Who we are:
Burson, part of WPP, is the global communications leader built to create value for clients through reputation. With highly specialized teams, industry-leading technologies and breakthrough creative, we help brands and businesses redefine reputation as a competitive advantage so they can lead today and into the future. When you work at Burson, you are part of a global community of lifelong learners who thrive at the edge of innovation.
WPP (LSE/NYSE: WPP) is the trusted growth partner for the world’s leading brands. We unite cutting-edge media intelligence and data solutions, world-class creativity, next-generation production, transformative enterprise solutions and expert strategic counsel in a single company – powered by exceptional talent and our agentic marketing platform, WPP Open, to help our clients navigate change, capture opportunity and deliver transformational growth. For more information, visit WPP.com
For more information visit bursonglobal.com and follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram.
More about the role:
We are looking for a Public Affairs Consultant based in Ottawa to support client work requiring strong federal government expertise and stakeholder engagement.
This role is ideal for someone who understands how decisions are made in Ottawa and is comfortable operating in government-facing environments. You will work closely with senior leaders and support clients across sectors such as healthcare, technology, financial services, energy, and infrastructure.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Supporting the development and execution of federal public affairs and government relations strategies
- Monitoring and analyzing federal political, legislative, and regulatory developments, translating insights into actionable recommendations
- Supporting engagement with federal stakeholders, including government officials, policymakers, and industry associations
- Contributing to lobbying-related activities, including preparation of materials and ensuring alignment with federal requirements
- Conducting policy research and developing briefing notes, position papers, and strategic recommendations
- Building and maintaining stakeholder maps and engagement plans
- Supporting client meetings, consultations, and government engagement initiatives
- Advising on messaging, positioning, and stakeholder engagement approaches
- Tracking and evaluating the impact of public affairs initiatives
What You’ll Need to Succeed
- 3–4 years of experience in public affairs, government relations, political roles, or strategic communications
- Strong understanding of the federal government ecosystem, including parliamentary processes and decision-making structures
- Exposure to federal lobbying activities and government engagement strategies
- Ability to build and maintain relationships with federal stakeholders
- Excellent research, writing, and analytical skills
- Ability to translate complex policy issues into clear, compelling narratives
- Ability to engage in lobbying activities in compliance with applicable federal regulations
- Experience working with government, industry associations, or advocacy groups
- Bilingualism (French and English) is a strong asset
- Strong organizational and project management skills
- A proactive, solutions-oriented mindset with a strong interest in public policy
Why Join Us
At Burson, you will:
- Work on high-impact federal public affairs mandates
- Engage with key decision-makers in Ottawa
- Be part of a collaborative, high-performing team
- Benefit from mentorship and career growth opportunities
- Thrive in a flexible and supportive environment that values initiative and impact
#LI-YA1
You belong at Burson:
Our vision is for Burson to be the leading ‘academy company’ for creative communications professionals and emerging leaders. We provide a dynamic environment where ambitious colleagues come to elevate their skills, expand their networks, and ultimately, produce the best solutions for today’s leading brands. Our commitment to your growth is reflected in our robust benefits and people programs, which include professional development opportunities, mentorship programs with industry leaders, a vibrant and inclusive company culture fostering collaboration and innovation and packages designed to reward and retain top talent. We invest in our people because we believe their success is our success.
At Burson, we’re an agency of learn-it-alls. We recognize that the things we do best, creativity and communications, require a level of nuanced understanding. That’s why it’s imperative for us to hire extraordinarily talented people of all backgrounds and identities. Without that we can’t do the essential work of inspiring bold ideas, fostering constructive dialogue, cultivating meaningful experiences, and driving innovation and creativity for our partners. Your unique point of view—your talent—is what makes you a #BursonPerson, and it’s how we deliver exceptional results for our clients, together.
We believe the best work happens when we're together, fostering creativity, collaboration, and connection. That's why we’ve adopted a hybrid approach, with teams in the office around four days a week. If you require accommodations or flexibility, please discuss this with the hiring team during the interview process.
When you click the "Submit Application" button below, this will send any information you add below to Burson. Before you do this, we think it's a good idea to read through our Recruitment Privacy Policy. California residents should read our California Recruitment Privacy Notice. This explains what we do with your personal data when you apply for a role with us, and, how you can update the information you have provided us with or how to remove it.