Consultant, Public Affairs

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.

About Hill & Knowlton

Hill & Knowlton is the global strategic communications leader for transformation. We help brands, businesses and leaders build reputation, manage risk, and create breakthrough opportunities for growth. Founded in 1927, today’s Hill & Knowlton operates 70 offices in over 30 countries, providing advisory, public relations and creative solutions to local and global clients. Our global team offers integrated strategic services, grounded in deep sector expertise, and enabled by creativity and intelligence. Headquartered in New York, Hill & Knowlton is part of WPP, one of the world’s largest communications services groups.

The Role

At Hill & Knowlton, we help organizations engage government, shape policy, and drive change that impacts millions of Canadians. We are looking for a Public Affairs Consultant to join our Ottawa office, supporting clients across sectors such as healthcare, technology, financial and professional services, energy, infrastructure, and transportation.

This is an exciting opportunity to work with some of Canada’s most influential organizations while advising on public affairs strategies, stakeholder engagement, and government relations. The ideal candidate has a passion for politics and policy, strong writing and research skills, and the ability to translate complex issues into clear, persuasive communications.

What You’ll Be Doing:

• Supporting the development and execution of integrated public affairs and government relations strategies that influence public policy and drive client objectives.
• Monitoring federal political, legislative, and regulatory developments, providing timely insights and strategic recommendations.
• Engaging directly with government officials, policymakers, and industry stakeholders, helping clients build relationships and advocate for key priorities.
• Conducting policy research and analysis on a range of issues, providing briefings and recommendations to support client strategies.
• Preparing stakeholder maps, briefing notes, submissions, reports, and presentations tailored for various audiences.
• Managing and coordinating meetings, consultations, and public affairs events to support client engagement efforts.
• Advising clients on messaging, positioning, and engagement tactics to effectively communicate with government and key stakeholders.
• Tracking and measuring the impact of public affairs programs, ensuring alignment with client goals.

What You’ll Need to Succeed:

• Minimum 3 years’ experience in public affairs, government relations, political roles, or strategic communications (agency experience is a plus).
• Strong understanding of federal government decision-making, parliamentary procedures, and regulatory processes.
• Exceptional research, writing, and analytical skills, with the ability to translate complex policy issues into clear, compelling narratives.
• Experience working with or within government, industry associations, advocacy groups, or public institutions.
• Bilingualism (French and English) is a strong asset.
• Strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to prioritize and manage multiple clients or projects.
• A proactive, creative, and solutions-oriented mindset, with a keen interest in public policy and stakeholder engagement.
• A strong network in government, industry, or advocacy sectors is an advantage.

Why Join Us?

At Hill & Knowlton, you’ll be part of a collaborative and dynamic team that is at the forefront of public affairs in Canada. We offer:

• The opportunity to work on high-impact public affairs and government relations campaigns.
• Exposure to a diverse range of industries and policy areas.
• Career growth and mentorship from leading public affairs experts.
• A flexible and supportive work environment that values innovation and teamwork.