Senior Consultant, Public Affairs & Government Relations (Ottawa)

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Senior Consultant, Public Affairs & Government Relations (Ottawa)

APPLY NOW April 7, 2026

Proof Strategies is an independent, Canadian-owned strategic communications agency that charts its own path. Built on a simple philosophy – that you can do great work with great people and be a great place to work – Proof has grown into an award-winning agency where curiosity, integrity, and collaboration are deeply valued. Today, we are proud to be one of Canada’s leading communications agencies, partnering with some of the world’s most respected brands and trusted organizations.

Guided by this foundation and a belief in the power of strong human relationships, we are on a mission to help our clients recapture attention, earn trust, and move people to action. To support our team on this journey, we’re hiring a Senior Consultant who is excited to learn, build and grow with us.

Position Summary

This Senior Consultant position will play a key role in delivering and advancing our public affairs and government relations work across a range of clients, issues, and sectors. This role will lead and support day-to-day execution of client work while contributing to a talented and growing team. Working closely with senior team members, the person in this role will contribute to strategic thinking, policy analysis, stakeholder engagement, and client counsel – helping organizations navigate complex government environments and advance their public policy and communications goals.

Responsibilities and Duties

• Supports the development and execution of client plans, contributing to day-to-day account management and gaining exposure to clients and budget development and management.
• Proactively identifies opportunities to add value to clients and Proof, bringing forward new ideas, alternative approaches, and integrated solutions aligned with client business and public policy objectives.
• Leads key aspects of client accounts, independently or in collaboration with senior colleagues – such as project management, execution, advocacy and communications initiatives, and budget tracking.
• Delegates effectively and provides coaching and constructive feedback to Account Coordinators and Consultants to support their learning, development, and to ensure high quality work.
• Monitors and analyzes public policy, political, legislative, and regulatory developments, and in partnership with senior team members, provides informed counsel to our clients on emerging issues, implications and strategic responses.
• Actively seeks to understand the client’s business, sector, and competitive landscape, proactively applying insights to strengthen recommendations, execution and anticipate client future needs or opportunities.
• Anticipates emerging issues and client challenges, and in partnership with senior team members, provides thoughtful counsel and actionable solutions.
• Supports issues management activities — related to government, legislative, business and media developments — using our internal tools, monitoring platforms, stakeholder mapping, message development, and materials preparation.
• Ensures senior leadership remains informed about ideas to add value or improve the work, client satisfaction, emerging team needs, risks, and opportunities.
• Develops and supports advocacy campaigns that engage stakeholders, inform public discourse, and influence policy or behaviour.
• Participates in lobbying activities, ensuring compliance with applicable legislation, registration requirements, and ethical standards.
• Collaborates across Proof’s expertise areas as One Proof, working closely with cross-disciplinary teams to help define measurable campaign goals, deliver results aligned to strategy, evaluate outcomes, and recommend next steps based on learnings. Seeks to learn about Proof’s different expertise areas and identifies opportunities with clients where we may add additional value.
• Builds and nurtures relationships with key partners, including clients, government stakeholders, media, and influencers, to advance client objectives and strengthen Proof’s network.
• Identifies opportunities for organic growth, contributing to Proof’s broader business development strategy.
• Actively supports Proof’s commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion, embedding inclusive thinking into work and team culture.
• Carries out all other reasonable duties and fiscal obligations assigned by the company, including living Proof values and Experience Principles.

Qualifications and Experience

• Completion of post-secondary education in relevant fields such as political science, government relations, journalism and communications.
• A minimum of 5–8 years of experience in public affairs, government relations, political environments — including demonstrated experience operating at a Senior Consultant level for at least 1–2 years, ideally within an agency environment and in government/politics.
• Experience in the government/political sector is considered a significant asset, with preference given to candidates who bring relevant industry experience.
• Proven ability to develop relationships with legislators and their staff, public servants, the media, and stakeholders, and the ability to conduct registerable lobbying activities federally and in Ontario.
• Knowledge of industry trends and current affairs.
• Bilingualism (or proficiency with multiple languages) and previous experience on election campaigns are also considered assets.

Skills

• Leadership: Fosters a collaborative environment, communicates openly, and supports the growth and performance of others.
• Clear Communicator: Communicates clearly, listens actively, and provides thoughtful, strategic counsel verbally and in written form.
• Collaborative: Partners effectively across expertise areas and teams and seeks out and applies feedback to elevate the work.
• Technical: Demonstrates a strong understanding of earned and social media, adept at speaking with the media, and has strong presentation skills.
• Autonomous and able to prioritize: Works proactively and reliably, managing competing priorities with strong ownership, follow-through and accountability.
• Curious: Shows genuine interest in people, clients, learning and innovation, while adapting to others’ needs with professionalism and insight.
• Organized: Stays highly organized and detail-oriented, reliably meeting deadlines and keeping workstreams moving smoothly.
• Proactive problem solver: Anticipates challenges early, practices good judgement and brings forward proactive, well-reasoned solutions.
• AI + Innovation: Proactively explores and uses AI tools to enhance quality, creativity, and efficiency. Comfortable in the use and experimentation of AI tools, such as ChatGPT, Copilot, Gemini, and Claude.

Compensation and benefits

Expected compensation for this role is $78,000–$85,000 annually, with placement within the range depending on the candidate’s years and level of experience relative to the role’s requirements.

Full-Time Employees at Proof Enjoy:

• A collaborative, inclusive workplace that values diverse perspectives.
• Collaboration with a team exploring AI and building contemporary services to reflect growing work and new behaviours.
• Competitive benefits package (health, dental, counselling, etc.) coverage to care for you and your loved ones from day one!
• Mental health resources (EAP, Headspace).
• Parental leave benefits.
• Green commuter perk.
• And more!!

Other

• Job type: Existing vacancy, full-time
• Location: Hybrid, Ottawa

Use of Artificial Intelligence: We may use artificial intelligence to screen, assess, or select applicants for this position.