Associate, Public Affairs

About UsAt NATIONAL, we are proud to be Canada’s leading public relations firm, with a deep bench of public affairs experts from coast-to-coast-to-coast. In Toronto, our Public Affairs team supports clients across various sectors and we’re looking for a proactive and collaborative Associate who is eager to grow their career and help deliver results for our clients.The roleAs an Associate, you will play a key role in supporting the execution of client mandates as part of the Public Affairs team, while also collaborating with cross-functional and cross-office teams across the NATIONAL network. Client mandates could include government relations and advocacy, policy communications, stakeholder engagement and community relations, crisis and issues management, media relations and thought leadership, corporate advisory and strategic counsel.Key responsibilitiesSupport client teams with research, writing, and project coordinationContribute to the development of public affairs and stakeholder strategiesDraft content, including key messages, talking points, articles, briefing notes, reports, presentations, paper submissions, social and web copy and other communication toolsAssist with issues and crisis management activitiesMonitor legislative and policy developments at the provincial and municipal levelSupport planning and coordination of events, meetings and outreach activitiesMaintain and build relationships with key external stakeholdersAssist internal team planning, coordination and managementQualifications1–2 years’ experience in public affairs, government relations or political/consulting environmentsStrong written and oral communication skillsProficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint, Excel)Degree in communications, political science, economics or a related field (preferred)Bilingualism in English and French (nice to have)Experience working on or volunteering in political campaigns, political parties or advocacy coalitions (nice to have)AbilitiesStrong understanding of Ontario’s provincial and municipal political landscapeExcellent organizational and time management skillsStrategic thinker with a collaborative approach to client serviceConfident communicator across platforms and formatsKeen interest in learning about the sectors that drive Ontario’s economyWhat we offerA hybrid work model and flexible work arrangementsA dynamic and creative work culture with a focus on collaboration and innovationCompetitive compensation and a comprehensive benefits packageOpportunities for career development and continuous learningHow to applyQualified candidates are invited to apply by submitting a resume and a cover letter expressing their interest in the role. Successful candidates will be invited to participate in an interview process, which may include a written assignment.We thank all applicants for their interest in NATIONAL. Please note that only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. NATIONAL is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing an inclusive and accessible workplace. If you require any accommodation during the selection process, please let us know.NATIONAL Public Relations provides creative communications solutions that move people in thought and actions. We bring together a team of 300 seasoned professionals, who are committed to helping organizations of all sizes and in all sectors understand their challenges and opportunities and solve the issues they are facing. For 47 years, NATIONAL has been at the center of issues and industries that matter, leading change for today and tomorrow.NATIONAL is Canada’s leading public relations firm, with offices in Vancouver, Calgary, Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal, Quebec City, Saint John, Halifax and St. John’s. Its network includes Time & Space, a leader in media strategy, data analysis, planning and execution.NATIONAL Public Relations is an AVENIR GLOBAL company, the largest Canadian-owned global communications firm, ranked among the 25 largest in the world with offices in 23 locations across Canada, the U.S., Europe and the Middle East. For more information about NATIONAL, please visit our website or follow us on LinkedIn and X.Click here to read our Privacy Policy.