Public Affairs Specialist

Public Affairs Specialist

Job Description

About us

The CMA is the voice of marketing in Canada and our purpose is to champion marketing’s powerful impact. We are the catalyst to help Canada’s marketers thrive today, while building the marketing mindset and environment of tomorrow.

We provide opportunities for our members from coast to coast to develop professionally, to contribute to marketing thought leadership, to build strong networks, and to strengthen the regulatory climate for business success. Our Chartered Marketer (CM) designation signifies that recipients are highly qualified and up to date with best practices, as reflected in the CMA’s Canadian Marketing Code of Ethics and Standards. We represent virtually all of Canada's major business sectors, and all marketing disciplines, channels, and technologies.

Role overview

Are you passionate about shaping the future of marketing in a rapidly evolving regulatory landscape? The Canadian Marketing Association (CMA) is seeking a Public Affairs Specialist to join our team and support advocacy, policy development and Committee operations. Reporting to the Chief Public Affairs and Governance Officer, this is an ideal role for someone who has some experience in a policy or political role and wants to gain exposure to advocacy work in a supportive team environment where learning from mistakes is encouraged and continuous improvement is valued. The role also offers the opportunity to network with a thriving marketing community.

What you’ll learn and contribute

Policy monitoring and advocacy support

o Monitor government announcements, consultations, hearings and regulatory changes affecting marketing. Prepare summaries for senior team members.

o Identify key federal and provincial contacts.

o Support preparation of briefing materials and backgrounders.

o Summarize research articles, reports, and stakeholder input into digestible overviews.

Operational coordination

o Organize logistics for committee and stakeholder meetings.

o Draft agendas, compile relevant materials, take notes, and track follow-up actions.

o Support seamless operations that keep our volunteer leaders engaged.

o Help manage project timelines, maintain team document libraries and coordinate supporting materials.

Content development

o Draft social media content that accurately reflects the CMA's public policy positions.

o Help maintain website content with timely updates.

o Assist with research compilation for white papers and issue briefs.

o Proofread draft content to ensure consistency with CMA views and corporate standards.

o Conduct environmental scans to support white papers and issue briefs.

o Prepare visually appealing charts that reflect research findings.

o Support creative content development, and publication formatting.

What we’re looking for

Core requirements

o 4 years experience in government relations, public affairs, or policy communications.

o Strong writing and editing skills.

o Excellent organizational abilities and attention to detail.

o Genuine enthusiasm for professional excellence with receptivity to constructive feedback and coaching.

o Growth-oriented approach to skill building and continuous learning in a mentorship-rich environment.

o Collaborative mindset with ability to work independently when needed.

o Eagerness to learn and grow within the public affairs field.

Technical skills

o Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (especially Excel)

o Comfortable with social media and online project management tools (e.g. Asana).

o Experience with volunteer coordination preferred.

Valuable assets

o Exposure to marketing, privacy, competition, or telecommunications policy.

o Bilingual English/French capabilities.

o Understanding of government policy and legislative processes and regulatory frameworks.

o Experience working with volunteer groups.

Why Advance Your Public Affairs Career Here?

Professional growth

o Mentorship from experienced public affairs professionals.

o Exposure to high-level policy discussions and industry leaders.

o Opportunities to build your expertise in marketing regulatory issues.

Meaningful work environment

o Contribute to policy outcomes that impact Canada's marketing profession.

o Work with engaged volunteer Committees of senior marketing executives.

o Be part of a respected voice in regulatory and government circles.

o Remote-first culture with purposeful in-person collaboration

o Supportive team environment that values learning and improvement.

If you're ready to join a dynamic team that is impacting the evolving landscape of marketing and public policy, we invite you to join our team. Be a part of a vibrant organization that values innovation, collaboration, and a commitment to excellence.

Work environment

The position offers a remote-first work model that blends remote work with in-person monthly team meetings, networking and CMA events and in-office collaboration as needed by the role.

CMA is committed to equity, diversity and inclusivity in the workplace; we welcome applications from women, racially visible individuals, people with disabilities, Indigenous peoples, and LGBTQ2S+ persons.

We are happy to comply with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) to make our recruitment and employment operations accessible.

Please contact [email protected] if you require special accommodation throughout the interview process.

Please note that due to the Holidays season, the recruitment process for this role will take longer than usual.