Application deadline: November 9, 2026
We are seeking a
Principal, Strategic Communications.This is a senior, hands-on role for a communications professional who understands how organizations earn visibility, credibility, and recognition in complex environments. You know how to position senior investment professionals as credible thought leaders, secure high-impact speaking opportunities, cultivate relationships with journalists and conference organizers, and translate sophisticated business strategy into compelling external narratives.
You are equally comfortable advising senior executives, pitching a global media outlet, preparing a CEO for a keynote address, or shaping a thought leadership campaign around a major institutional priority.
You understand that communications is not just about visibility. It is about building the credibility and trust that enable an organization to advance its mission, support its strategic objectives, and engage effectively with the audiences that matter most.
Employment Type: Permanent
Location: Montreal, with the flexibility to work under a hybrid model, with a current requirement of three in-office days per week (subject to change).
Compensation Details - Grade 19: Salaries typically range from $112,006 - $149,341 annually, based on qualifications and experiences, plus a performance-based incentive.
What You Will Be Doing Lead Executive Visibility, Thought Leadership & Strategic Engagement - Serve as the lead architect of executive visibility strategies for the CEO and senior leadership team.
- Position FinDev Canada, through its leaders and subject matter experts, as a trusted and respected voice in climate finance, development finance, impact investing, and international development.
- Develop and execute a strategy to strengthen FinDev Canada's presence within leading English- and French-language business, policy, development, and investment forums across Canada.
- Oversee FinDev Canada's participation at major global convenings, securing high-impact speaking opportunities, coordinating executive engagement programs and bilateral meetings, and guiding the development of strategic briefing materials.
- Build and maintain relationships with conference organizers, industry associations, media organizations, and event producers.
- Develop approaches to elevate a broader group of FinDev Canada leaders and subject matter experts, creating opportunities for investment and impact professionals to contribute to industry conversations and establish themselves as recognized voices in their fields.
Lead FinDev Canada's Domestic and International Media Relations Strategy - Develop and execute proactive media strategies that strengthen FinDev Canada's reputation and visibility across Canada and internationally.
- Build and maintain relationships with key Canadian French- and English-language, as well as international, journalists, editors, producers, and media organizations.
- Act as FinDev Canada's lead advisor on French-language media relations and engagement within Quebec's media, business, and public policy communities.
- Oversee development of media materials including key messages, press releases, briefing notes, backgrounders, and opinion pieces.
Serve as a Senior Communications Advisor - Contribute to the ongoing development of a high-performing external affairs function.
- Work closely with colleagues across communications, government affairs, external engagement and the broader organization to identify and elevate compelling stories and insights.
- Advise executives and senior leaders on media positioning, message development, and external communications strategy.
- Anticipate emerging issues, reputational risks, and opportunities for proactive engagement.
What We Are Looking For - 10+ years of experience in media relations, corporate communications, public relations, events, marketing, or strategic communications, preferably within a Crown Corporation, financial institution, or professional services firm.
- Demonstrated experience building relationships with conference organizers, industry associations, think tanks, and leading forums in climate finance, development finance, impact investing, public policy, or international development.
- Strong relationships with Canadian French- and English-language media and experience working with global media outlets.
- Experience developing thought leadership programs, executive visibility campaigns, and speaking engagement strategies.
- Strong political judgment and reputational risk awareness.
- Ability to translate complex business, policy, and investment topics into compelling communications pitches for diverse audiences.
- Experience advising senior executives and operating in high-profile, fast-paced environments.
- Exceptional project management and coordination skills, with the ability to orchestrate complex executive engagements, major global events, media opportunities, and thought leadership initiatives involving multiple internal and external stakeholders.
- Bilingual in French and English.
What Will Make You Stand Out - Experience in development finance, impact investing, emerging market investing, international development.
- Existing relationships with Canadian and international media covering business, finance, sustainability, climate, public policy, or international affairs.
- Experience supporting executive participation at major global forums such as COP, Climate Week NYC, World Bank and IMF events, G7/G20-related forums, or major investor conferences.
- Familiarity with the Government of Canada ecosystem and international development landscape.
- Experience working in a bilingual communications environment.
Ready to make a difference? Learn more about us here: https://www.findevcanada.ca
