Senior Consultant - Health Public Affairs Ontario

Senior Consultant - Health Public Affairs Who we are:

Hill & Knowlton is a strategic and creative partner to drive breakthrough opportunities for growth and value creation, advance corporate strategy, and build reputation capital and resiliency. We’re a proven partner for business and brand transformation. A full‑service global firm, we provide strategic communication, marketing and corporate affairs solutions distinguished by intelligence and creativity. Hill & Knowlton is part of WPP (LSE/NYSE: WPP), the creative transformation company.

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, we expose you to diverse services and specialties on projects in Canada and beyond.

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 achieve our clients’ business and advocacy goals.

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 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‑behind. These materials are 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

• Minimum 4‑7 years’ experience in a communications, public affairs, government or political role
• Post‑secondary degree in political science, public policy, communications or a related field
• 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 (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 prioritise and 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

We are 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. Your unique point of view is what makes you a #Burson Person and 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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