Status: Permanent, Full-Time Salary: $80,000–$90,000 Application Deadline: – Before midnight EST on Sunday, July 12th, 2026 Your Mission CADSI is seeking a motivated and energetic communications practitioner to drive the day-to-day media and content engine of Canada’s defence and security industry association – at a time of historic sector growth, rising defence spending, and surging demand for the industry’s voice. Reporting to the Director of Communications, the Manager of Communications owns the immediate, hands-on execution of CADSI’s communications: leading media relations, earning coverage, drafting executive and advocacy communication collateral, and preparing for and managing crisis communications. The role operates within the strategy and priorities set by the Director, allowing the Manager to focus on responsive, high-quality products.

With more firms, adjacent sectors, trade associations and provincial and municipal governments entering a sector whose unique characteristics they do not yet know, and with competition for voice and authority intensifying, the Manager helps ensure CADSI’s messages are timely, accurate, compelling, and consistently placed where they matter most. Core Responsibilities Media Relations & Earned Media Build and maintain relationships with key journalists, the National Press Gallery, specialized defence and security reporters, and trade publications. Draft and issue press releases, media advisories and statements to earn media coverage. Draft, pitch and place op-eds and editorials in mainstream and trade publications. Serve as a key day-to-day media contact; triage and prioritize a growing volume of media requests. Maximize media coverage of CADSI events and initiatives, including leading media relations aspects of major events such as CANSEC.

Executive & Advocacy Communications Prepare executive communications, including materials for House of Commons and Senate committee appearances, speeches, and panel participation. Draft speeches and consult internally on speechwriting for the President & CEO and senior leaders. Draft advocacy messaging and consult internally to ensure alignment with CADSI’s government relations and policy positions.

Crisis Communications Prepare for and respond to crisis communications, including holding statements, Q&As and rapid-response materials. Monitor the government and defence and security landscape for communications risks, opportunities and emerging issues.

Content & Channels (in support of strategy) Develop public-facing communications materials and support owned and social media channels and campaigns (e.g. My North, My Home), consistent with the strategy and priorities set by the Director. Work closely with the Digital Engagement & Content Specialist and CADSI’s Marketing and Events teams to deliver coordinated content and coverage. Use monitoring and evaluation tools to track performance against targets.

General Support CADSI Operating Committees, as required. Engage with Public Office Holders pursuant to the Lobbying Act, as required. Other duties as assigned, including occasional travel. Qualifications and Experience As a creative and resourceful individual, the ideal candidate will be able to communicate CADSI’s mission and interests and to connect with target audiences. Specifically, this individual will possess: A minimum of five years’ progressive experience in communications, media relations and/or public affairs. Strong writing and editing skills, with a portfolio of press releases, op-eds, speeches and similar materials. Demonstrated media relations experience – ideally with national media and/or the National Press Gallery – including pitching and placing op-eds in mainstream publications. Experience preparing executive and/or advocacy communications, and comfort working under pressure on crisis communications. Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities under tight deadlines. Experience with web content management and social media tools. A post-secondary degree relevant to the position or equivalent work experience (e.g. communications, journalism, public relations, international relations, political science, public policy). Bilingualism (English/French) preferred. You can set yourself apart from other candidates if you have: Knowledge of the Canadian defence and security industries. Knowledge of federal procurement, export controls and related policies, legislation and regulations. Experience in a trade association, advocacy or membership-driven organization. Agency, political or government experience. Experience establishing communications measurement frameworks. Proficiency with Microsoft Office and CRM tools for stakeholder tracking. Compensation and Benefits This is a full-time, permanent position with a competitive compensation package – including a competitive salary ($80,000–$90,000), a 9% discretionary annual bonus, vacation, health and wellness benefits and credits, an RRSP matching program, and professional development opportunities – which will be discussed during the initial interview. CADSI offers a flexible, hybrid working arrangement with a mix of in-office and remote work, ergonomic workstations, and a supportive team culture that values teamwork and professional growth. Commitment To Diversity, Equity & Inclusion CADSI is committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and accessible workplace. We encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, including women, Indigenous peoples, racialized persons, persons with disabilities, and members of the LGBTQ+ community. How To Apply To be considered for this position, please submit one writing sample (e.g. research report, article, newsletters), along with your resume and a cover letter of no more than two pages that addresses the following points: Why you want to work for CADSI. How your background and skills ideally suit you to fulfil this position. Ways in which your work experience demonstrate your results-oriented professional approach. Compensation expectations. Submissions should be sent by email to applications@defenceandsecurity.ca by no later than midnight EST on Sunday, July 12th, 2026. Only applicants who are selected for an interview will be contacted. Thank you for your interest, CADSI Executive Team About CADSI CADSI is the voice of Canada’s defence and security industries, representing more than 1,700 companies nationwide. These industries employ over 81,000 Canadians and generate $17.3 billion in annual revenues, with half coming from exports. Learn more at www.defenceandsecurity.ca or follow us on LinkedIn.