External Relations Advisor (interim) Location: Toronto, ON (on-site - TTC accessible)
Term: immediate 3-month temporary contract (with potential extension)
Hourly Pay: $60-75/hr (commensurate with experience)
Note: Occasional travel across Ontario for meetings, events, and stakeholder engagement
Vacancy Status: This posting is for an existing vacancy.
Overview We are seeking a seasoned External Relations professional to provide government relations and stakeholder engagement support on an interim basis. This individual will play a key role in maintaining and advancing strategic relationships across government, labour organizations, and industry networks. This position requires a highly connected and proactive individual who can quickly step into an active portfolio, support senior leadership at meetings and events, and help drive engagement with key decision-makers and partners.
Key Responsibilities may include: Government & Stakeholder Relations - Maintain and strengthen relationships with government officials, political staff, and public sector stakeholders across Ontario
- Leverage an established network to facilitate introductions, meetings, and strategic conversations
- Represent the organization at external meetings, events, and forums
- Identify opportunities to advance organizational priorities through relationship-building and engagement
Strategic Advisory & Advocacy Support - Provide real-time advisory support to senior leadership during meetings, events, and engagements
- Accompany executives to external engagements and help coordinate strategic side meetings
- Help navigate stakeholder dynamics and provide insights on relationship management
- Support ongoing advocacy efforts by aligning outreach and messaging with organizational priorities
Relationship & Network Development - Maintain strong connections within the broader labour movement, industry associations, and public sector communities
- Build bridges across multiple stakeholder groups to enhance influence and collaboration
- Proactively identify partnership opportunities and mitigate potential risks
Communications & Briefing Support - Prepare briefing materials, talking points, and backgrounders for leadership
- Translate complex issues into clear, actionable insights for internal use
- Support development of written materials for external engagement where required
Coordination & Execution - Pick up and manage a series of existing meetings and stakeholder interactions
- Organize and coordinate engagements, including scheduling and follow-ups
- Assist in planning and executing event participation and external outreach activities
Qualifications & Experience - 7+ years of experience in government relations, external affairs, advocacy, or a related field
- Demonstrated experience working with or alongside government officials, political offices, or public institutions
- Strong, existing network across Ontario, including government and labour-related stakeholders
- Experience engaging with the broader labour movement and/or industry sectors is considered an asset
- Proven ability to "work the room" at events and build relationships quickly and effectively
- Exceptional written and verbal communication skills
- Strong political acuity and the ability to navigate complex stakeholder environments
- Highly organized with the ability to manage multiple priorities and tight timelines
- Ability to handle confidential and sensitive information with discretion
Additional Details - This role requires a high degree of independence and the ability to step into an active file with minimal ramp-up
- The successful candidate will closely support a senior leader and play a key role in external engagements and meeting coordination
- Flexibility for occasional evening or extended hours may be required based on events and travel
If this describes you and you are available to join immediately, please apply now for consideration of this high-level, dynamic opportunity in Toronto, ON.
At Adecco our purpose is simple: to make the future work for everyone. We live our values, Passion, Collaboration, Inclusion, Courage, and Customers at Heart, by fostering a workplace where diversity is celebrated and every voice matters. We encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds and identities. Together, we're making the future work for everyone.