Vice President, Public Affairs - Western Canada

Who we are:

Hill & Knowlton is a strategic and creative partner to drive breakthrough opportunities for growth and value creation, advance corporate strategy, and build reputation capital and resiliency. We’re a proven partner for business and brand transformation. A full-service global firm, we provide strategic communication, marketing and corporate affairs solutions distinguished by intelligence and creativity. Hill & Knowlton is part of WPP (LSE/NYSE: WPP), the creative transformation company.

More about the role:

The VP, Public Affairs - Western Canada is a senior leadership role responsible for driving the growth and success of our Public Affairs practice in Western Canada, while also contributing to the overall national Public Affairs strategy.

This individual will be a key member of the H&K Western Canada team, playing a critical role in business development, client leadership, and team mentorship.

The ideal candidate will possess a strong understanding of the provincial political and regulatory landscape in British Columbia, a proven track record of success in public affairs, and the ability to build and maintain strong relationships with clients, stakeholders, and colleagues.

What you'll do:

Client Leadership:

• Serve as a senior advisor to clients on a wide range of public affairs issues, providing strategic counsel and guidance.
• Develop and implement comprehensive public affairs strategies that align with client objectives and deliver measurable results.
• Oversee the execution of client projects, ensuring high-quality work and adherence to deadlines and budgets.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key client stakeholders.
• Proactively identify and address potential challenges and opportunities for clients
  
  

Team Leadership & Mentorship:

• Provide leadership and mentorship to the Public Affairs team in Western Canada, fostering a collaborative and high-performing work environment.
• Manage Public Affairs staff in Western Canada.
• Foster a culture of innovation and continuous improvement within the team.
  
  

Strategic Planning & Execution:

• Contribute to the development and implementation of the overall strategic plan for the H&K Western Canada Public Affairs practice.
• Monitor and analyze the political and regulatory landscape in Western Canada, identifying trends and opportunities for clients.
• Develop and maintain a strong understanding of H&K's capabilities and services.
• Collaborate with the National Public Affairs Lead to ensure alignment and consistency across the country.
  
  

Business Development:

• Build and maintain a strong network of contacts within government, industry, and community organizations.
• Collaborate with other H&K teams to identify cross-selling opportunities and leverage the agency's full range of services.
• Collaborate nationally and within the Burson global network on new business opportunities.
• Actively participate in industry events and conferences to promote H&K's Public Affairs capabilities.
• Identify and pursue new business opportunities in the Western Canadian market, focusing on expanding our Public Affairs client base.
• Develop and execute strategic business development plans, including identifying target clients, crafting compelling proposals, and leading pitch presentations.
  
  

Experience that contributes to success:

• Senior leader with a proven track record of success in Public Affairs.
• Experience in growing a Public Affairs practice or business unit.
• Strong understanding of the political and regulatory landscape in Western Canada with a focus on British Columbia.
• Excellent business development skills, including experience in identifying and pursuing new business opportunities.
• Proven ability to provide strategic counsel and guidance to clients on complex public affairs issues.
• Strong leadership and mentorship skills.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
  
  

Desired Skills and Experiences:

• Experience working in a government relations or public affairs agency.
• Established relationships with key decision-makers in British Columbia.
• Experience in managing budgets and resources.
• Strong writing and editing skills.
• Experience in crisis communications.
• Knowledge of digital and social media strategies for public affairs.
• Experience working with diverse stakeholders.
  
  

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in a related field (e.g., Political Science, Communications, Public Policy).
  
  

Other:

• Willingness to travel within Western Canada and rest of Canada when required.
• Membership in relevant professional organizations is an asset.
• Commitment to ethical and professional conduct.
• Experience working with Indigenous communities and organizations.
  
  

You belong at Hill & Knowlton:

Our vision is for Hill & Knowlton, a Burson Group Company, to be the leading ‘academy company’ for creative communications professionals and emerging leaders. We provide a dynamic environment where ambitious colleagues come to elevate their skills, expand their networks, and ultimately, produce the best solutions for today’s leading brands. Our commitment to your growth is reflected in our robust benefits and people programs, which include professional development opportunities, mentorship programs with industry leaders, a vibrant and inclusive company culture fostering collaboration and innovation and packages designed to reward and retain top talent. We invest in our people because we believe their success is our success.

At Hill & Knowlton, we’re an agency of learn-it-alls. We recognize that the things we do best, creativity and communications, require a level of nuanced understanding. That’s why it’s imperative for us to hire extraordinarily talented people of all backgrounds and identities. Without that we can’t do the essential work of inspiring bold ideas, fostering constructive dialogue, cultivating meaningful experiences, and driving innovation and creativity for our partners. Your unique point of view—your talent—is what makes you a #BursonPerson, and it’s how we deliver exceptional results for our clients, together.

We believe the best work happens when we're together, fostering creativity, collaboration, and connection. That's why we’ve adopted a hybrid approach, with teams in the office around four days a week. If you require accommodations or flexibility, please discuss this with the hiring team during the interview process.

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Hill & Knowlton is a strategic and creative partner to drive breakthrough opportunities for growth and value creation, advance corporate strategy, and build reputation capital and resiliency. We're a proven partner for business and brand transformation. A full-service global firm, we provide strategic communication, marketing and corporate affairs solutions distinguished by intelligence and creativity. Hill & Knowlton is part of WPP (LSE/NYSE: WPP), the creative transformation company.