Principal, Defence and Security About Syntax Strategic Syntax Strategic is one of Canada’s leading strategic communications and public affairs firms. We help organizations navigate complex issues, strengthen relationships, and achieve meaningful outcomes.

Our clients include organizations across defence, aerospace, technology, healthcare, infrastructure, government, and the not-for-profit sector. We are trusted advisors during moments that matter most, providing strategic counsel, government relations, communications, media training, stakeholder engagement, and advocacy support. As our Defence and National Security practice continues to grow, we are seeking an experienced leader to help shape its future.

Position Summary As Principal, Defence and Security, you will lead Syntax Strategic’s Defence and Security Division, serving as the senior advisor to clients operating in Canada’s defence, security, and government sectors. You will work directly with CEOs, executive teams, and senior government leaders, providing strategic advice that helps organizations navigate complex government environments, strengthen their market position, and achieve their business objectives. Working with a multidisciplinary team of communications, public affairs, digital, creative, and stakeholder engagement professionals, you will shape client strategy, oversee execution, and ensure exceptional outcomes across multiple concurrent engagements.

Just as importantly, you will help build the practice—developing client relationships, mentoring consultants, identifying current business opportunities, and contributing to the continued growth of Syntax Strategic.

Key Responsibilities Strategic Client Leadership Serve as the senior strategic advisor for a portfolio of defence, aerospace, technology, national security, and government clients.

Develop trusted relationships with CEOs, executive teams, boards of directors,



and senior government officials.

Provide strategic counsel on complex public policy, government relations, stakeholder engagement, communications, procurement, and funding matters.

Anticipate emerging risks and opportunities and provide practical, actionable advice.

Deliver exceptional client service and consistently exceed expectations.

Strategic Consulting

Lead the development and execution of client strategies, including:

Government relations and advocacy strategies

Stakeholder engagement plans

Brand strategy and positioning

Funding opportunity assessments and recommendations

Communications strategies

Executive positioning and thought leadership

Issues management and reputation protection

Partnership and relationship development Division Leadership Lead Syntax’s Defence and Security Division and contribute to its long-term growth.

Identify emerging trends, opportunities, and areas for service expansion.

Support practice planning, resource allocation, and continuous improvement.

Represent Syntax at conferences, industry events, and senior stakeholder meetings.

Team Leadership

Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing consulting team.

Foster a collaborative, supportive, and high-accountability culture.

Review work, coach team members, and support professional development.

Allocate resources across multiple concurrent projects.

Ensure work meets Syntax’s high standards for quality and client service.

Project Leadership





Lead multiple complex consulting engagements simultaneously.

Manage project scope, budgets, timelines, and deliverables.

Coordinate multidisciplinary teams across communications, public affairs, digital, creative, and stakeholder engagement.

Identify risks early and implement practical solutions to keep projects on track.

Business Development

Identify opportunities to expand existing client relationships.

Build new relationships across Canada’s defence, security, and government sectors.

Lead proposal development, presentations, and strategic pitches.

Contribute to annual business development and revenue growth objectives.

Help position Syntax as a leading strategic advisory firm in the defence and national security sector. Qualifications The successful candidate will bring:

Significant experience in Canada’s defence, national security, public affairs, government relations, or strategic consulting sectors.

Strong understanding of the Government of Canada, including federal departments, agencies, Parliament, procurement processes, and government funding programs.

Demonstrated experience developing government relations, advocacy, or stakeholder engagement strategies.

Experience advising CEOs, executive teams, boards of directors, and senior government leaders.

Experience leading and mentoring high-performing teams.

Strong business development skills and a track record of growing client relationships.

Exceptional political judgment, discretion, and strategic thinking.

Outstanding written, verbal, and presentation skills.

The ability to simplify complex policy and government issues into clear, practical business advice.

Experience working with defence contractors, military organizations, federal departments, Crown corporations, public safety organizations, or national security agencies would be considered a strong asset.

📌 Defence and Security Lead (Ottawa)
🏢 Syntax Strategic
📍 Ottawa