HUMAN RESOURCES DIRECTORATE DIRECTION DES RESSOURCES HUMAINES

Strategic Communications Advisor to CIBA and to the Clerk of the Senate

Directorate: Office of the Clerk of the Senate and Clerk of the Parliaments

Classification: SEN 10: $108,112 - $136,793  

*** Job description under review ***

Job Type: Determinate Appointment, Full-time term contract of 12 months with possibility of extension and/or permanency

Location: Ottawa, Ontario, Canada

Closing Date: Monday October 27, 2025

About the Senate

The Senate plays a unique role in shaping our country’s democracy. As members of the upper house of Parliament, senators examine legislation, study public policy, champion causes and conduct interparliamentary diplomacy.

As a workplace, the Senate is composed of dynamic people representing our nation’s diverse talents, backgrounds and perspectives. We are committed to building and maintaining a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone is provided full and equal opportunity and access to employment, development and advancement. Build and advance your career by joining a team of dedicated professionals who are committed to excellence in support of senators and the institution. 

How will you contribute?

The Office of the Clerk of the Senate and Clerk of the Parliaments is seeking an experienced communications professional to serve as a Strategic Communications Advisor to CIBA and the Clerk of the Senate.

In this specialized role, you will provide expert, non-partisan advice on communications strategies, messaging, and outreach initiatives for both the Standing Committee on Internal Economy, Budgets and Administration (CIBA) and the Clerk of the Senate. Working under the direction of the CIBA Steering Committee and the supervision of the Clerk of the Senate, you will ensure clear, consistent, and timely communication in support of the Senate’s parliamentary and administrative functions.

As Strategic Communications Advisor, you will shape and deliver communications that strengthen the Senate’s role and reputation. You will be a trusted advisor, spokesperson, and strategist, ensuring clear, consistent, and values-driven messaging for CIBA and the Office of the Clerk.

Key Responsibilities
Under the direction of the CIBA Steering committee and supervision of the Clerk of the Senate, you will:

• Lead the development and delivery of a strategic communications plan for CIBA and the Office of the Clerk of the Senate;
• Advise the CIBA Steering Committee, the Clerk, and senior executives on communications strategies and risks;
• Act as spokesperson and manage media relations on behalf of CIBA and the Office of the Clerk of the Senate;
• Direct crisis communications during emergencies and high-profile situations;
• Draft and edit speeches, news releases, announcements, and messaging tools;
• Coordinate and align messaging across internal and external audiences;
• Build and maintain networks with parliamentary partners, stakeholders, and the media;
• Analyze and understand political dynamics within the institution in order to provide strategic advice on internal and external communications;
• Acquire and maintain a good knowledge of parliamentary procedure, and the various policies, rules and regulations of the Senate;
• Ensure all communications uphold Senate values and principles of accessibility, fairness, and inclusion.

Open to

The general public to staff one (1) determinate position for a period of twelve (12) months, with a possibility of extension and/or permenancy, in the Office of the Clerk of the Senate and Clerk of the Parliaments.

This selection process may be used to staff determinate or indeterminate positions at the same level with similar requirements.

The Senate of Canada is committed to building a skilled and diverse workforce that reflects the Canadians we serve, starting with an inclusive and barrier-free hiring process. You are entitled to apply in the official language of your choice (English or French) and you can request to be accommodated during any phase of the evaluation process. All information received in relation to accommodation will be kept confidential. We promote employment equity and encourage you to indicate if you belong to one of the designated groups when you apply.

Prerequisites

Please submit a CV and cover letter (maximum three pages) outlining how your experience and background meet the prerequisites listed below and how they would contribute to making you a successful Strategic Communications Advisor. Candidates screened-in may be invited to complete a written exam and/or an interview :

• Education: University degree in communications, public relations, journalism, political science, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and training.
• Strategic Communication: Skilled at developing communications strategies in a high-profile environment; provides candid, proactive advice to parliamentarians, senior executives, and stakeholders, while navigating competing interests, ambiguity, and sensitive contexts.
• Advisory Role: Significant experience providing clear, strategic guidance and communications advice to senior executives or decision-making bodies.
• Bilingual Communication: Superior writing and speaking skills in English and French, with demonstrated ability to craft accessible, engaging content for diverse audiences, media, and the public.
• Issues and Risk Management: Skilled in managing issues, risk communications, and crisis response.
• Analytical Skills: Ability to distill complex issues into clear, strategic and accessible messages.
• Navigating Competing Interests: Capacity to exercise sound judgment, discretion, and tact in high-pressure or sensitive contexts with differing perspectives.
• Interpersonal Skills: Strong relationship-building skills, with resilience and organizational savvy.
• Organizational Excellence: Proven ability to manage multiple priorities under tight deadlines, meet commitments, and deliver high standards of client service.
• Autonomous: Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.

Asset Qualifications

• Knowledge of the Senate, its constitutional role, corporate structure and the parliamentary environment;
• Political acumen and proven ability to build and maintain constructive and effective relationships of trust with individuals on all sides of the political spectrum;
• Graduate-level education in political science, law, public administration or a related field.

Linguistic Requirements 

English Reading Comprehension: C

English Written Expression: C

English Oral Interaction: C

French Reading Comprehension: C

French Written Expression: C

French Oral Interaction: C

Competencies

Integrity
Respect
Service
Strategic Thinker
Effective Communicator
Sound Decision Maker
Action Management

Organizational Needs

The Senate of Canada is committed to building and maintaining an inclusive workplace where all employees are provided full and equal access to employment, development and advancement opportunities.

Conditions of Employment