Location: Toronto, Ontario Reports To: Partners Work Model: Hybrid (in-office and remote) Employment Type: Full-time, Permanent About Counsel Public Affairs – Relentlessly Committed To Client Success Launched in 2004, Counsel Public Affairs has grown to become Canada’s most effective, fully integrated public affairs agency. Our dedicated teams of experienced, multipartisan consultants are on the ground, delivering results for clients in Ottawa, Toronto, Winnipeg, Edmonton, Calgary, Vancouver and Victoria. With strategic partnerships in Quebec and Atlantic Canada, Counsel successfully serves clients nationwide – all under one roof.
With expertise across a wide range of sectors of the Canadian economy, Counsel offers an extensive suite of fully integrated public affairs services, including government relations, strategic and corporate communications, crisis and reputation management, opinion research and integrated campaigns.
The Prospect The Executive
Assistant provides comprehensive operational, administrative, and program management support to senior leadership within a leading public affairs firm. The role is responsible for managing complex executive schedules and priorities, coordinating meetings, travel, and key business activities, and overseeing the administration of executive peer councils, leadership programs, and strategic projects. Serving as a trusted extension of the Partners, the Executive Assistant acts as a central point of coordination across leadership, staff, clients, peer council members, and external stakeholders.
The position ensures the seamless execution of organizational priorities. Success in the role requires strong judgment, initiative, discretion, and the ability to manage multiple priorities with professionalism and precision.
Key Responsibilities Executive Support Manage complex executive calendars and schedules
Coordinate internal and external meetings, including logistics, agendas, materials, and follow-up actions, including the firm’s Executive Committee.
Prepare executives for meetings by organizing briefing materials and relevant documentation
Prioritize scheduling requests and manage competing demands effectively
Coordinate domestic travel arrangements, itineraries, accommodations, and related logistics
Screen, monitor, and respond to correspondence as required Executive Peer Councils The Executive Peer Councils bring together CEOs and senior executives in confidential groups built on trust, mutual support and shared learning, focused on leadership, strategic thinking, problem solving and professional growth. Coordinate executive peer council calendars, member communications, meeting schedules, and annual program plans
Support onboarding, engagement, retention,
and ongoing relationship management activities for executive peer councils
Assist in maintaining new and prospective member information related to executive programs and peer councils
Manage the operational administration of executive peer councils, including meeting logistics, member records, evaluations, renewal tracking, and follow-up activities
Coordinate peer council meetings, retreats, and special events, including venues, materials, agendas, and participant communications
Maintain accurate records, databases, and reporting related to executive programs and peer council activities Executive Operations Support planning and coordination of leadership meetings, business engagements and firm initiatives
Support workflow coordination and administrative processes to enhance operational efficiency
Anticipate scheduling conflicts, resource gaps, and operational challenges and recommend proactive solutions
Track deliverables and follow-up activities arising from business meetings and discussions
Coordinate the development, formatting, and production of presentations, keynote materials, executive briefings, and related communications
Maintain and organize a library of presentations, reports, templates, and executive program materials to support operational efficiency and consistency Relationship Coordination Support the coordination of business activity among the Partners
Coordinate meeting preparation, briefing materials, and follow-up related to business engagements
Maintain and organize business contact information
Track action items and share details with respective practice leads
Coordinate logistics, materials, and follow-up activities related to speaking engagements, media appearances, training programs, and executive events Communication & Reputation Serve as a professional point of contact for peer council members, and external stakeholders
Facilitate timely communication and information flow across leadership, staff, clients, and executive programs
Draft, coordinate, and distribute communications, meeting materials, and follow-up correspondence as required
Maintain a high level of professionalism, discretion, and confidentiality in all interactions Qualifications Post-secondary education in Business Administration, Office Administration, Communications, or a related field preferred
Minimum of 4 years of experience supporting senior executives, leadership teams, or executive programs in a professional services, consulting, corporate, membership, or public affairs environment
Experience coordinating executive meetings, events, stakeholder engagement activities, or member-based programs is considered an asset
Familiarity with Canadian public affairs stakeholders is considered an asset
Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, including Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Teams
Strong organizational, administrative, project coordination, and program management skills
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Demonstrated ability to manage competing priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment
Strong problem-solving skills, sound judgment, and the ability to work independently Core Competencies Exceptional organizational, planning, and time management skills
Attention to detail and commitment to accuracy
Initiative and proactive problem-solving
Strong presentation, production and written communication skills
Professionalism, discretion, and sound judgment
Adaptability and ability to manage changing priorities
Strong communication and interpersonal skills
Relationship management and stakeholder service orientation
Accountability, ownership, and follow-through
Ability to work independently and collaboratively
Project and program coordination skills Working Conditions Primarily office-based in Toronto with a hybrid work environment as determined by business needs
Occasional travel may be required
Ability to accommodate changing priorities and schedules in a dynamic work environment Compensation And Benefits Base salary is $75,000 to $90,000 (CDN), commensurate with experience and qualifications
Additional compensation and benefits information will be discussed during the recruitment process and may include health benefits, paid vacation, professional development support, and performance-based compensation opportunities Recruitment Process Disclosures Artificial Intelligence Disclosure Counsel Public Affairs does not use artificial intelligence to screen, assess, or select applicants during the hiring process.
Accommodation Statement Counsel Public
Affairs is committed to fostering an inclusive and accessible workplace. Accommodation is available upon request for candidates participating in all aspects of the recruitment and selection process in accordance with applicable human rights and accessibility legislation.
Application Instructions Interested candidates are invited to submit a resume and cover letter to
[email protected]. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.
📌 Executive Assistant (Toronto)
🏢 Counsel Public Affairs
📍 Toronto