Account Director – Public Affairs

Description

Position at H+K Canada

H+K is looking for a talented and ambitious Public Affairs Account Director to join our dynamic and growing Toronto public affairs team.

We are looking for an experienced public affairs practitioner who will bring strategic insight to our clients and energy and passion to our team. As an Account Director you will be responsible for providing strategic government relations advice and advocacy for clients, and for ensuring that client satisfaction is maintained at the highest level. In return, H+K will provide you with the opportunity to develop your consulting skills, profile your expertise, and work on multi-faceted and integrated client files.

As part of the H+K team you will work with colleagues across the country and around the world, collaborating with public affairs professionals and experts in communications, data and analytics, content and publishing, creative strategy, and more. You bring to the role an established stakeholder network. You enjoy being part of a team and networking with your peer group. You will apply strategic thinking and oversight to client programs, provide unique perspectives to inform client objectives and work to increase H+K’s profile in the market. You will participate in business development to cultivate client opportunities and win new work. This is an opportunity to help shape the future of public affairs at Hill + Knowlton – come build your profile and ours with a caliber of colleagues that is second to none.

Hill+Knowlton Strategies is committed to building a workplace where everyone can reach their full potential. Our goal is to create a diverse and inclusive culture where everyone belongs.

Here’s what you’d be doing:

• Acting as the lead on accounts, which requires deep understanding of client objectives, managing budgets and work deliverables, and mentoring and coaching team members.
• Delivering persuasive presentations at client meetings and new business pitches.
• Collaborating with internal teams, including other subject matter experts, to create government relations and advocacy plans.
• Monitoring government, industry and sector landscapes on clients’ behalf.
• Creating and maintaining productive relationships with government and industry stakeholders and clients (includes networking and attending firm-related and political functions).
• Complying with lobby registration process as per jurisdiction.
• Leading meaningful, strategic campaigns to push forward the policy conversation and achieve important objectives for clients.
• Contributing creativity, passion and expertise in a close-knit, entrepreneurial team environment where everyone’s voice is heard, valued and rewarded.
• Developing and nurturing strong relationships with clients at all levels and capitalizing on large and complex opportunities with existing and new clients.
• Editing and writing engaging and well-informed materials (briefing notes, backgrounders, fact sheets, whitepapers, Q&A, presentations, responses to requests for proposals).
• Helping to shape Public Affairs at H+K as we grow the team and innovate its offerings.
• Measuring and reviewing success of H+K programs for clients against stated goals.

What else is in it for you?

• A career working with and influencing bold, creative teams and clients.
• The opportunity to help build, refine and shape the future of public affairs at Hill & Knowlton.
• Strong leadership with a focus on entrepreneurial thinking, training and mentoring to help you grow, expand your skills and become your professional best.
• A chance to consult among and be supported by the best in the business. At H+K you will be exposed to a variety of people and work amidst an environment committed to developing people and great ideas.
• Full health benefits package—including healthy paid time off, schedule flexibility, fitness reimbursement, and more.
• A passionate, smart, fun, and creative office culture.

What you’ll need to get here:

• Experience effectively managing multiple projects in a fast-paced environment
• Strategic thinker: understands our clients’ business challenges and applies creative thinking and problem-solving to develop smart, insight-driven strategies to address these challenges
• Understanding of Ontario’s policy processes and political landscape
• Passionate about H+K; builds team culture with energy, empathy and enthusiasm
• Growth mindset: actively seeks opportunities for organic growth; proactively seeks new business leads
• Proven trusted client adviser: an active listener who builds strong partnerships and confidently offers counsel
• Collaborative approach to working with a team across different geographies and sectors/services
• Relevant degree in Political Science, Communications, Journalism or Public Relations
• Consulting experience, including leading account teams, managing budgets, and coaching and mentoring staff, is an asset
• Demonstrated ability to develop messages and materials for government officials
• Minimum 6 to 8 years’ experience working in government or public affairs or communications in a public affairs environment

Hill+Knowlton Strategies is dedicated to employment equity, welcomes diversity in the workplace and encourages applications from all qualified applicants. If you require any accommodation needs during the recruitment process, please reach out to us.

We thank all applicants for their interest; only those selected for an interview will be contacted.