Consultant, Public Affairs

We’re an independently owned Canadian communications agency that specializes in public affairs, and government relations, public relations and marketing. Proof Strategies is built on a simple philosophy: you can do great work with great people and be a great place to work. Over the years, this philosophy has shaped an award-winning culture where curiosity, integrity and collaboration are respected and valued. It has made us one of Canada’s leading Canadian communications agencies, representing some of the world’s biggest brands and most trusted organizations.

We are seeking a Consultant on our Public Affairs & Government Relations team. This person brings critical thinking to the table, a passion for Canadian politics and loves the news This role provides day-to-day support across the accounts team and supports the management of small client projects. This includes helping manage government and stakeholder engagement programs, media relations, creating content (from briefing notes to news releases), conducting research, contributing to client calls and brainstorming. You work closely with integrated experts across our agency and provide strategic planning and execution support to help bring campaigns to life. Your client files will be in regulated industries so the desire to learn the intersection of communications and government relations will be key to success in this role.

At Proof we’re a curious bunch who believe that open minds and asking better questions lead to better answers and better work. Guided by our values of curiosity, empathy, integrity, inclusivity, excellence, and innovation, we partner with clients to solve challenges in smart and contemporary ways.

We are on a mission to build trust, recapture people’s attention and create positive change.

Proof is a hybrid work environment, and this role would be located in our Toronto or Ottawa office.

**What you’ll do**:

- Leverage communications tools to develop, write, and edit persuasive government relations and public affairs content.
- Manage media relations programs, including story and material development, pitching, as well as developing and maintaining journalist relationships.
- Monitor major policy and political developments that may impact our clients.
- Actively participate in networking and political events.
- Support communication with stakeholders.
- Research, track and contribute to building and nurturing a network of contacts/relationships.
- Input and support development of strategic plans and proposals.
- Contribute to regular client status meetings and manage/maintain up-to-date client reports.
- Stay up to date on trends and platforms and be equipped with creativity and innovative ideas.
- Support the development of client briefs by leading with an Ask Better Questions approach.
- Actively participate in agency life - from social activities to mentorship and learning.
- Anticipate key issues and needs of clients; in partnership with senior support, provide counsel to clients.
- Leverage the use of monitoring tools with a goal of supporting strategic initiatives and to better understand our clients.
- Support reporting efforts, including coverage reports, sentiment analysis, etc.
- Contribute to the firm’s commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion.
- Carry out all other reasonable duties assigned by the company.

**What you’ll bring**:

- Completion of post-secondary education in public policy, political science, public relations, communications, journalism, or a related field is considered an asset
- A minimum of 3-4 years of professional experience is required
- Digitally literate, with proficiency in using digital/social media platforms and AI tools for business, (including Meta, Co-Pilot, Perplexity, Twitter, TikTok, LinkedIn, Google, etc.)
- Proven ability to develop relationships with media and/or government officials and stakeholders
- Proficiency with multiple languages is considered an asset

**Skills**:

- **Autonomy + Prioritization**: uses one’s own initiative to carry out their day-to-day responsibilities.
- **Curiosity**:has a demonstrated passion for learning and growth in familiar and new areas.
- **Communication**:utilizes excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.
- **Collaboration + Feedback**:is a team player whether working remotely or in the office; seeks feedback from others and responds well to constructive input when it’s received.
- **Empathy**: operates with self-awareness and professionalism, while following the Platinum Rule (treating others the way they would like to be treated).
- **Technical**:a willingness to leverage available technology and tools to effectively carry out tasks.
- **Problem Solving + Judgment**:theability to use good judgement, be resourceful, and effectively solve problems.
- **Planning + Organizing**:highly organized, with a strong attention to detail, and responsiveness to stakeholders; Strong project management skills, with an ability to ju