Senior Advisor, Government and Public Affairs (bilingual)

SR. ADVISOR, GOVERNMENT AND PUBLIC AFFAIRS (bilingual)

Purpose of Job

Telesat, a leading global provider of satellite solutions is developing Telesat Lightspeed, the world’s most advanced Low Earth Orbit satellite network that will connect everyone, everywhere to high-speed Internet and 5G connectivity.

Telesat is seeking a bilingual (French and English) Senior Advisor, Government and Public Affairs to support the execution of our government relations and public policy agenda.

Reporting to the Director, Government and Public Affairs, the successful candidate will play a key role in advocating for Telesat’s interests with public sector stakeholders and supporting strategic communications that influence public policy and partnership opportunities.

This role is ideal for a high-performing communicator and strategist with a deep understanding of the public affairs environment and strong familiarity with diplomatic missions, trade commissioners, and international engagement.

Main Responsibilities:

• Support the development and execution of integrated public affairs and government relations strategies.
• Build and maintain effective relationships with government stakeholders, with a focus on decision-makers and political staff.
• Provide insights and analysis on public policy, regulatory developments, and legislative trends that impact the satellite and telecom sectors.
• Draft high-quality briefing notes, memos, correspondence, and advocacy materials tailored to governmental and diplomatic audiences.
• Assist in organizing and executing stakeholder meetings, trade missions, and diplomatic engagements.
• Collaborate with internal teams to align public affairs activities with corporate objectives, particularly relating to Telesat Lightspeed.
• Monitor government initiatives and provide timely, actionable intelligence to senior leadership.
• Support external positioning and messaging on public policy issues, ensuring alignment across jurisdictions.
  
  

Education & Experience Required

Education and experience

• University degree in a relevant discipline, such as commerce/business administration, political science, economics, or engineering.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in public affairs, government relations, political staff roles, or a related field.
  
  

Specialized Knowledge, Skills And Abilities

• Bilingual (English and French) with superior writing, editing, and communication skills in both languages.
• Demonstrated ability to draft impactful, persuasive content for public sector and diplomatic audiences.
• Experience engaging with Quebec and other provincial governments in Canada is strongly preferred.
• Understanding of trade commissioners, diplomatic channels, and international government affairs is an asset.
• Proven relationship builder with excellent political and strategic instincts.
• Able to manage multiple files, timelines, and priorities in a fast-paced environment.
  
  

Working Conditions:

• Hybrid / Office work at Telesat headquarters in Ottawa, ON
• Off-hours work occasionally required
• Occasional travel
  
  

The successful candidate must be able to work in Canada and obtain a Reliability Status Government clearance.