Senior Consultant

Hill & Knowlton, a Burson Company, Canada's leading strategic communications and public affairs consultancy, is looking for a passionate and high-performing health-focused Senior Consultant to join our growing Public Affairs team in Toronto.

This role will allow you to work with some of the most important global and Canadian companies and non-profits in the health space, while also providing opportunities to work with a broad portfolio of clients across a range of other sectors, including technology, finance, transportation and energy. As a global agency offering a full spectrum of public affairs and communications expertise, as part of our team you will also be exposed to – and may get to work on – diverse other services and specialties, on projects in Canada and beyond. We are looking for not only incredible talent but also great attitude, energy and passion for H&K and our clients.

As a Senior Consultant, you will be responsible for tracking emerging policy and political issues, creating original messaging and outreach materials, researching and writing on policy matters, and suggesting proactive ideas and programs to help meet achieve our clients' business and advocacy goals.

Senior Consultants drive much of our work. You will take a leading role on accounts, working directly with account leads to ensure public affairs plans are executed with excellence, while directly advising and assisting clients in achieving their public affairs objectives. More specifically, you will be:

• Supporting the creation and implementation of integrated public affairs plans that change public opinion and prompt government action
• Providing insight and intelligence to account leads that could advance a file or client issue
• Recommending strategies, messages and adjustments to client programs based on experience and feedback
• Proactively monitoring, interpreting, and reporting on government activities – including the political, parliamentary, legislative, and regulatory landscapes
• Undertaking specific policy research activities in support of broader strategies and plans
• Preparing written materials such as stakeholder maps, briefing documents, presentations, submissions, and leave-behinds, tailored for different audiences and platforms
• Coordinating arrangements for client engagement with government representatives and stakeholders, accompanying or directly representing clients where appropriate
• Working with teams to plan and execute virtual and in-person events and meetings
• Overseeing or managing ongoing tracking and reporting on client activities and results
• Fostering relationships and building trust with colleagues, clients, government, and stakeholders

• Minimum 4 to 7 years' experience in a communications, public affairs, government, or political role
• Post secondary degree in political science, public policy, communications, or similar program
• Outstanding verbal and written communications and presentation skills
• Excellent grasp of the provincial political environment, factors that influence government decision-making, and parliamentary, legislative, and regulatory processes
• Working knowledge of the health sector, including policy, trends, and stakeholder networks is preferred
• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills, ability to clearly articulate complex content
• Superior project and time management skills with attention to detail, ability to prioritize and to deliver projects despite obstacles
• Creative thinking, initiative and problem-solving
• Curiosity, passion, and a keen interest in growing your skills and network
• A collaborative approach to working with a high-performing team
• Previous experience at a communications or public affairs agency is an asset

#LI-MA1