Senior Consultant

Who we are:

Burson 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.

Burson is part of WPP (LSE/NYSE: WPP), the creative transformation company. For more information visit and follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram.

More about the role:

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.

What you'll do:

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

Experience that contributes to success:

• 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

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You belong at Burson:

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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