Vice President, Public Affairs
Earnscliffe is one of Canada’s leading public affairs, public relations, opinion research, and digital + design firms. We work with organizations, businesses, associations, coalitions, and campaigns to navigate complex challenges, shape public conversations, and connect with the audiences that matter most.
Our integrated teams bring together expertise across strategic communications, public affairs, research, digital strategy, and creative design to deliver thoughtful, impactful work grounded in insight and execution. From advocacy campaigns and stakeholder engagement to branding, content, and digital communications, we help clients move their objectives forward through strategies that are clear, creative, and effective.
We are seeking an experienced Vice President, Public Affairs to join our firm, reporting directly to the President, Public Affairs. This role is ideal for a senior advisor with deep expertise navigating political, regulatory, and stakeholder environments, and a proven track record guiding clients through complex, high-stakes issues. The Vice President will deliver practical, forward-looking advice that enables clients to manage risk, influence outcomes, and achieve their objectives.
As a senior leader, the Vice President will play a central role in leading key accounts and supporting the firm’s continued growth. This individual will oversee major client engagements, build and maintain strong relationships with senior decision makers, and contribute to the development of the Public Affairs service line. They will also help set direction, provide mentorship to their high-performing teams, and expand the firm’s presence across priority sectors and markets.
Responsibilities & Duties
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Lead and mentor high-performing teams across multiple engagements, with direct responsibility for managing members of the team in your local region.
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Drive business development, integrating tools and experts from across the firm to develop strategy and execution within a specific industry or market.
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Serve as a trusted advisor to the President, Public Affairs as a member of the Public Affairs Management Team.
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Support firm-wide growth by identifying new business lead opportunities, participating in business development processes, fostering cross-functional collaboration, and expanding existing accounts.
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Provide thought leadership and represent the firm publicly through industry participation, media, and events.
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Solve unique and sophisticated client challenges with integrated solutions that shape long-term business outcomes.
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Contribute to the development of internal strategies, policies, and long-range plans aligned with the firm’s goals and values.
Areas of Focus
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Advise Clients on how government works at all levels, including the people, relationships, and political or policy contexts that shape decision making.
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People management and oversight, coaching junior team members around the art and importance of effective client service.
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Areas of specialty include assessing and managing political risk, legislative strategy and monitoring, stakeholder mapping and outreach, profile building and thought leadership positioning, lobby days and indigenous relations.
Education & Experience
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Bachelor's degree in a related field preferred;
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12+ years of relevant experience, with a demonstrated record of leadership and client success in consulting or a related field.
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Proven record of business growth, client impact, and team leadership at the senior level.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
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Builds and maintains relationships with senior leaders and C-suite executives.
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Drives firm revenue and growth by identifying and securing new business opportunities.
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Tackles unique, complex client challenges with innovative, long-range solutions.
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Leads market verticals or specialties with a forward-looking strategy and service offering development.
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Recognized as an expert internally and externally, shaping industry and client perspectives.
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Mentors and develops emerging leaders, contributes to firm wide initiatives and cross-functional collaboration.
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Takes on moderate travel, high-level client engagements, and participation in industry and firm-wide leadership activities.
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Serves as the escalation point for major issues, often under time-sensitive or high-pressure circumstances.
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Accountable for meeting or exceeding business development, revenue and leadership targets.
This position is a full-time, permanent, hybrid role and is open to candidates located in Ottawa or Toronto.
This is a new role. This employer uses artificial intelligence technology to assist in screening, assessing, or selecting applicants for this position.
Earnscliffe is an equal opportunity employer committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace. We encourage applications from all qualified individuals and will provide accommodations throughout the recruitment process, upon request.
We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
