Vice President, Public Affairs - Western Canada New Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Burson Group; Vancouver, Victoria; On-site; CAD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Burson Group is seeking a Vice President of Public Affairs for Western Canada. This senior leadership role involves driving business development, providing strategic counsel, and mentoring the Public Affairs team. The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of the political landscape in British Columbia and a proven track record in public affairs.

Benefits

Professional development opportunities

Mentorship programs

Inclusive company culture

Qualifications

• Senior leader with a proven track record in Public Affairs.
• Strong understanding of the political landscape in British Columbia.
• Excellent business development and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a senior advisor to clients on public affairs issues.
• Develop and implement public affairs strategies.
• Oversee client projects ensuring quality and deadlines.

Skills

Business Development

Strategic Counsel

Leadership

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Political Science, Communications, or Public Policy

Job description

Vice President, Public Affairs - Western Canada

Who we are:

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.

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 you'll do:

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&K's 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 agency's 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&K's 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:

• Bachelor's 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 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.

When you click the "Submit Application" button below, this will send any information you add below to Burson. Before you do this, we think it's a good idea to read through ourRecruitment Privacy Policy. California residents should read ourCalifornia 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.

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When you check the box and click the "Submit Application" button below, this will send any information you add above to Burson.

We think it's 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.

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