Location: Ottawa or Toronto, with Ottawa preferred. The position is based in Ontario and will initially be remote, with the potential to transition to a hybrid arrangement in the future.

Term: Six-month contract, with the possibility of extension.

Commitment: Part-time, fixed-term employee position (one-year term), with the possibility of extension.

Hours: Approximately 20–25 hours per week, with some flexibility around major events and announcements.

Compensation: Commensurate with experience.

Start date: As soon as possible.

As CSS grows, there may be an opportunity for the position to evolve into a full-time, permanent role.

About the Centre for Strategic Statecraft
The Centre for Strategic Statecraft (CSS) is a Canadian policy organization focused on strengthening Canada’s capacity to act in an increasingly competitive and uncertain world. CSS connects policy research, strategic networks and practical initiatives to help translate Canadian strengths into greater resilience, leverage and influence.

Our work spans economic security, emerging technologies, defence and national security, energy and critical minerals, and Canada’s relationships with key international partners.

The Opportunity
CSS is seeking a strategic, versatile and highly effective Communications Advisor to lead the organization’s communications and strengthen its public profile. This is a one-year, part-time role as a member of the CSS team.

Reporting to the CEO and working closely with CSS leadership, the Communications Advisor will shape the organization’s external voice, lead its social media communications, and support the promotion of its research, events and initiatives. The successful candidate will be an excellent writer and editor who can translate complex policy issues into clear, compelling content for government, business, media and public audiences.

This is an ideal opportunity for someone who understands the Canadian policy and media environment and is interested in helping build the profile of a growing organization.

Key responsibilities

• Develop and implement a communications strategy aligned with CSS’s organizational and policy priorities.
• Lead all CSS social media communications, including content planning, drafting, publishing and performance tracking.
• Manage and update CSS’s website and digital content.
• Draft and edit news releases, opinion pieces, announcements, newsletters, event materials, website copy and social media content.
• Translate complex research and policy analysis into concise, accessible and engaging communications.
• Support the publication and promotion of reports, policy briefs, commentaries and flagship initiatives.
• Identify timely opportunities to position CSS experts and ideas in national policy debates.
• Build and maintain relationships with journalists, editors and other media and communications partners.
• Develop media pitches, briefing materials and key messages
• Monitor media coverage and emerging issues relevant to CSS’s work.
• Support CSS events, including invitations, programs, signage, presentations and other digital and printed collateral.
• Help maintain a consistent institutional voice and visual identity across CSS publications, events and communications channels.
• Provide strategic communications advice to the CEO and senior leadership

Qualifications
The ideal consultant will bring:

• Exceptional writing and editing skills.
• Strong knowledge of the Canadian media, political and public-policy landscape.
• Experience managing organizational social media channels.
• An ability to make complex policy issues clear, relevant and engaging.
• Experience producing communications and collateral materials for events, publications or campaigns.
• Sound judgment and the ability to work effectively on sensitive or fast-moving issues.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities independently.
• A collaborative, entrepreneurial approach suited to a small and growing organization.
• Professional proficiency in English; French-language skills are an asset.
• Familiarity with WordPress is an asset.
• Graphic design skills and experience with tools such as Claude Design, Canva or Adobe Creative Suite are assets.
• Familiarity with foreign policy, economic security, emerging technology, defence, energy or related issues is an asset.

Why work with CSS?
For someone who cares about Canada’s future and wants to combine strong communications with public purpose, this is an opportunity to help build a new policy organization at an important moment for the country.

The role offers flexibility, autonomy and scope for creativity. The Communications Advisor will work directly with senior leadership, contribute across CSS’s research, programming and events, and help define the organization’s voice, public presence and future growth. They will also play an important role in bringing consequential policy ideas to national and international audiences.

CSS welcomes applicants from diverse professional and personal backgrounds. If your experience does not align perfectly with every qualification but you believe you could make a strong contribution, we encourage you to apply.

How to submit a proposal
Please submit:

• A brief proposal describing your interest in the engagement, relevant experience and proposed approach;
• A résumé or professional profile;
• Two or three relevant writing, social media or design samples;
• Your proposed hourly rate, including any assumptions about the scope; and
• Contact information for two professional references.