Consultant, Government Relations

Location: Ottawa, Ontario

Practice: Public Affairs Employment type: Full-time, permanent

About Gestalt

Gestalt Communications is an integrated public affairs and strategic communications firm. We help organizations understand complex political and media environments, engage decision-makers, advance policy priorities and communicate effectively with the audiences that matter.

Our work spans government relations, public affairs campaigns, media strategy, stakeholder engagement and political communications. We serve clients across the corporate, nonprofit and public sectors.

About the Role

Gestalt is seeking a politically astute, relationship-oriented and analytically strong Consultant, Government Relations to join our Public Affairs practice in Ottawa.

This is a client-facing consulting role for someone with at least three years of relevant experience who understands how government works and can translate political and policy developments into practical advice and effective action.

The successful candidate will manage defined workstreams across several client files, working with senior team members to develop and execute government relations strategies. The position has a strong federal focus while also supporting provincial and cross-jurisdictional mandates. The role combines government engagement, political and policy analysis, stakeholder strategy, high-quality writing and integrated communications.

Responsibilities

Government Relations and Client Service

Contribute to the development and execution of government relations and public affairs strategies for clients across the corporate, nonprofit and public sectors. Manage defined workstreams, timelines and deliverables across multiple client files. Monitor parliamentary, legislative, regulatory and political developments at the federal and provincial levels. Identify emerging political risks, policy opportunities and potential implications for clients. Develop stakeholder maps, engagement strategies, advocacy plans and legislative or regulatory assessments. Prepare clients for meetings with elected officials, political staff, public servants and other decision-makers. Coordinate and participate in government and stakeholder meetings, where appropriate. Prepare meeting briefs, speaking points, leave-behind materials, follow-up correspondence and engagement reports. Maintain accurate records of government engagement and support lobbying registration, reporting and compliance requirements. Participate in client meetings and provide clear, timely updates on political and policy developments.

Policy Analysis and Political Intelligence

Conduct policy, legislative and regulatory research relevant to client priorities. Produce concise briefing notes, issue analyses, backgrounders, political intelligence updates and regulatory summaries. Assess the political, stakeholder and public-opinion environments surrounding client issues. Synthesize complex information and data into clear findings, strategic implications and recommended actions. Track parliamentary committees, government consultations, political announcements, party positions and relevant decision-making processes.

Strategic Communications and Advocacy

Develop key messages, talking points, questions and answers, advocacy materials and public-facing content. Help align government relations activity with broader communications, media and stakeholder strategies. Collaborate with Gestalt’s communications, creative and digital teams on integrated public affairs campaigns. Support rapid-response communications related to political, legislative or regulatory developments. Contribute to media relations, stakeholder mobilization and public advocacy initiatives where relevant.

What You Bring

At least three years of relevant experience in government relations, public affairs, public policy, political office, the public service, an industry association, a consulting firm or a related environment. A strong working knowledge of federal institutions, parliamentary processes, government decision-making and the Canadian political environment. The ability to understand policy and political developments and explain what they mean for a client. Excellent research, writing and editing skills, including the ability to produce concise and accurate materials under tight timelines. Strong political judgment, discretion and attention to detail. The ability to manage multiple files, deadlines and client priorities simultaneously. Confidence working directly with clients and senior stakeholders. A collaborative and solutions-oriented approach to consulting. The ability to build and maintain credible relationships across political, public-service and stakeholder environments.

Assets

Experience working in or with Parliament, a ministerial office, an MP or MPP office, a government department or agency, a political party, or an election campaign. Experience in a government relations, public affairs or strategic communications consultancy. Familiarity with federal or provincial lobbying legislation and reporting requirements. Experience with stakeholder engagement, coalition-building or association management. Exposure to media relations, advocacy campaigns, digital communications or public-opinion research. Experience working in regulated or policy-intensive sectors. Professional proficiency in both English and French.

Location and Travel

This role is based in Ottawa, and preference will be given to candidates who are already located in the National Capital Region. The successful candidate should be available to attend in-person client, government, stakeholder and team meetings as required. Occasional travel within Canada may be necessary.

Why Join Gestalt?

Work on consequential files at the intersection of public policy, politics, media and communications. Advise organizations navigating complex government and stakeholder environments. Gain direct exposure to clients, senior decision-makers and experienced public affairs practitioners. Work across government relations, policy, communications and integrated advocacy campaigns. Join a collaborative and growing firm with opportunities to take on greater responsibility and develop into a leadership role. Receive a competitive compensation and benefits package.

How to Apply

Please submit your resume and a cover letter explaining your relevant experience and interest in the position to hr@gestaltcomms.com.

Please use the subject line: Application - Consultant, Government Relations

Applications will be reviewed as they are received. Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

This posting is for an existing vacancy.