Sr Advisor, Strategic Communications & Media Relations (Bilingual) | Conseiller principal ou conseillère principale aux communications stratégiques et aux relations avec les médias (bilingue) 

Job Title: Sr Advisor, Strategic Communications & Media Relations (Bilingual)

Location: Ottawa, Ontario (Hybrid Work Arrangement)

Position Type: Fixed term

Contract Duration: 14 months

Reports To: Chief External Affairs and Communications Officer

Position Status: Existing Vacancy (Leave Replacement)

Supervisory: Yes

About the Rideau Hall Foundation

The Rideau Hall Foundation (RHF) is an independent and non-partisan charitable organization established to amplify the impact of the office of the Governor General as a central institution of Canadian democracy, and to better serve Canadians through a range of initiatives linked to learning, leadership, giving and innovation.

By working in partnership across all sectors, the RHF celebrates excellence while creating opportunities and connecting communities, all towards the shared purpose of a better Canada.

For more information about the RHF, please visit: https://www.rhf-frh.ca/

About the Role

The Rideau Hall Foundation (RHF) is seeking a bilingual Senior Advisor, Strategic Communications and Media Relations to lead and support media relations, issues management, executive communications, and corporate messaging initiatives. Reporting to the Chief External Affairs and Communications Officer, this role is responsible for developing and delivering strategic communications plans, supporting senior leaders, managing sensitive communications issues, and ensuring consistent, high-quality messaging across internal and external audiences. The Senior Advisor plays a key role in enhancing the RHF's reputation, increasing public awareness, and advancing organizational priorities through effective communications and stakeholder engagement.

Key Responsibilities

Develop and lead integrated media, public affairs, and corporate communications strategies that enhance organizational visibility, strengthen reputation, and support strategic objectives.

Manage media relations activities, including cultivating relationships with journalists, editors, and media outlets, serving as a media liaison or spokesperson when appropriate, and overseeing media engagement opportunities.

Create and deliver key messaging and communication materials, including media briefs, talking points, speeches, op-eds, executive correspondence, and stakeholder communications.

Position organizational leaders as thought leaders and subject matter experts through proactive communications, media opportunities, speaking engagements, and strategic storytelling.

Lead crisis communications and issues management efforts, including maintaining crisis communication frameworks, developing response plans, and coordinating rapid response strategies.

Provide strategic communications counsel to senior leadership on reputation management, public affairs, stakeholder engagement, and communications during sensitive or high-pressure situations.

Assess and mitigate reputational risks by collaborating with internal stakeholders to identify emerging issues, develop messaging strategies, and protect organizational credibility.

Ensure consistent and aligned messaging across all communication channels and departments, supporting both external communications and internal initiatives that reinforce organizational culture and strategic priorities.

Lead, coach, and develop team members through performance management, goal setting, professional development, employee engagement initiatives, and effective workload planning.

Support talent management activities, including recruitment, onboarding, retention efforts, and promoting the organization's commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion.

Lead and support strategic partnerships and special projects, collaborating with internal and external stakeholders to advance organizational objectives, enhance the organization's profile, and deliver priority initiatives and other assigned projects.

Qualifications & Experience

Post-secondary degree or a combination of relevant education, training, and experience.

Minimum of 5 years of experience in communications, with a focus on media relations, content development, and executive and/or corporate communications.

Demonstrated experience in media relations, executive communications, and developing high-quality content across multiple platforms, including speeches, op-eds, social media, and newsletters.

Experience working both collaboratively and independently, demonstrating initiative, flexibility, and a solutions-oriented approach.

Experience leading or supervising staff, including providing coaching, feedback, and professional development support.

Bilingualism in English and French is required; knowledge of Indigenous languages is considered an asset.

Experience with and/or knowledge of Indigenous cultures within Canada is considered an asset.

Experience working in or with the non-profit or charitable sector is considered an asset.

Core Competencies & Skills

Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to translate complex information into clear, compelling, and audience-appropriate messaging.

Strong knowledge of internal and external communications practices, including brand management, digital communications, media relations, and stakeholder engagement.

Excellent organizational, project management, and time management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to build effective relationships and collaborate with diverse stakeholders.

Strong critical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making capabilities, particularly in dynamic and evolving situations.

Adaptability and sound judgment, with the ability to respond effectively to changing priorities and organizational needs.

Understanding of the communications needs of non-profit and charitable organizations, including donor, partner, and stakeholder engagement, is considered an asset.

Compensation & Benefits

Competitive Salary: Hiring range of $83,000 - $93,500 depending on experience and qualifications.

Comprehensive Benefits: Day-one access to extended health and dental coverage to support you and your family’s well-being.

RRSP Matching: Optional enrollment in our employer-matched Retirement Savings Program (with day-one enrollment).

Employee Assistance Program: 24/7 confidential support via TELUS Health for you and your family.

Generous Vacation: 15 vacation days per year.

Application Process

Apply by September 24, 2026. Candidates must successfully pass all required security clearances.

The Rideau Hall Foundation is an equal opportunity employer. We strongly encourage applications from all qualified candidates, including those who are Indigenous, Black, racialized, LGBTQ2S+, women, persons with disabilities, members of visible minorities and other equity-seeking groups. We seek to build a workforce that reflects the communities we serve.

The Rideau Hall Foundation will provide accommodations upon request during the recruitment, selection and assessment process for candidates with a disability. We thank all candidates for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Titre du poste: Conseiller principal ou conseillère principale aux communications stratégiques et aux relations avec les médias (bilingue)

Lieu: Ottawa, Ontario (possibilité de travail en mode hybride)

Type de poste: À durée déterminée

Durée du contrat: 14 mois

Supérieur.e immédiat.e: Chef des affaires publiques et des communications

Statut d’emploi: Poste vacant (remplacement de congé)

Supervision: Oui

À propos de la Fondation Rideau Hall

La Fondation Rideau Hall (FRH) est un organisme caritatif indépendant et apolitique qui a pour but d’optimiser l’influence du Bureau du gouverneur général à titre d’institution clé de la démocratie canadienne et de mieux servir les Canadiens et Canadi