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Senior Vice President & General Manager, Ottawa

  • Job
    Full-time
    Expert Level
  • Government & Politics
    Marketing
  • Ottawa
  • Quick Apply

AI generated summary

  • You need 15-20 years in public affairs, strong financial and relationship management skills, political savvy, bilingual fluency, and exceptional leadership and mentoring abilities.
  • You will lead cultural innovation, manage talent and training, drive business growth, and cultivate client relationships by providing strategic counsel and ensuring client satisfaction.

Requirements

  • 15-20 years of experience in public affairs and/or strategic communications leadership roles—preferably in both corporate and agency environments.
  • Deep service knowledge across multiple verticals including public affairs, government relations, strategic communications, public relations, and public participation.
  • Exceptional judgment, agility, and the ability to manage change and complex relationships.
  • Strong financial literacy, having led a significant P&L with a track record of success in maintaining growth and profitability.
  • A genuine love for the people and the work, serving as a cultural champion with experience leading and being a member of diverse hybrid teams and an awareness of cultural, economic, and political differences and sensitivities.
  • Political savvy and experience working with government stakeholders, with an ability to understand the nuances of shifting geopolitical, policy and community landscapes and risks.
  • Experience leading business development efforts; growth mindset and the ability to convert new opportunities, present with charisma, and maximize opportunities for organic growth.
  • A strong network of trusted relationships across government, business, and community stakeholders, able to serve as an industry leader and an ambassador and thought leader for the H&K brand.
  • Bilingual capabilities: English and French fluency is highly desirable.
  • Excellent mentoring skills and the ability to manage and develop teams and talent.
  • Complete integrity and an impeccable moral compass.
  • Expert relationship management and influencing skills.
  • High emotional intelligence (EQ).
  • A mission-driven approach with consistent modelling of values-based leadership.
  • Strong analytical skills and ability to lead change management and strategic processes.
  • Flexibility, with the ability to quickly and effectively respond to stakeholder environments.
  • An open, honest, and transparent communication and leadership style.
  • The ability to resolve conflict and deal with difficult issues.

Responsibilities

  • Innovative and cultural leadership: Create conditions for an accountable, bold, collaborative, and diverse environment that delivers outstanding work. Be an ambassador for H&K, its values, and its people. Encourage new thinking. Inspire an energetic culture centered on executional excellence and client success. Identify innovative ways to work with our clients, their customers, and their business challenges, leveraging teams and capabilities across the agency to provide creative solutions.
  • Talent management: The agency will grow by landing and fostering the right talent. One of your key responsibilities will be to help ensure the Ottawa office provides top-tier training, new challenges, and career growth for employees, creating an environment that fosters employee retention with authenticity and transparency.
  • Commercial leadership and growth: You will be responsible for actively and aggressively developing new business for the office, properly vetting leads and guiding the pitch process to convert leads into new clients. You have extensive industry knowledge and a robust network of contacts to help keep H&K on the cutting edge while growing the business.
  • Client relationships: We pride ourselves on our relentless pursuit of client satisfaction. You will be a trusted strategic business partner to clients and colleagues. You must have a passion for managing business and be client-obsessed. You will be expected to provide strategic counsel to clients at a C-suite level and help client leaders do the same, lending the necessary time and support to help accounts realize their full potential.

FAQs

What are the key responsibilities of the Senior Vice President & General Manager in Ottawa?

The key responsibilities include providing innovative and cultural leadership, talent management, commercial leadership and growth, and fostering client relationships.

What qualifications are required for this position?

Candidates should have 15-20 years of experience in public affairs and/or strategic communications leadership roles, deep service knowledge across multiple verticals, strong financial literacy, and a robust network of contacts.

Is bilingualism a requirement for this job?

Bilingual capabilities, specifically in English and French, are highly desirable for this position.

What kind of experience is preferred for this role?

Preferred experience includes both corporate and agency environments, particularly in public affairs, government relations, and strategic communications.

Are there opportunities for employee training and career growth in the Ottawa office?

Yes, one of the key responsibilities of the General Manager is to ensure that the Ottawa office provides top-tier training and new challenges for employees, fostering an environment for career growth.

What skills are essential for the General Manager position?

Essential skills include excellent mentoring and relationship management, high emotional intelligence, strong analytical skills, and the ability to resolve conflict and manage change.

Who does the General Manager report to?

The General Manager reports to the CEO of Canada and is a member of the Canadian leadership team.

What is the company culture like at Hill & Knowlton?

The company promotes an accountable, bold, collaborative, and diverse environment, encouraging innovative thinking and client-focused execution.

How does Hill & Knowlton approach diversity, equity, and inclusion?

Hill & Knowlton sees diversity, equity, and inclusion as strategic imperatives that fuel innovation and creativity, welcoming diverse applications and fostering a culture that drives meaningful experiences.

Will I have the opportunity to work with C-suite clients in this role?

Yes, the General Manager is expected to provide strategic counsel to clients at a C-suite level.

Telecommunications
Industry
1001-5000
Employees

Mission & Purpose

Hill & Knowlton is the global strategic communications leader for transformation. A trusted partner for sustainable value creation and protection, we help brands, businesses and leaders build reputation, manage risk, and create breakthrough opportunities for growth. Founded in 1927, today’s Hill & Knowlton operates 70 offices in over 30 countries, providing advisory, public relations and creative solutions to local and global clients. Our global team offers integrated strategic services, grounded in deep sector expertise, and enabled by creativity and intelligence. Headquartered in New York, Hill & Knowlton is part of WPP, the world’s largest marketing and communications services company.