Account Director, Public Affairs

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.

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More About the Role

Burson is looking for an Account Director based in Ottawa to lead client work across public affairs with a strong focus on stakeholder engagement government relations and advocacy strategy.

This replacement role is ideal for someone who understands how decisions are made in Ottawa is comfortable engaging with senior government stakeholders and can translate complex policy and regulatory issues into clear strategic recommendations. You will work closely with senior leadership and support clients across sectors such as healthcare technology financial services energy and infrastructure.

What Youll Be Doing

• Lead the development and execution of public affairs and government relations strategies
• Provide strategic counsel to clients on stakeholder engagement advocacy initiatives government relations and complex policy issues
• Oversee the development of high-quality materials including briefing notes position papers presentations stakeholder materials and executive briefing documents
• Monitor and analyze federal political legislative and regulatory developments translating insights into actionable recommendations for clients
• Lead and support engagement with federal stakeholders including government officials policymakers and industry associations
• Support lobbying-related activities and ensure alignment with applicable federal requirements
• Build and maintain stakeholder engagement strategies and outreach plans
• Lead client meetings consultations and government engagement initiatives
• Collaborate across internal teams to deliver integrated client programs
• Contribute to business development efforts including networking proposals and new business opportunities
• Mentor junior team members and contribute to a collaborative and high-performing team environment

What Youll Need to Succeed

• 810 years of experience in public affairs government relations political environments or advocacy-focused roles
• Strong understanding of the federal government ecosystem including parliamentary processes and decision-making structures
• Demonstrated experience advising clients on public affairs strategy stakeholder positioning and government engagement
• Experience engaging with government stakeholders and supporting lobbying-related activities
• Excellent writing research analytical and presentation skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities client relationships and complex projects in a fast-paced environment
• Experience mentoring or managing junior team members
• Strong organizational and project management skills
• Bilingualism (English/French) is a strong asset
• A proactive solutions-oriented mindset with strong attention to detail

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