Government relations

Public affairs

Strategic communications

Client service

Bilingualism

Education

Post-secondary degree in public relations, political science, business administration, public administration, or a related field

Job description

Work location

Ottawa, Ontario

About us

At National, we are proud to be Canada’s leading public relations firm, bringing together a coast-to-coast network of public affairs experts. In Ottawa, our Public Affairs team partners with clients across a wide range of sectors to design, activate, and manage communications strategies that resonate with audiences and deliver measurable impact. As our team continues to grow, we are seeking a consultant with a passion for strategic communications, public affairs, and exceptional client service.

The role

As a Senior Consultant at National, you will act as a trusted advisor to clients, providing expert counsel in high‑stakes issues, government relations, reputation management, campaign strategy, and stakeholder engagement. You will play a critical role in turning current events, political developments, and corporate news into strategic opportunities that help advance client goals while driving business growth for the firm.

Key responsibilities

• Serve as the day‑to‑day, client‑facing manager for accounts across multiple industry sectors
• Collaborate with senior communications and public affairs leaders to deliver expert counsel and exceptional service
• Design, manage, and execute impactful municipal and provincial government relations programs as well as stakeholder engagement and advocacy campaigns
• Lead and support reputation management programs, issues and crisis management, and communications campaigns (earned, owned, and paid media strategies)
• Monitor and analyze evolving political, economic, and social issues; proactively propose strategies to advance client goals
• Oversee account management, including project work plans and budgets
• Contribute to practice and firm‑wide business development initiatives, with a focus on issues/crisis management, reputation management, campaign strategy and activation, public engagement, and stakeholder relations
• Work with colleagues across National practices and offices to deliver integrated communications services

Qualifications

• Five to eight years of experience in government relations, public affairs, and strategic communications within consulting, government, or corporate settings
• Post‑secondary degree in public relations, political science, business administration, public administration, or a related field
• Strong written and verbal communication skills; a compelling writer and persuasive presenter
• In‑depth knowledge of Ontario’s provincial and municipal legislative processes, with established relationships in government and the Ottawa business community
• Experience in digital advocacy and/or Canada‑wide public affairs work considered an asset
• Entrepreneurial mindset with a passion for business development, strong interpersonal skills, and a collaborative, team‑oriented approach
• Bilingualism is preferred

Abilities

• Team player with a collaborative approach
• Ability to thrive in a fast‑paced, high‑pressure environment
• Strong networking and relationship‑building skills
• Commitment to continuous learning and staying ahead of communication trends

What we offer

• Hybrid and flexible work arrangements, including telework opportunities
• A collaborative workplace culture that values innovation and teamwork
• Competitive salary and benefits
• Career development opportunities and ongoing training
• A chance to work on diverse and high‑profile client projects that make an impact

How to apply

Candidates are invited to apply by sending a resume, and a cover letter expressing their interest and qualifications for the role. Successful candidates will be asked to participate in an interview process including the completion of a written assignment.

We thank you for your interest in National. Please note only candidates considered for an interview will be contacted. NATIONAL is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are dedicated to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Should you require any accommodations during the selection process, please inform us.

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