Communications Advisor
Top Benefits
About the role
Parliamentary Protective Service
Ottawa (Ontario)
AS-05 - 06 / IS-04 - 05 / PSA-08 Group and Level
$84,952 to $111,791 (Annual salary is based on a 35-hour work week)
For further information on the organization, please visit Parliamentary Protective Service
Closing date: 23 October 2025 - 23:59, Pacific Time
Who can apply: Open to Canadian citizens or permanent residents residing in the National Capital Region.
Apply online
Important messages
We are committed to providing an inclusive and barrier-free work environment, starting with the hiring process. If you need to be accommodated during any phase of the evaluation process, please use the Contact information below to request specialized accommodation. All information received in relation to accommodation will be kept confidential.
Assessment accommodation
Please note that all answers (or cover letters) submitted must be original work; plagiarism of any kind, including responses generated by AI, is strictly prohibited, and may result in disqualification from the application process.
Duties
We’re looking for a dynamic Communications Advisor who thrives in a fast-paced, collaborative environment. In this role, you will:
Drive Strategic Messaging: Develop and deliver impactful messages through public speaking that support our organizational goals and engage employees and parliamentary partners.
Think Critically & Creatively: Offer strategic advice and innovative solutions aligned with PPS’s priorities. Your analytical skills and business insight will help shape impactful messaging.
Proactivity: Take initiative in a dynamic environment where change is constant. Your proactiveness and judgement will be key as you tackle diverse communication challenges and contribute fresh ideas that make a meaningful impact.
Support Management and Senior Leadership: Provide insightful analysis and recommendations to the Deputy Chief, Corporate Communications, and senior executives. You may also be called upon to assume the responsibilities of the Deputy Chief during periods of absence, ensuring continuity of leadership and decision-making.
Shape Communications Strategies: Help build frameworks, tools, and protocols that guide our internal and external communications efforts.
Ensure Consistency & Quality: Oversee quality control for communications products - editing, formatting, branding, and compliance with standards. This includes supervising the multimedia designer to ensure alignment with organizational guidelines and visual excellence.
Promote Engagement: Collaborate on events and initiatives that connect and inform our audience.
Stay Ahead of the Curve: Monitor media requests, craft timely media lines, and provide situational updates on emerging issues.
Collaborate Across Sectors: Partner with teams across the organization to deliver timely, relevant information during key events and initiatives.
Work environment
The Parliamentary Protective Service (PPS) is a separate and distinct organization not subject to the Public Service Employment Act. It has its own classification, compensation system, and staffing regime. Persons appointed to PPS continue to be part of the federal government and will receive the public service pension plan and public service insurance benefits plan.
What we offer:
- Paid Training
- Public service health, dental, and vision care insurance plans
- 35-hour standard work week
- Minimum 4 weeks of paid vacation
- Free on-site fitness facilities
- Employee and Family Assistance Program
- Flexible work schedules (minimum 2 days in the office per week) While this position is eligible for part-time telework, regular on-site presence is required
- Centrally located in downtown Ottawa
- Proximity to O-Train Parliament Station and most of all main OC Transpo and STO bus lines
Intent of the process
The purpose of this recruitment and selection process is to staff the position of Communication Advisor on an indeterminate basis.
Positions to be filled: 1
Information you must provide
Your résumé.
In order to be considered, your application must clearly explain how you meet the following (essential qualifications)
EDUCATION:
A degree from a recognized university in communications or in any other field relevant to the position OR a combination of education, training and/or experience.
- The educational program must be from an accredited learning institution recognized in Canada. If you completed a program outside of Canada, you will be required to obtain proof of a Canadian equivalency at your expense from an accredited learning institution recognized in Canada.
Degree equivalency
EXPERIENCES :
E1 - Recent* and significant** experience in providing strategic communications advice to management or senior management***.
E2 - Experience supporting complex files that demand horizontal coordination, consulting, negotiating and collaborating with internal and external partners or stakeholders.
Recent* and significant** experience in writing, editing and implementing a full range of communications products (such as communications plans, strategies, briefing notes, speeches, media lines, brochures, webpages, social network publications, articles, etc.).
E4 - Experience in public speaking, including delivering key messages to internal audiences or external stakeholders.
E5 - Experience in organizing in-person and virtual events using digital technologies, including planning, coordination, and audience engagement.
E6 - Experience in the development and implementation of communications projects in collaboration with internal and/or external partners that have multiple deliverables.
DEFINITIONS:
- Recent means within the last two (2) years.
**Significant is defined as the depth and breadth of experience normally associated with having performed a broad range of complex activities related to this task, which are acquired on a full time basis over a given period of time.
***Senior management means Director or equivalent.
If you possess any of the following, your application must also clearly explain how you meet it (other qualifications)
ASSETS:
AE1 - Experience in internal and external communications.
AE2 - Experience in delivering presentations, information sessions, briefings, or acting as master of ceremonies (MC) at events to various audiences.
AE3 - Experience in media relations.
AE4 - Experience in crisis communications.
The following will be applied / assessed at a later date (essential for the job)
Bilingual - Imperative (CCC/CCC)
Second Language Self-Assessment Test:
To help you decide if you should apply to a bilingual position, an optional self-assessment of your written expression and reading comprehension in your second official language is available for you to take before completing your application.
Try out the self-assessment tests for written expression and reading comprehension by visiting: https://www.canada.ca/en/public-service-commission/services/second-language-testing-public-service/self-assessment-tests.html
Information on language requirements
CORE COMPETENCIES:
C1 - Teamwork and Collaboration
C2 - Thinking Skills
C3 - Communication
C4 - Leadership
C5 - Client Service Orientation
OTHER COMPETENCIES:
C6 – Organizational Skills
C7 – Self-Management
C8 – Judgement
C9 – Proactivity & Initiative
The following may be applied / assessed at a later date (may be needed for the job)
OPERATIONAL REQUIREMENT:
Work is primarily conducted during regular business hours; however, the role requires the ability and willingness to respond on short notice and work overtime - including evenings and weekends - if operational needs arise.
Conditions of employment
You must be eligible to obtain both a Site Access Clearance and an Enhanced Reliability Status or a Secret or Top-Secret clearance. The process involves a background investigation that includes:
- a loyalty assessment;
- law enforcement verifications;
- credit and financial verifications;
- a security interview wherein questions may include (but not limited to), previous employment, online activities, financial situation, alcohol and/or drug use;
- personal references as well as previous employers will also be contacted as part of the security screening process.
- You must also consent to complete a personal history questionnaire, be fingerprinted, and be photographed.
Other information
The Public Service of Canada is committed to building a skilled and diverse workforce that reflects the Canadians we serve. We promote employment equity and encourage you to indicate if you belong to one of the designated groups when you apply.
Information on employment equity
Please visit PPS web site under Careers > Opportunities or at https://pps.parl.ca/ for guides that will help you prepare your application and for an interview.
We will only accept online applications received through the GC Employment website.
We encourage veterans of the Canadian Armed Forces to self-identify when applying to our job opportunities.
All communication (screening, assessments, invitations, results) with applicants will be done by e-mail. Ensure that the e-mail address provided is valid, always functional and accepts messages from unknown users.
To submit your online application, you will first need to create an account on the GC Jobs website. Once your account is created, return to the job poster, and select the button "Apply Online" below.
Candidates who are unable to apply online must contact the person listed below prior to the closing date.
It is your responsibility, as a candidate, to clearly demonstrate how you meet each qualification (education, experience, and assets) by answering the screening questions in the online application.
You must provide concrete specific examples to illustrate how you meet each criterion identified in the questions. Your answers must include where and how you obtained the required experience, as well as the period(s) in which you performed the functions of the position(s). Candidates will not be solicited for incomplete or missing information.
Candidates are entitled to participate in the appointment process in the official language of their choice. Applicants are asked to indicate their preferred official language in their application.
Various assessment tools may be used to evaluate candidates during the selection process.
Depending on the number of applicants, volume management strategies may be used for the purpose of managing applications.
Candidates must meet the essential qualifications, including the linguistic requirement to be appointed to a position.
Relocation and travel expenses incurred during the recruitment and selection process are the applicant's responsibility.
We thank all those who apply. Only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.
Communications Advisor
Top Benefits
About the role
Parliamentary Protective Service
Ottawa (Ontario)
AS-05 - 06 / IS-04 - 05 / PSA-08 Group and Level
$84,952 to $111,791 (Annual salary is based on a 35-hour work week)
For further information on the organization, please visit Parliamentary Protective Service
Closing date: 23 October 2025 - 23:59, Pacific Time
Who can apply: Open to Canadian citizens or permanent residents residing in the National Capital Region.
Apply online
Important messages
We are committed to providing an inclusive and barrier-free work environment, starting with the hiring process. If you need to be accommodated during any phase of the evaluation process, please use the Contact information below to request specialized accommodation. All information received in relation to accommodation will be kept confidential.
Assessment accommodation
Please note that all answers (or cover letters) submitted must be original work; plagiarism of any kind, including responses generated by AI, is strictly prohibited, and may result in disqualification from the application process.
Duties
We’re looking for a dynamic Communications Advisor who thrives in a fast-paced, collaborative environment. In this role, you will:
Drive Strategic Messaging: Develop and deliver impactful messages through public speaking that support our organizational goals and engage employees and parliamentary partners.
Think Critically & Creatively: Offer strategic advice and innovative solutions aligned with PPS’s priorities. Your analytical skills and business insight will help shape impactful messaging.
Proactivity: Take initiative in a dynamic environment where change is constant. Your proactiveness and judgement will be key as you tackle diverse communication challenges and contribute fresh ideas that make a meaningful impact.
Support Management and Senior Leadership: Provide insightful analysis and recommendations to the Deputy Chief, Corporate Communications, and senior executives. You may also be called upon to assume the responsibilities of the Deputy Chief during periods of absence, ensuring continuity of leadership and decision-making.
Shape Communications Strategies: Help build frameworks, tools, and protocols that guide our internal and external communications efforts.
Ensure Consistency & Quality: Oversee quality control for communications products - editing, formatting, branding, and compliance with standards. This includes supervising the multimedia designer to ensure alignment with organizational guidelines and visual excellence.
Promote Engagement: Collaborate on events and initiatives that connect and inform our audience.
Stay Ahead of the Curve: Monitor media requests, craft timely media lines, and provide situational updates on emerging issues.
Collaborate Across Sectors: Partner with teams across the organization to deliver timely, relevant information during key events and initiatives.
Work environment
The Parliamentary Protective Service (PPS) is a separate and distinct organization not subject to the Public Service Employment Act. It has its own classification, compensation system, and staffing regime. Persons appointed to PPS continue to be part of the federal government and will receive the public service pension plan and public service insurance benefits plan.
What we offer:
- Paid Training
- Public service health, dental, and vision care insurance plans
- 35-hour standard work week
- Minimum 4 weeks of paid vacation
- Free on-site fitness facilities
- Employee and Family Assistance Program
- Flexible work schedules (minimum 2 days in the office per week) While this position is eligible for part-time telework, regular on-site presence is required
- Centrally located in downtown Ottawa
- Proximity to O-Train Parliament Station and most of all main OC Transpo and STO bus lines
Intent of the process
The purpose of this recruitment and selection process is to staff the position of Communication Advisor on an indeterminate basis.
Positions to be filled: 1
Information you must provide
Your résumé.
In order to be considered, your application must clearly explain how you meet the following (essential qualifications)
EDUCATION:
A degree from a recognized university in communications or in any other field relevant to the position OR a combination of education, training and/or experience.
- The educational program must be from an accredited learning institution recognized in Canada. If you completed a program outside of Canada, you will be required to obtain proof of a Canadian equivalency at your expense from an accredited learning institution recognized in Canada.
Degree equivalency
EXPERIENCES :
E1 - Recent* and significant** experience in providing strategic communications advice to management or senior management***.
E2 - Experience supporting complex files that demand horizontal coordination, consulting, negotiating and collaborating with internal and external partners or stakeholders.
Recent* and significant** experience in writing, editing and implementing a full range of communications products (such as communications plans, strategies, briefing notes, speeches, media lines, brochures, webpages, social network publications, articles, etc.).
E4 - Experience in public speaking, including delivering key messages to internal audiences or external stakeholders.
E5 - Experience in organizing in-person and virtual events using digital technologies, including planning, coordination, and audience engagement.
E6 - Experience in the development and implementation of communications projects in collaboration with internal and/or external partners that have multiple deliverables.
DEFINITIONS:
- Recent means within the last two (2) years.
**Significant is defined as the depth and breadth of experience normally associated with having performed a broad range of complex activities related to this task, which are acquired on a full time basis over a given period of time.
***Senior management means Director or equivalent.
If you possess any of the following, your application must also clearly explain how you meet it (other qualifications)
ASSETS:
AE1 - Experience in internal and external communications.
AE2 - Experience in delivering presentations, information sessions, briefings, or acting as master of ceremonies (MC) at events to various audiences.
AE3 - Experience in media relations.
AE4 - Experience in crisis communications.
The following will be applied / assessed at a later date (essential for the job)
Bilingual - Imperative (CCC/CCC)
Second Language Self-Assessment Test:
To help you decide if you should apply to a bilingual position, an optional self-assessment of your written expression and reading comprehension in your second official language is available for you to take before completing your application.
Try out the self-assessment tests for written expression and reading comprehension by visiting: https://www.canada.ca/en/public-service-commission/services/second-language-testing-public-service/self-assessment-tests.html
Information on language requirements
CORE COMPETENCIES:
C1 - Teamwork and Collaboration
C2 - Thinking Skills
C3 - Communication
C4 - Leadership
C5 - Client Service Orientation
OTHER COMPETENCIES:
C6 – Organizational Skills
C7 – Self-Management
C8 – Judgement
C9 – Proactivity & Initiative
The following may be applied / assessed at a later date (may be needed for the job)
OPERATIONAL REQUIREMENT:
Work is primarily conducted during regular business hours; however, the role requires the ability and willingness to respond on short notice and work overtime - including evenings and weekends - if operational needs arise.
Conditions of employment
You must be eligible to obtain both a Site Access Clearance and an Enhanced Reliability Status or a Secret or Top-Secret clearance. The process involves a background investigation that includes:
- a loyalty assessment;
- law enforcement verifications;
- credit and financial verifications;
- a security interview wherein questions may include (but not limited to), previous employment, online activities, financial situation, alcohol and/or drug use;
- personal references as well as previous employers will also be contacted as part of the security screening process.
- You must also consent to complete a personal history questionnaire, be fingerprinted, and be photographed.
Other information
The Public Service of Canada is committed to building a skilled and diverse workforce that reflects the Canadians we serve. We promote employment equity and encourage you to indicate if you belong to one of the designated groups when you apply.
Information on employment equity
Please visit PPS web site under Careers > Opportunities or at https://pps.parl.ca/ for guides that will help you prepare your application and for an interview.
We will only accept online applications received through the GC Employment website.
We encourage veterans of the Canadian Armed Forces to self-identify when applying to our job opportunities.
All communication (screening, assessments, invitations, results) with applicants will be done by e-mail. Ensure that the e-mail address provided is valid, always functional and accepts messages from unknown users.
To submit your online application, you will first need to create an account on the GC Jobs website. Once your account is created, return to the job poster, and select the button "Apply Online" below.
Candidates who are unable to apply online must contact the person listed below prior to the closing date.
It is your responsibility, as a candidate, to clearly demonstrate how you meet each qualification (education, experience, and assets) by answering the screening questions in the online application.
You must provide concrete specific examples to illustrate how you meet each criterion identified in the questions. Your answers must include where and how you obtained the required experience, as well as the period(s) in which you performed the functions of the position(s). Candidates will not be solicited for incomplete or missing information.
Candidates are entitled to participate in the appointment process in the official language of their choice. Applicants are asked to indicate their preferred official language in their application.
Various assessment tools may be used to evaluate candidates during the selection process.
Depending on the number of applicants, volume management strategies may be used for the purpose of managing applications.
Candidates must meet the essential qualifications, including the linguistic requirement to be appointed to a position.
Relocation and travel expenses incurred during the recruitment and selection process are the applicant's responsibility.
We thank all those who apply. Only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.