Senior Consultant, Public Affairs & Communications

Who we are:

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 

For more information visit bursonglobal.com and follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram.

More about the role:

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 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 

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