Job Title: Director of Communications

Location: Ottawa, Ontario

Company: Blackbird Strategies

Employment Type: Full-Time

Reports To: CEO / CSO

Job posting closes June 6, 2025. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted. We thank you in advance for your interest.

About Us

Blackbird Strategies is a full-service, values-based public affairs, communications, and government relations firm specializing in working with Indigenous groups and those seeking to improve their relationships with them. In addition, we work with groups advancing better outcomes for women and other equity-deserving communities. Our clients have included some of the largest and most impactful organizations from the finance, health, and natural resource sectors, as well as Indigenous groups from across Canada.

We are a growing firm and are looking for an experienced, passionate advocate and consultant who can help our clients that need strategic communications, government relations, policy, facilitation, and issues management support. We are seeking a Director of Communications to lead high-impact initiatives, develop integrated communications strategies, and provide expertise on public affairs files. This is a leadership role for a sharp strategist and skilled communicator who thrives in high-stakes environments.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development and execution of strategic communications plans for clients, including media relations, message development, digital strategy, and crisis communications.
• Providing strategic advice on public affairs files.
• Serve as a senior client contact, providing high-level strategic counsel and ensuring the delivery of measurable results.
• Manage and mentor a small team of communications professionals.
• Oversee internal social media, media monitoring, rapid response efforts, and narrative shaping across traditional and digital channels.
• Draft and edit media materials, opinion pieces, speeches, and internal communications.
• Cultivate and maintain relationships with key journalists, influencers, and stakeholders.
• Partner with firm leadership to support business development and brand positioning.
• Monitor trends in media, policy, and public opinion to inform strategy.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of experience in strategic communications, public affairs, or a related field, preferably in an agency, political, or corporate setting.
• Proven understanding of Indigenous realities in Canada.
• Demonstrated experience in developing partnerships and working effectively with clients.
• Some experience in government relations with a focus on Indigenous affairs, equity, and reconciliation.
• Knowledge of federal, provincial, and Indigenous political and bureaucratic systems with established networks in Parliament and Indigenous communities.
• Proven track record of leading successful communications campaigns and managing client relationships.
• Must have strong knowledge or background in think tank or media spaces.
• Must have experience working on Parliament Hill but not currently subject to a federal lobby ban.
• Strong writing, editing, and messaging skills.
• Experience in media relations, crisis communications, and public affairs.
• A strategic mindset with the ability to think proactively and pivot quickly.
• Leadership experience with a collaborative and empowering management style.
• Bachelor's degree in communications, political science, journalism, or related field (advanced degree a plus).

Salary commensurate with experience.

Blackbird provides a generous benefit, vacation, and incentive package.

Only those who submit a c.v. to will be considered. Please do not apply on LinkedIn.