Associate, Public Affairs (Hybrid)

About us

As Canada’s leading public relations firm, NATIONAL is home to Canada’s deepest bench of public affairs experts. NATIONAL has government relations and public affairs specialists in offices across Canada - Vancouver, Calgary, Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal, Quebec City, Saint John, Halifax, and St. John’s.

Whether on Parliament Hill, at the provincial legislature or city hall, our NATIONAL experts have deep expertise in developing impactful advocacy and awareness plans to influence key decision-makers.

The role

NATIONAL is looking for an ambitious, proactive and collaborative professional with experience in public affairs to help deliver results for our clients.

As a key team member, you will contribute towards the day-to-day aspects of public affairs, government relations, issues management and corporate communications accounts, while also growing your business management skills. Most importantly, we’re looking for someone who is keen to learn and build a long-term career at NATIONAL.

Key responsibilities

• Support key client accounts as part of an integrated team across multiple industry sectors
• Contribute to public affairs strategies, as well as stakeholder engagement, communication and advocacy campaigns in support of our clients’ business objectives
• Draft briefing materials, reports, presentations, and other communication tools to support clients
• Support media training, issues and crisis management mandates
• Build/maintain relationships with key stakeholders including government officials, industry partners, community organizations, and media representatives
• Support the organization of events such as press conferences, stakeholder meetings, lobby days or community outreach initiatives
• Manage client research and monitoring needs and provide informed recommendations based on key insights and learnings
• Monitor legislative, regulatory, and policy developments at provincial and municipal levels, and track success of public affairs activities to inform future strategies

Qualifications

• One to two years' experience in government relations/public affairs within a consulting, political, corporate or public service setting
• Demonstrates high level of fluency with Excel, Word and PowerPoint
• Degree in communications or political science is preferred but not essential

Abilities

• Demonstrates understanding of Ontario and municipal political systems, processes, and current affairs to effectively navigate and influence the political landscape
• Has familiarity with the creation and execution of processes and materials relevant to the role, e.g. research notes and press releases, media relations, campaign development, etc.
• Able to leverage and produce content on major social platforms
• Shows curiosity for learning about the sectors that drive Ontario’s economy
• Has a problem-solving mind and is continually looking for new ways of approaching the challenges faced by governments and industry
• Compelling writer and persuasive communicator that is able to engage people in-person or through a variety of communications mediums (Word, PowerPoint and other innovative digital platforms)
• Strategic thinker with strong interpersonal skills who wants to work in a client service environment
• True team player who is eager to collaborate and help the practice and Firm achieve its business objectives
• Lifelong learner who pushes themselves to stay ahead of the curve when it comes to communications trends
• Loves collaborating on teams – you are a goal-oriented, ‘yes’ person
• Consistently demonstrates attention to detail and strong organizational skills
• Doesn’t take themselves too seriously – but takes their work VERY seriously

What we offer

• The opportunity to do challenging, unconventional work, while building a career in corporate communications consulting with a firm that recognizes performance and rewards achievement
• A vibrant and creative workplace culture that values innovation and collaboration
• A competitive salary and a comprehensive salary package
• Career development opportunities and ongoing training to help you grow professionally
• Flexible work arrangements to help you maintain work-life balance

How to apply

Qualified candidates are invited to apply by sending a resume, and a cover letter expressing their interest and fit 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.

NATIONAL Public Relations provides creative communications solutions that move people in thought and actions. We bring together a team of 300 seasoned professionals, who are committed to helping organizations of all sizes and in all sectors understand their challenges and opportunities and solve the issues they are facing. For 47 years, NATIONAL has been at the center of issues and industries that matter, leading change for today and tomorrow.

NATIONAL is Canada’s leading public relations firm, with offices in Vancouver, Calgary, Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal, Quebec City, Saint John, Halifax and St. John’s. Its network includes Time & Space, a leader in media strategy, data analysis, planning and execution.

NATIONAL Public Relations is an AVENIR GLOBAL company, the largest Canadian-owned global communications firm, ranked among the 25 largest in the world with offices in 23 locations across Canada, the U.S., Europe and the Middle East. For more information about NATIONAL, please visit our website or follow us on LinkedIn and X.

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