Manager, Public Affairs

Defence Construction Canada (DCC) is seeking a Manager, Public Affairs with exceptional public and media relations expertise to join our evolving Communications team. We are looking for a strategic leader skilled at managing complex, high-profile environments, mitigating corporate reputational risk, and building public trust through transparent and accountable communications. In this role, you will lead media relations and public and stakeholder engagement activities and provide critical communications support for Department of National Defence (DND) infrastructure initiatives, including those related to real property and real estate transactions.

You will collaborate with other DCC teams, and serve as a trusted senior advisor to leadership, proactively managing issues and driving strategic initiatives to enhance DCC’s public profile.

What you bring
You have a proven background in public affairs, with the diplomacy, knowledge, and experience to excel in complex, high-profile environments. You have:

• An established network of media contacts

• Experience developing content, drafting media responses and response lines, and serving as a primary media relations advisor to executives and senior management.

• Skill in preparing spokespersons for media engagements, public appearances, and consultations, in both official languages

• The ability to align messaging with corporate and government priorities, collaborating with internal teams and external partners

• Expertise in developing and reviewing public relations materials and managing public consultations

• A track record of managing reputational risk and ensuring transparency and accountability in all messaging

• Experience planning, developing and implementing public relations campaigns with successful, measurable outcomes and impact

Your opportunity and responsibilities
Reporting to the Director, Communications, you will:

• Lead public affairs initiatives that ensure transparency and accountability in all external messaging

• Develop and review media content, including response lines, news releases, information materials, and briefing notes

• Field media inquiries and serve as the primary media relations advisor for senior executives

• Prepare spokespersons for media engagements and public events, including preparing speaking and briefing notes

• Collaborate with internal teams and external partners to align messaging with key priorities

• Provide strategic advice on policy communications, stakeholder engagement, and public reporting

• Manage public consultation and stakeholder engagement activities, acting as a mediator as needed

• Support DND communications initiatives, particularly in real estate and housing infrastructure

• Build and maintain effective relationships with members of the national and local media, industry, client-partners, and other stakeholders

• Ensure communications meet quality standards and client expectations

• Proactively manage issues and reputational risk as a senior advisor to leadership

• Lead the development of strategies and execution of campaigns to elevate DCC’s public profile

Your skills, experience, and fit
Minimum: University degree in communications, public relations, political science, journalism, marketing, or a related field, with at least ten years' relevant experience—or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Preferred
:
Above qualifications plus accreditation or membership in professional associations such as the Canadian Public Relations Society, the Public Affairs Association of Canada, or the International Association of Business Communicators.

• Demonstrated experience in public and stakeholder relations and issues management, especially within the infrastructure and environment, real property, and public consultation sectors.

• A strong network of media contacts across all types of media (print, broadcast, digital).

• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, with a proven ability to draft effective media lines and develop strategic public relations plans.

• Comprehensive understanding of best practices, methods, and trends in public relations, communications, stakeholder relations, and issues…