Senior Consultant, Public Affairs & Government Relations
APPLY NOWProof Strategies is seeking a motivated candidate to join our Public Affairs & Government Relations team as our newest Senior Consultant. Proof is a hybrid work environment, and this role can be located in Toronto.
If you like learning new things, being part of a dynamic team and working on a wide range of subjects, this role is for you. The ideal candidate has experience in both government and agency and understands how policy is formed, influenced and implemented.
We promise a stimulating experience in a diverse, unique agency environment, where learning and professional growth are a priority and where your contributions and ideas are welcomed and appreciated.
What you’ll do
- Work collaboratively with teammates to handle day-to-day government relations and public affairs business on behalf of a range of clients.
- Provide guidance, counsel and intelligence to clients on issues related to public policy, politics, and government, with a particular emphasis on Ontario; a strong knowledge of the federal landscape and of other provinces would be considered an asset.
- Participate in lobbying activities, which includes keeping current with lobbying codes and regulations.
- Maintain a strong understanding of the Canadian media landscape, strategic communications principles, and best practices for media outreach and engagement.
- Prepare written materials, such as policy analyses, briefing notes, and client presentations.
- Monitor government decisions and provide counsel on their impact on client activities.
- Develop and support client advocacy campaigns and create communications materials that engage and inform audiences and influence behaviour.
- Support stakeholder relations through research, outreach, relationship building and tracking.
- Support business development efforts with research, planning and logistics.
- Measure the effectiveness of client activities with the support of our Proof team and take part in developing strategies and plans with clearly defined goals and measurable objectives.
- Contribute to client management through project management, participation in client meetings, planning, budgeting and more.
- Build Proof’s broader new business strategy through the identification and management of new and organic growth opportunities.
- Support the firm’s commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion.
- Carry out all other reasonable duties assigned by the company.
What you’ll bring
- A minimum of five years of professional experience, ideally within an agency setting and in government/politics.
- Excellent written communications skills are essential.
- Proven ability to develop relationships with legislators and their staff, public servants, the media, and stakeholders. Ability to conduct registerable lobbying activities in Ontario, and federally.
- Proven ability to work in a team environment.
- Demonstrated passion for learning and growth in new areas.
- Strong understanding of the media landscape and of strategic communications
- Ability to learn new technology platforms, in addition to strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications, AI and social media platforms.
- Strong project management skills, with an eye for detail and an ability to juggle and prioritize multiple tasks and competing priorities, manage the day-to-day execution of programs.
Skills
- Leadership: an empathetic team member who contributes to a collaborative work environment through enthusiasm, support, and open communication; confident when “managing up” to higher levels within the organization; committed to the growth and success of themselves and others.
- Empathy: operates with self-awareness and professionalism, while following the Platinum Rule (treating others the way they would like to be treated).
- Collaboration + Feedback: seeks feedback and responds well to constructive input when it’s received.
- Curiosity: has a demonstrated passion for learning and growth in familiar and new areas.
- Communication: a developed ability to communicate clearly, actively listen, ask better questions, and provide strategic counsel; has excellent interpersonal, written, editing, proofreading, and verbal communication skills for a variety of assignments.
- Planning + Organizing: ability to manage a multitude of tasks and clients and manage time and deadlines appropriately; highly organized with strong attention to detail and responsiveness to stakeholders.
- Problem Solving + Judgment: resourceful, solution-oriented, and demonstrates good judgment for clients’ and Proof Strategies’ businesses.
- Autonomy + Prioritization: proactive, self-motivated, and accountable.
- Technical: strategic social media thinking and skills (e.g., online listening and analysis, content development, engagement, etc.); solid research, proposal development and presentation skills.
Bonus if you have
- Knowledge of the Energy and/or Health sectors is considered an asset.
- Media relations experience, bilingualism and previous experience on election campaigns are also considered assets.
What we offer
- The chance to contribute and grow with a rapidly evolving team looking to push limits and foster positive change.
- A forward-thinking culture that expects and rewards curiosity, bravery and new thinking.
- An award-winning, workplace committed to equity, diversity and inclusion known for living The Platinum Rule.
- Competitive salary and comprehensive health benefits from Day One.
- Subsidized continuing education and frequent personal & professional development events.
- Generous vacation time as well as office closures between Christmas and New Year’s.
- Canadian, independent ownership that provides flexibility and local decision-making.
At Proof Strategies, we believe that delivering exceptional work, building trust, and having fun is the best path to a successful communications agency. Three decades of continuous annual growth has proven that philosophy.
This role may require attending public meetings and events during evenings or weekends. Additionally, some travel might be necessary to fulfill the responsibilities of the position.
Proof Strategies is an equal opportunity employer dedicated to equity, diversity and inclusion in the workplace and encourages applications from all qualified applicants. If you require any accommodation during the recruitment process, please let us know.
No phone inquiries, please. Only those candidates under consideration will be contacted.
Thank you for your interest in Proof Strategies.
