Sr Advisor, Strategic Communications & Media Relations; Bilingual Conseiller principal ou conseillère principale aux

Job Title:

Sr Advisor, Strategic Communications & Media Relations (Bilingual)

Location:

Ottawa, Ontario (Hybrid Work Arrangement)

Position Type:
Fixed term

Contract Duration: 14 months

Reports To:

Chief External Affairs and Communications Officer

Position Status:
Existing Vacancy (Leave Replacement)

Supervisory:
Yes

The Rideau Hall Foundation (RHF) is an independent and non-partisan charitable organization established to amplify the impact of the office of the Governor General as a central institution of Canadian democracy, and to better serve Canadians through a range of initiatives linked to learning, leadership, giving and innovation.

By working in partnership across all sectors, the RHF celebrates excellence while creating opportunities and connecting communities, all towards the shared purpose of a better Canada.

The Rideau Hall Foundation (RHF) is seeking a bilingual Senior Advisor, Strategic Communications and Media Relations to lead and support media relations, issues management, executive communications, and corporate messaging initiatives. Reporting to the Chief External Affairs and Communications Officer, this role is responsible for developing and delivering strategic communications plans, supporting senior leaders, managing sensitive communications issues, and ensuring consistent, high-quality messaging across internal and external audiences.

The Senior Advisor plays a key role in enhancing the RHF's reputation, increasing public awareness, and advancing organizational priorities through effective communications and stakeholder engagement.

• Develop and lead integrated media, public affairs, and corporate communications strategies that enhance organizational visibility, strengthen reputation, and support strategic objectives.
• Manage media relations activities, including cultivating relationships with journalists, editors, and media outlets, serving as a media liaison or spokesperson when appropriate, and overseeing media engagement opportunities.
• Create and deliver key messaging and communication materials, including media briefs, talking points, speeches, op-eds, executive correspondence, and stakeholder communications.
• Position organizational leaders as thought leaders and subject matter experts through proactive communications, media opportunities, speaking engagements, and strategic storytelling.
• Lead crisis communications and issues management efforts, including maintaining crisis communication frameworks, developing response plans, and coordinating rapid response strategies.
• Provide strategic communications counsel to senior leadership on reputation management, public affairs, stakeholder engagement, and communications during sensitive or high-pressure situations.
• Assess and mitigate reputational risks by collaborating with internal stakeholders to identify emerging issues, develop messaging strategies, and protect organizational credibility.
• Ensure consistent and aligned messaging across all communication channels and departments, supporting both external communications and internal initiatives that reinforce organizational culture and strategic priorities.
• Lead, coach, and develop team members through performance management, goal setting, professional development, employee engagement initiatives, and effective workload planning.
• Support talent management activities, including recruitment, onboarding, retention efforts, and promoting the organization's commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion.
• Lead and support strategic partnerships and special projects, collaborating with internal and external stakeholders to advance organizational objectives, enhance the organization's profile, and deliver priority initiatives…