Burson, part of WPP, 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.
WPP (LSE/NYSE: WPP) is the trusted growth partner for the world’s leading brands. We unite cutting-edge media intelligence and data solutions, world-class creativity, next-generation production, transformative enterprise solutions and expert strategic counsel in a single company – powered by exceptional talent and our agentic marketing platform, WPP Open, to help our clients navigate change, capture opportunity and deliver transformational growth. For more information, visit WPP.com
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We are looking for a Senior Consultant based in Ottawa to support client work across both public affairs and strategic communications, with a strong emphasis on communications and stakeholder engagement.
This replacement role is ideal for someone who understands how decisions are made in Ottawa, is comfortable engaging with government stakeholders, and can translate complex policy issues into clear, compelling communications. You will work closely with senior leaders and support clients across sectors such as healthcare, technology, financial services, energy, and infrastructure.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Supporting the development and execution of integrated public affairs and communications strategies, with a strong focus on messaging, positioning, and narrative development
- Leading the development of high-quality content, including briefing notes, media materials, position papers, and executive communication
- Monitoring and analyzing federal political, legislative, and regulatory developments, translating insights into actionable recommendations for client
- Supporting and, where appropriate, leading engagement with federal stakeholders, including government officials, policymakers, and industry associations
- Contributing to lobbying-related activities, including preparation of materials and ensuring alignment with federal requirement
- Building and maintaining stakeholder maps and engagement strategies to support outreach initiative
- Supporting and leading client meetings, consultations, and government engagement initiative
- Advising clients on communications strategy, stakeholder positioning, and reputation management in complex policy environment
- Tracking and evaluating the impact of public affairs and communications initiative
- Mentoring junior team members and contributing to a collaborative team environment
What You’ll Need to Succeed
- 5–8 years of experience in public affairs, strategic communications, government relations, or political environment
- Strong understanding of the federal government ecosystem, including parliamentary processes and decision-making structure
- Demonstrated experience in communications strategy, including content development, messaging, and stakeholder positioning
- Exposure to federal lobbying activities and government engagement strategies
- Ability to build and maintain relationships with federal stakeholder
- Excellent writing, research, and analytical skills, with the ability to translate complex policy issues into clear narrative
- Experience advising clients in regulated or policy-driven sectors (e.g., healthcare, tech, energy, financial services
- Ability to engage in lobbying activities in compliance with applicable federal regulation
- Strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities
- Bilingualism (French and English) is a strong asset
- A proactive, solutions-oriented mindset with strong attention to detail
Why Join Us
At Burson, you will:
- Work on high-impact mandates at the intersection of communications and public affair
- Engage directly with key decision-makers in Ottawa
- Be part of a collaborative, high-performing tea
- Benefit from mentorship and clear career progression opportunities
- Thrive in a flexible and supportive environment that values initiative, ownership, and impact
#LI-YA1
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.
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