Senior Public Affairs & Government Relations Lead

US001 Daniel J. Edelman, Inc.; Ottawa; On-site; CAD 90,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

Edelman in Ottawa is seeking a Director of Public Affairs who will serve as a senior advisor to clients, leading public affairs, government relations, and stakeholder engagement strategies. You will manage day-to-day client relationships and provide strategic counsel to navigate complex policy environments.

The role requires 5–10 years of experience across government, public affairs or related sectors, with a proven track record in leading teams, business development, and delivering measurable

Qualifications

• 5–10 years in government, public affairs, public policy, government relations, communications or related fields.
• Experience developing and executing public affairs and stakeholder engagement strategies.
• Strong understanding of government decision‑making processes and policy development.
• Experience engaging with elected officials, staff, public servants, industry leaders and stakeholders.
• Proven ability to manage client relationships independently and provide strategic counsel.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the day‑to‑day strategic lead on client accounts with proactive advice and recommendations.
• Develop and execute integrated public affairs, government relations, stakeholder engagement and issue management.
• Anticipate political, policy, regulatory and reputational risks and provide actionable guidance.
• Lead client meetings, presentations, workshops and planning sessions independently.
• Build trusted advisor relationships and translate complex developments into business insights.

Skills

Public affairs

Stakeholder engagement

Client relationship management

Strategic counsel

Business development

Job description

Edelman in Ottawa is seeking a Director of Public Affairs who will serve as a senior advisor to clients, leading public affairs, government relations, and stakeholder engagement strategies. You will manage day-to-day client relationships and provide strategic counsel to navigate complex policy environments.

The role requires 5–10 years of experience across government, public affairs or related sectors, with a proven track record in leading teams, business development, and delivering measurable