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 management.
• Specialized knowledge in media production.
• Familiarity with project and risk management principles.
• Superior interpersonal and communication skills, enabling you to resolve complex problems with multiple stakeholders.
• Demonstrated business acumen, leadership, and human resources management skills.
• Ability to use applicable computer software and operating systems.
• Bilingualism is essential.

Meet the team
Join a collaborative communications team that works like an in-house agency, supporting a variety of business units and projects. As our group adapts to new priorities, you’ll be part of a creative, supportive environment focused on achieving results. Here, you can grow your skills, help shape DCC’s mission, and enjoy a strong culture where people know they are valued—as reflected in our 93% employee retention rate.

Check out your benefits
Working with us offers excellent opportunities for growth and advancement—and entitles you to one of the job market’s best benefits packages valued at between 25 and 30% of your salary.
Your package includes:
Health and Wellness
- 100% employer-paid annual sick leave, and health and dental premiums
- $400 wellness allowance to help cover expenses such as a gym membership
- $2,500 for mental health services on top of regular $2,500 paramedical coverage
- Telus Virtual Health Care and $750 Health Care Spending Account for some expenses not covered under provincial plans
Home and Family
- Life, accidental-death, and short-term disability insurance
- Enhanced inConfidence employee and family assistance program
- Maternity and parental leave top-up plan to 93% of regular gross earnings for up to 17 weeks
- Flexible workplace options, including $400 allowance every two years, to support working from home
Leave and Retirement
- Public-service pension
- Comprehensive vacation and other paid-leave plans, along with deluxe travel benefit plans