Vice President, Public Affairs - Western Canada

Burson; Vancouver; Hybrid; CAD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Burson is seeking a VP of Public Affairs for Western Canada to lead growth in public affairs practice. The role involves strategic client leadership, business development, and team mentorship, with a focus on navigating the political landscape. Ideal candidates will have extensive experience in public affairs and robust client relationship skills. A commitment to innovation and excellence is key to succeed in this dynamic environment.

Benefits

Professional development opportunities

Mentorship programs with industry leaders

Inclusive company culture fostering collaboration

Qualifications

• Senior leader with a proven track record in Public Affairs.
• Strong understanding of British Columbia's political landscape.
• Experience in managing budgets and resources.

Responsibilities

• Serve as senior advisor on public affairs issues.
• Develop public affairs strategies aligned with client objectives.
• Lead and mentor the Public Affairs team in Western Canada.

Skills

Public affairs experience

Client leadership

Strategic planning

Business development

Communication skills

Team mentoring

Education

Bachelor's degree in related field

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 and follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram.

More about the role :

The VP Public Affairs - Western Canada is a senior leadership role responsible for driving the growth and success of our Public Affairs practice in Western Canada while also contributing to the overall national Public Affairs strategy.

This individual will be a key member of the H&K Western Canada team playing a critical role in business development client leadership and team mentorship.

The ideal candidate will possess a strong understanding of the provincial political and regulatory landscape in British Columbia a proven track record of success in public affairs and the ability to build and maintain strong relationships with clients stakeholders and colleagues.

What youll do : Client Leadership :

Serve as a senior advisor to clients on a wide range of public affairs issues providing strategic counsel and guidance.

Develop and implement comprehensive public affairs strategies that align with client objectives and deliver measurable results.

Oversee the execution of client projects ensuring high-quality work and adherence to deadlines and budgets.

Build and maintain strong relationships with key client stakeholders.

Proactively identify and address potential challenges and opportunities for clients

• Provide leadership and mentorship to the Public Affairs team in Western Canada fostering a collaborative and high-performing work environment.
• Manage Public Affairs staff in Western Canada.
• Foster a culture of innovation and continuous improvement within the team.

Strategic Planning & Execution :

• Contribute to the development and implementation of the overall strategic plan for the H&K Western Canada Public Affairs practice.
• Monitor and analyze the political and regulatory landscape in Western Canada identifying trends and opportunities for clients.
• Develop and maintain a strong understanding of H&Ks capabilities and services.
• Collaborate with the National Public Affairs Lead to ensure alignment and consistency across the country.

Business Development :

• Build and maintain a strong network of contacts within government industry and community organizations.
• Collaborate with other H&K teams to identify cross-selling opportunities and leverage the agencys full range of services.
• Collaborate nationally and within the Burson global network on new business opportunities.
• Actively participate in industry events and conferences to promote H&Ks Public Affairs capabilities.
• Identify and pursue new business opportunities in the Western Canadian market focusing on expanding our Public Affairs client base.
• Develop and execute strategic business development plans including identifying target clients crafting compelling proposals and leading pitch presentations.

Experience that contributes to success :

• Senior leader with a proven track record of success in Public Affairs.
• Experience in growing a Public Affairs practice or business unit.
• Strong understanding of the political and regulatory landscape in Western Canada with a focus on British Columbia.
• Excellent business development skills including experience in identifying and pursuing new business opportunities.
• Proven ability to provide strategic counsel and guidance to clients on complex public affairs issues.
• Strong leadership and mentorship skills.
• Excellent communication presentation and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Desired Skills and Experiences :

• Experience working in a government relations or public affairs agency.
• Established relationships with key decision-makers in British Columbia.
• Experience in managing budgets and resources.
• Strong writing and editing skills.
• Experience in crisis communications.
• Knowledge of digital and social media strategies for public affairs.
• Experience working with diverse stakeholders.

Education :

• Bachelors degree in a related field (e.g. Political Science Communications Public Policy).

Other :

• Willingness to travel within Western Canada and rest of Canada when required.
• Membership in relevant professional organizations is an asset.
• Commitment to ethical and professional conduct.
• Experience working with Indigenous communities and organizations.

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 todays 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 were an agency of learn-it-alls. We recognize that the things we do best creativity and communications require a level of nuanced understanding. Thats why its imperative for us to hire extraordinarily talented people of all backgrounds and identities. Without that we cant 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 viewyour talentis what makes you a #BursonPerson and its how we deliver exceptional results for our clients together.

We believe the best work happens when were together fostering creativity collaboration and connection. Thats why weve 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.

When you click the Submit Application button below this will send any information you add below to Burson. Before you do this we think its a good idea to read through our Recruitment Privacy Policy. California residents should read our California Recruitment Privacy Notice. This explains what we do with your personal data when you apply for a role with us and how you can update the information you have provided us with or how to remove it.

Required Experience :

Chief

Key Skills

Employment Type : Full Time

Experience : years

Vacancy : 1

Create a job alert for this search