Edelman is a voice synonymous with trust, reimagining a future where the currency of communication is action. Our culture thrives on three promises: boldness is possibility, empathy is progress, and curiosity is momentum.
At Edelman, we understand diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging (DEIB) transform our colleagues, our company, our clients, and our communities. We are in relentless pursuit of an equitable and inspiring workplace that is respectful of all, reflects and represents the world in which we live, and fosters trust, collaboration and belonging.
The Director, Public Affairs serves as a senior advisor to clients, leading the development and execution of public affairs, government relations, stakeholder engagement, and communications strategies. The Director is responsible for managing day-to-day client relationships, providing strategic counsel, identifying emerging risks and opportunities, and helping clients navigate complex government and public policy environments.
The successful candidate will have experience operating within government, politics, public affairs, advocacy, or related sectors and possess a strong understanding of public policy, government decision-making, and stakeholder engagement. The Director will demonstrate sound judgment, initiative, and the ability to independently manage client files while contributing to the firm's growth through new business development and relationship building.
This role requires a proactive, client-facing professional who is comfortable engaging senior government officials, industry stakeholders, and clients while working collaboratively with internal teams to deliver exceptional results.
Key Responsibilities
Client Leadership & Strategic Counsel
- Serve as the day-to-day strategic lead on client accounts, providing proactive advice and recommendations aligned with client objectives.
- Develop and execute integrated public affairs, government relations, stakeholder engagement, and issue management strategies.
- Anticipate emerging political, policy, regulatory, and reputational risks and opportunities and provide actionable recommendations to clients.
- Lead client meetings, presentations, workshops, and strategic planning sessions independently.
- Build trusted advisor relationships with clients, becoming a key resource for strategic guidance and decision-making.
- Translate complex political, policy, and stakeholder developments into practical business insights.
Government Relations & Stakeholder Engagement
- Develop and maintain relationships with elected officials, political staff, public servants, industry leaders, associations, and other relevant stakeholders.
- Identify opportunities to advance client objectives through strategic engagement with government and external stakeholders.
- Support the design and execution of advocacy campaigns, government engagement strategies, and stakeholder outreach initiatives.
- Monitor political, legislative, regulatory, procurement and public policy developments and assess their implications for clients.
- Represent clients and the firm at stakeholder meetings, industry events, conferences, and government engagements.
Business Development & Practice Growth
- Contribute actively to business development efforts, including identifying opportunities, supporting proposals, and participating in client pitches.
- Build and maintain a strong professional network that supports client service and generates new business opportunities.
- Develop and grow a personal portfolio of client relationships over time.
- Support the expansion of the firm's public affairs practice through thought leadership, market intelligence, and relationship development.
- Identify opportunities to deepen existing client relationships through cross-selling and expanded service offerings.
Account & Team Leadership
- Oversee the delivery of client work to ensure quality, timeliness, and strategic value.
- Provide direction, coaching, and mentorship to junior staff and support their professional development.
- Manage project teams and coordinate internal resources to meet client objectives.
- Contribute to practice leadership initiatives, operational improvement, and knowledge sharing across the organization.
- Help maintain strong financial performance across accounts through effective project and resource management.
Experience & Qualifications
Required
- 5-10 years of experience in government, public affairs, public policy, government relations, communications, political offices, advocacy organizations, consulting, or related fields.
- Demonstrated experience developing and executing public affairs and stakeholder engagement strategies.
- Strong understanding of government decision-making processes and policy development.
- Experience engaging directly with elected officials, political staff, public servants, industry associations, and external stakeholders.
- Proven ability to manage client relationships independently and provide strategic counsel.
- Strong written, verbal, presentation, and interpersonal communication skills.
- Experience managing multiple priorities and working in a fast-paced client-service environment.
- Knowledge of public policy issues relevant to technology, infrastructure, healthcare, energy, economic development, or other regulated sectors.
Success at the Director Level
A successful Director will:
- Be viewed by clients as a trusted strategic advisor.
- Independently lead client accounts and engagement strategies.
- Develop meaningful relationships across government and stakeholder communities.
- Identify opportunities and risks before clients do.
- Contribute directly to business development efforts and revenue growth.
- Help cultivate new client relationships and work toward building an individual portfolio of business.
- Mentor junior team members and strengthen the overall practice.
- Demonstrate commercial awareness, strategic thinking, and a strong commitment to client success.
This posting is for an existing vacancy.
Pay Range: $90,000 to $125,000 CAD a year.
An employee’s pay position within the salary range will be based on several factors including, but not limited to, relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, seniority, geographic location, performance, travel requirements, revenue-based metrics, any contractual agreements, and business or organizational needs.
The range listed is just one component of DJEH’s total compensation package for employees. Other rewards may include annual bonuses, a Paid Time Off policy, and region-specific benefits.
We are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace, so if you’re excited about this role but your experience doesn’t perfectly align with every qualification, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.
