Launch Your Public Affairs Career | Counsel Public Affairs

Careers

Founded in 2004, Counsel has over 20 years of experience as one of Canada’s most respected and successful public affairs firms.

Our integrated team and collaborative work culture is what sets us apart.
We value their diverse backgrounds, experience, expertise and relentless commitment to client success.

Our dedicated team of consultants is what makes Counsel Public Affairs Canada’s most effective, fully integrated public affairs agency.

Available Opportunities

If you are interested in joining the Counsel team and do not see an available opportunity that fits your skill set, please contact connect@counselpa.com.

Consultant - Toronto, ON

Job Description

Position: Consultant – Ontario Practice (September 2026)
Location: Toronto, Ontario
Reports To: Senior Leadership, Ontario Practice
Work Model: Hybrid (in-office and remote)
Employment Type: Full-time, Permanent

About Counsel Public Affairs – Relentlessly Committed to Client Success

Launched in 2004, Counsel Public Affairs has grown to become Canada’s most effective, fully integrated public affairs agency.
Our dedicated teams of experienced, multipartisan consultants are on the ground, delivering results for clients in Ottawa, Toronto, Winnipeg, Edmonton, Calgary, Vancouver and Victoria. With strategic partnerships in Quebec and Atlantic Canada, Counsel successfully serves clients nationwide – all under one roof.
With expertise across a wide range of sectors of the Canadian economy, Counsel offers an extensive suite of fully integrated public affairs services, including government relations, strategic and corporate communications, crisis and reputation management, opinion research and integrated campaigns.

The Opportunity

Reporting to Tim Hudak, Partner and Ontario Practice Lead, this early career position will be responsible for supporting Counsel’s government relations clients and the firm’s general activities at Queen’s Park, municipal governments, and when necessary, in other jurisdictions.
Based in Toronto, this government relations position is accountable for supporting Counsel’s industry-leading standards for outstanding client support.
The Consultant will contribute to a growing and dynamic team with active client and project management, materials development, communications and research, as well as targeted monitoring and administrative support, and when permitted under the Ontario Lobbyist Registration Act, registered lobbying activity.

Key Responsibilities

Client and Account Support

Monitoring the provincial political and policy environment and reporting updates to clients and the Firm’s leadership team on key developments, (e.g. government announcements, speeches, staff changes, budgets, cabinet shuffles etc.).
Setting, preparing for, and attending client meetings/conference calls.
Project management including agenda setting, minute taking, and task list management.
Conducting research to further client objectives.
Contributing to strategic planning and client strategy and action plan development.
Writing briefing materials, letters, policy and strategy documents on behalf of clients.
Mapping of key stakeholders and decision makers.
Drafting new business proposals, credential decks and Counsel’s responses to RFPs.
Liaising with Counsel’s Office Manager and Compliance Officer to ensure administration and regulatory and contract issues are dealt with in a timely manner.
Writing content for Counsel’s web site and social media activities.
Basic administration including tracking expenses, invoicing, and keeping provincial lobbying administration up to date.
Supporting Counsel’s promotional efforts at Queen’s Park and in the Ontario political ecosystem.
From time to time, travel to support client events and meetings with officials.

General Duties

Project management with the ability to meet deadlines while juggling competing priorities.
On-time delivery of assignments and projects.
Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

One to two years of government relations or relevant government, agency, association or in-house experience is an asset.
Strong writing and materials development capabilities.
Familiarity with Canva, PowerPoint and/or Adobe Illustrator is an asset.

What We Offer

The opportunity to work alongside an experienced, high-performing team of public affairs professionals.
Exposure to a diverse range of clients, sectors, policy issues, and political environments.
A collaborative and entrepreneurial workplace where initiative and sound judgment are valued.
Meaningful opportunities for professional growth and advancement.
A hybrid work environment based in Toronto.

Compensation and Benefits

Base salary of $55,000 to $70,000 (CDN), commensurate with experience and qualifications.
Additional compensation and benefits information will be discussed during the recruitment process and may include health benefits, paid vacation, professional development support, and performance-based compensation opportunities.

Recruitment Process Disclosures

Artificial Intelligence Disclosure

Counsel Public Affairs does not use artificial intelligence to screen, assess, or select applicants during the hiring process.

Accommodation Statement

Counsel Public Affairs is committed to fostering an inclusive, accessible, and respectful workplace. Accommodations are available upon request for candidates participating in all aspects of the recruitment and selection process in accordance with applicable human rights and accessibility legislation.

Application Instructions

Interested candidates are invited to submit a resume and cover letter to careers@counselpa.com. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. Deadline for submissions is October 13, 2026.

Senior Account Director - Ottawa, ON

Job Description

Position: Senior Account Director – Federal Practice (September 2026)
Location: Ottawa, Ontario
Reports To: Senior Leadership, Federal Practice
Work Model: Hybrid (in-office and remote)
Employment Type: Full-time, Permanent

About Counsel Public Affairs – Relentlessly Committed to Client Success

Launched in 2004, Counsel Public Affairs has grown to become Canada’s most effective, fully integrated public affairs agency.

Our dedicated teams of experienced, multipartisan consultants are on the ground, delivering results for clients in Ottawa, Toronto, Winnipeg, Edmonton, Calgary, Vancouver and Victoria. With strategic partnerships in Quebec and Atlantic Canada, Counsel successfully serves clients nationwide – all under one roof.

With expertise across a wide range of sectors of the Canadian economy, Counsel offers an extensive suite of fully integrated public affairs services, including government relations, strategic and corporate communications, crisis and reputation management, opinion research and integrated campaigns.

The Opportunity

We are seeking an experienced Senior Account Director to join our growing Federal Practice in Ottawa. This is a senior client-facing role for an accomplished government relations professional who understands how decisions are made in Ottawa and knows how to turn that insight into effective strategies and results for clients.

Based in Ottawa, the Senior Account Director will lead complex client mandates, provide strategic government relations and public affairs advice, develop and execute advocacy strategies, and build trusted relationships with clients and key government and stakeholder audiences.

The ideal candidate brings significant experience working in or around the federal government, Parliament, politics, or a government relations consultancy. They are politically astute, highly connected, entrepreneurial, and comfortable operating in fast-moving and high-pressure environments.

Key Responsibilities

Client Leadership

Serve as a senior strategic advisor and trusted counsel to clients.
Lead multiple client accounts and complex government relations mandates from strategy through execution.
Develop a deep understanding of each client’s business, objectives, policy environment, and competitive landscape.
Identify emerging political, policy, regulatory, and stakeholder opportunities and risks.
Develop and present clear, practical recommendations that help clients achieve their objectives.
Maintain strong client relationships and identify opportunities to grow and deepen existing mandates.

Federal Government Relations & Advocacy

Develop and execute sophisticated federal government relations and advocacy strategies.
Monitor federal political, legislative, regulatory, and policy developments and assess their implications for clients.
Navigate relationships across Parliament, Ministers’ offices, government departments, central agencies, and other key decision-makers.
Develop stakeholder engagement strategies and facilitate high-level meetings and introductions.
Prepare clients for meetings with Ministers, political staff, Members of Parliament, senior public servants, and other stakeholders.
Develop briefing materials, key messages, stakeholder maps, advocacy plans, and other strategic products.

Strategic Counsel

Provide timely and informed advice on federal political and policy developments.
Anticipate changes in government priorities and identify potential opportunities for clients.
Help clients understand not only what government is doing, but why decisions are being made and how they can effectively engage.
Work collaboratively with colleagues across government relations, communications, research, and other disciplines to deliver integrated solutions.

Business Development & Leadership

Contribute to the growth of the Federal Practice and the broader firm.
Develop new client relationships and identify business development opportunities.
Participate in pitches, proposals, presentations, and other business development activities.
Mentor and support junior consultants and contribute to a collaborative, high-performing team environment.
Represent the firm at industry, political, and stakeholder events.

Qualifications

Minimum of 6 years of relevant experience in federal government relations, public affairs, politics, government, Parliament, policy, or a related field.
Significant experience working with the Government of Canada, Parliament, political organizations, industry associations, or government relations clients.
Strong understanding of federal government decision-making, parliamentary processes, and the Canadian political landscape.
Established relationships and credibility with relevant federal political, government, and stakeholder audiences.
Demonstrated ability to develop and execute effective government relations and advocacy strategies.
Proven experience managing senior client relationships and complex mandates.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to distill complex issues into clear and compelling advice.
Strong political judgment and the ability to anticipate issues, opportunities, and risks.
Excellent organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
Post-secondary education in political science, public policy, communications, business, law, or a related discipline is preferred.
Bilingualism in English and French is considered a strong asset.

Core Competencies

Strategic and political judgment
Client leadership and relationship management
Federal government and parliamentary expertise
Advocacy and stakeholder engagement
Exceptional written and verbal communication
Business development and entrepreneurial mindset
Sound judgment and discretion
Initiative and proactive problem-solving
Ability to work independently and collaboratively
Strong project management and attention to detail
Commitment to client success

What We Offer

The opportunity to work alongside an experienced, high-performing team of public affairs professionals.
Exposure to a diverse range of clients, sectors, policy issues, and political environments.
A collaborative and entrepreneurial workplace where initiative and sound judgment are valued.
Meaningful opportunities for professional growth and advancement.
A hybrid work environment based in Ottawa.

Compensation and Benefits

Base salary of $105,000 - $125,000 (CDN), commensurate with experience and qualifications.
Additional compensation and benefits information will be discussed during the recruitment process and may include health benefits, paid vacation, professional development support, and performance-based compensation opportunities.

Recruitment Process Disclosures

Artificial Intelligence Disclosure

Counsel Public Affairs does not use artificial intelligence to screen, assess, or select applicants during the hiring process.

Accommodation Statement

Application Instructions

Counsel Public Affairs Inc. is committed to protecting applicants from fraudulent and unauthorized job postings.
Suspected postings can be reported to compliance@counselpa.com. All reports are reviewed, and appropriate action is taken promptly.

Careers

Available Opportunities

Job Description

About Counsel Public Affairs – Relentlessly Committed to Client Success

The Opportunity

Key Responsibilities

Client and Account Support

General Duties

Qualifications

What We Offer

Compensation and Benefits

Recruitment Process Disclosures

Artificial Intelligence Disclosure

Accommodation Statement

Application Instructions

Job Description

Key Responsibilities

Qualifications

What We Offer

Recruitment Process Disclosures

Counsel Public Affairs Inc. is committed to protecting applicants from fraudulent and unauthorized job postings. Suspected postings can be reported to compliance@counselpa.com. All reports are reviewed, and appropriate action is taken promptly.

Counsel Public Affairs Inc. is committed to protecting applicants from fraudulent and unauthorized job postings.
Suspected postings can be reported to compliance@counselpa.com. All reports are reviewed, and appropriate action is taken promptly.