Director, Public Affairs and Regional Lead

NATIONAL•St. John's, NL

51d•Hybrid

About The Position

NATIONAL is seeking a senior communications leader for Newfoundland and Labrador. This is a rare opportunity for someone who knows the province, understands how decisions are made, and can move confidently between public affairs, government relations, corporate communications, and marketing conversations. The Newfoundland and Labrador presence is an important part of our Atlantic and national network. We work with clients across sectors, regions, and issues, helping them navigate complex environments, build trust, and communicate with clarity. With a strong local and regional foundation and access to the full strength of NATIONAL’s offices across Canada, this role offers the opportunity to help shape what comes next in one of the country’s most distinctive and strategically important markets. This is a hands-on, senior market-building opportunity for someone who wants to be both strategic and practical, visible and grounded, independent and deeply connected to a national team. We are looking for an entrepreneurial leader who can help grow NATIONAL’s presence in Newfoundland and Labrador while contributing to client work across Atlantic Canada and the broader NATIONAL network. Whether you’re currently living in the region, or looking to return home, the ideal candidate is deeply connected to the province. They understand the local business, political, and community landscape, and they bring the judgment, presence, and credibility to advise executives, engage stakeholders, and represent NATIONAL in the market. Our office is located within the Board of Trade in St. John’s, offering a strong connection to the local business community and an energizing space for client work, collaboration, and growth.

Requirements

Senior experience in public affairs, government relations, strategic communications, crisis communications, public relations, or a related professional services environment
Strong knowledge of Newfoundland and Labrador’s political, business, community, and media landscape
Experience or strong familiarity with sectors such as energy, defense, infrastructure, natural resources, economic development, or other regulated or high-profile industries
The ability to lead client relationships, provide wise counsel, and manage complex mandates with limited day-to-day oversight
A practical understanding of marketing and integrated communications, with the ability to contribute meaningfully to broader brand, reputation, and campaign conversations
Strong writing, presentation, facilitation, and relationship-building skills
An entrepreneurial mindset and interest in helping grow NATIONAL’s presence in Newfoundland and Labrador
The ability to collaborate across offices, especially with Atlantic Canada, Ottawa, and other teams across the NATIONAL network
A degree or equivalent experience in communications, public relations, political science, business, public policy, journalism, marketing, or a related field
Strategic thinking and ability to identify what matters and turn advice into action.
Calmness under pressure, clear counsel, and comfort working in situations where the path forward is not always obvious.
Good judgment.
Ability to build trust easily.
Comfortable interacting with senior executives, community leaders, public officials, colleagues, and clients.
Good writing skills and ability to adjust to different mediums and audiences.
Collaborative yet highly self-sufficient.
Ability to build something without needing a large local team around you, and knowledge of how to draw on the strength of a national network.
Values-driven, discreet, adaptable, and committed to excellent client service.

Nice To Haves

While this opportunity is currently posted at the Director level, we welcome interest from experienced communications professionals and seasoned executives, with level, scope, and title to be considered based on experience, capability, and market presence.
Whether you’re currently living in the region, or looking to return home, the ideal candidate is deeply connected to the province.

Responsibilities

Provide senior counsel to clients navigating complex communications, public affairs, and reputational challenges.
Bring a strong understanding of government, business, community, and media environments in Newfoundland and Labrador, with particular interest in sectors such as energy, defense, economic development, healthcare and other areas shaping the future of the province.
Help lead and grow client relationships, identify new opportunities, and connect clients with the right expertise from across NATIONAL.
Work independently, think strategically, and manage mandates with confidence, while also knowing when and how to bring in colleagues from other offices and practice areas.
Represent NATIONAL in the Newfoundland and Labrador market, helping to strengthen our visibility, relationships, and reputation.
Be comfortable in a boardroom, at a community event, in a government relations discussion, or in a marketing strategy conversation.
Act as an integrated thinker who understands how public affairs, communications, marketing, stakeholder engagement, and reputation intersect.