Senior Consultant, Public Affairs - British Columbia

Burson; Vancouver; Hybrid; CAD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading communications firm seeks a Senior Consultant for its Western Canada Public Affairs team. This role focuses on providing strategic counsel, building client relationships, and leading innovative advocacy initiatives. Ideal candidates will bring a background in public affairs, strong client support skills, and an established network within government and business communities.

Benefits

Professional development opportunities

Mentorship programs with industry leaders

Inclusive company culture fostering collaboration

Qualifications

• 4 to 5 years' experience in public affairs or political roles.
• Strong knowledge of the British Columbia political environment.
• Experience supporting multiple client programs and initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Providing strategic government relations and advocacy counsel.
• Creating and executing government relations and stakeholder engagement plans.
• Counselling clients on government relations responses and messaging.

Skills

Creative problem-solving

Client service mindset

Strong communication skills

Education

Post-secondary degree in political science, public policy, or communications

Job description

Burson is the global communications leader built to create value for clients through reputation. With highly specialized teams, industry-leading technologies and breakthrough creative, we help brands and businesses redefine reputation as a competitive advantage so they can lead today and into the future. When you work at Burson, you are part of a global community of lifelong learners who thrive at the edge of innovation.

Burson is part of WPP (LSE / NYSE : WPP), the creative transformation company. For more information visit bursonglobal.com and follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram.

More about the role :

We are looking for a Senior Consultant to join our growing Western Canada Public Affairs team based in either Vancouver or Victoria. The ideal candidate will have a passion for client service, problem-solving, and will bring established networks with the provincial government as well as local governments, and BC's political and business communities.

The position will be responsible for providing strategic government relations and advocacy counsel for a diverse portfolio of client accounts, ensuring that client satisfaction is maintained at the highest level. You will apply strategic thinking and oversight to client programs, deploy the firm's resources to achieve client objectives, monitor client projects on a day-to-day basis, and work as part of a team, mentoring and networking with your peer group.

What you'll do :

• Creating and executing comprehensive government relations, advocacy, communications, and stakeholder engagement plans that support our client's business objectives
• Exercising creativity and problem-solving to devise innovative strategies to address potentially complex client issues or public affairs challenges
• Counselling clients on government relations responses and messaging related to crises and issue developments
• Crafting compelling, engaging, and well-informed messages and advocacy materials including briefing notes, backgrounders, fact sheets, position papers, submissions, presentations, and responses to requests for proposals)
• Leveraging existing relationships with an established network of political / governmental officials and developing additional contacts where needed to allow for expert analysis and insights into current political issues and policy priorities
• Working in an integrated way with Sector Leads, Specialty Experts, and other leaders across the business to provide integrated support and service
• Participating in new business development strategies to cultivate new client opportunities
• Exploring digital advocacy and social media tools to benefit clients, potential clients, and the agency
• Complying with all relevant lobbyist registration legislation and regulations
• Measuring and reviewing the success of H&K programs for clients against stated goals

Experience that contributes to success :

• Minimum 4 to 5 years' experience in public affairs, government or political role; agency experience is a considerable asset
• Post-secondary degree in political science, public policy, communications, or similar program or commensurate combination of education and experience
• Sector subject matter expert with strong working knowledge of the industry, trends, and relevant stakeholder networks is preferred
• Demonstrated understanding of the British Columbia political environment and public policy process; established network of provincial political / government and stakeholder relationships. Similar network at the municipal level is an asset
• Client service mindset with the ability to establish, grow and maintain strong relationships with client contacts; ability to function as a trusted resource and counselor
• Proven ability to provide thoughtful insights and strategic recommendations based on a broad understanding based on the political and policy landscapes to achieve clients' objectives with government stakeholders
• Experience in supporting multiple client programs and initiatives, working across account teams, and supporting both junior and more senior team members
• Strong project and budget management skills, ability to delegate and prioritize
• Entrepreneurial spirit motivated with an interest in identify and secure new business opportunities
• Excellent verbal, written, and presentation communications skills
• Collaborative approach to working with a high-performing team

LI-MA1

You belong at Burson :

Our vision is for Burson to be the leading 'academy company' for creative communications professionals and emerging leaders. We provide a dynamic environment where ambitious colleagues come to elevate their skills, expand their networks, and ultimately, produce the best solutions for today's leading brands. Our commitment to your growth is reflected in our robust benefits and people programs, which include professional development opportunities, mentorship programs with industry leaders, a vibrant and inclusive company culture fostering collaboration and innovation and packages designed to reward and retain top talent. We invest in our people because we believe their success is our success.

At Burson, we're an agency of learn-it-alls. We recognize that the things we do best, creativity and communications, require a level of nuanced understanding. That's why it's imperative for us to hire extraordinarily talented people of all backgrounds and identities. Without that we can't do the essential work of inspiring bold ideas, fostering constructive dialogue, cultivating meaningful experiences, and driving innovation and creativity for our partners. Your unique point of view-your talent-is what makes you a #BursonPerson, and it's how we deliver exceptional results for our clients, together.

We believe the best work happens when we're together, fostering creativity, collaboration, and connection. That's why we've adopted a hybrid approach, with teams in the office around four days a week. If you require accommodations or flexibility, please discuss this with the hiring team during the interview process.

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