Status: Full time, indefinite
Location: Ottawa, Ontario, or Toronto, Ontario (hybrid)
Closing date: November 4, 2026
Salary range: $70,890 to $86,650 per year
Canada’s Drug Agency (CDA-AMC) is a pan-Canadian health organization. We are an independent, not-for-profit organization with offices in Ottawa and Toronto. Created and funded by Canada’s federal, provincial, and territorial governments, we drive better coordination, alignment, and public value within Canada’s drug, health technology, and health systems landscape. We provide health system leaders in Canada with independent evidence and advice, empowering them to make informed decisions about drugs, health technologies, and broader health system strategies and investments, and we collaborate with national and international partners to enhance our collective impact.
CDA-AMC was named 1 of the National Capital Region’s top employers for the third year in a row. This recognition celebrates our dedication to fostering a positive and inclusive work environment that nurtures growth and innovation. It reaffirms our ongoing efforts to create an outstanding workplace where our employees thrive and feel valued.
Hybrid Work Arrangement
At CDA-AMC, employees participate in a hybrid workspace arrangement that allows for flexibility and enhanced work-life balance. We believe in the positive impact of in-person collaboration and the importance of team building. This position follows a hybrid work schedule with a minimum of 2 days onsite, though this requirement may vary based on business and operational needs.
Primary Focus
We are seeking to fill a current opening on our Executive Office team.
The Public Affairs Officer provides research, monitoring, coordination and content-development support for media relations and public affairs activities. Working under the direction of the Manager, the Officer monitors relevant developments, prepares draft materials using established approaches, coordinates routine media requests and supports the implementation of approved communications plans.
What do the daily responsibilities look like?
On any given day, the Public Affairs Officer will be responsible for:
Public Affairs
- monitor federal, provincial, and territorial government activities; legislative developments; policy initiatives; and other discussions relevant to Canada’s Drug Agency
- conduct environmental scans and analyses of interested parties to identify emerging issues, trends, risks, and opportunities
- monitor developments related to health technology assessment, pharmaceutical policy, drug reimbursement, health system transformation, and related policy issues
- compile research and prepare initial drafts of briefing notes, profiles and background materials for review and approval by the Manager
- support the implementation of approved media and public affairs plans by coordinating activities, maintaining workplans and preparing draft materials
- maintain awareness of priority health, political, and policy developments in jurisdictions across Canada
Media Relations
- receive and coordinate media inquiries, gather relevant information and route requests to the Manager or designated spokesperson for direction and response
- draft media releases, key messages, holding statements, Question and Answer documents, and background materials
- monitor traditional, digital and social media coverage, prepare routine summaries and flag potentially significant items for management review
- maintain media tracking systems and support reporting on media trends, opportunities, and outcomes
- research potential media opportunities and prepare supporting information for the Manager’s consideration
- coordinate spokesperson preparation and compile approved key messages, questions and answers, and background materials
- support the development of speaking materials for the executive team
- develop social media content to support the corporate communications strategy, aligned with public affairs and media relations efforts.
Is this the right role for you?
The Public Affairs Officer will likely have:
- completion of postsecondary education from a recognized academic institution in communications, journalism, public or media relations, or a related field is required; equivalent education and experience may be considered
- minimum of 3 years of experience in communications, public affairs, media relations, journalism or a related field
- outstanding written, oral, and presentation skills, with demonstrated experience developing media materials, executive briefing documents, and story-driven content
- experience supporting media relations activities and familiarity with the Canadian media environment
- comfort working with artificial intelligence (AI)–enabled tools and emerging technologies to support research, monitoring, planning, and content development
- knowledge of Canadian government, public policy, and political environments
- working knowledge of The Canadian Press Stylebook
- ability to synthesize complex issues into clear and concise communications products
- strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously
- high degree of discretion, professionalism, and judgment.
What will set you apart?
The following qualifications may help you stand out:
- experience in health care, health policy, public affairs, government relations, or related sectors
- familiarity with Canada’s pharmaceutical, reimbursement, health technology assessment, or broader health system environments
- fluency in French.
What’s in it for you?
At CDA-AMC, you will find:
- a team-focused, supportive, and inclusive work environment
- a competitive compensation package, including participation in a defined benefit pension plan with the Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan (HOOPP)
- a comprehensive benefits package for employees and dependents, including health, dental, life, and travel insurance; spending accounts to meet your health care and individual wellness needs; and an employee assistance program
- generous paid time off (including a minimum of 4 weeks of vacation, paid sick leave and life leave, a December holiday closure, your birthday as a paid day off, and other leave options)
- flexible hours and a hybrid work model that promotes work-life balance
- opportunities to work with and learn from highly specialized professionals
- personal growth through professional development opportunities, corporate training, and support for continuing education
- a friendly culture in which community engagement is supported and people’s efforts and important milestones are recognized
- the opportunity to make a difference for people living in Canada and effect positive change.
To apply for this position, visit the Careers section of our website. Your application must clearly identify how your skills and experience relate to the requirements of this role. You can also share a portfolio or work samples to showcase your skills and experience to give us a clearer understanding of what you can do. Applications for this opportunity may be used for future staffing vacancies. We thank you for your interest; however, only those candidates selected for further consideration will be contacted.
Hiring Process
Our hiring process is designed to help us get to know you, and for you to get to know us. It includes introductory calls, a panel interview, and opportunities to showcase your skills. You’ll also have time to ask questions and explore how you can contribute to the team and organization.
All applications are reviewed by our talent acquisition professionals at CDA-AMC, with hiring decisions made collaboratively with hiring managers. We use an HR system to receive and process applications, along with automated screening questions and sorting tools to support the initial review. Artificial intelligence (AI) features may also be used to assist with interview preparation and candidate assessment. These tools are designed to support our team and do not replace human judgment. If you have any questions about how your data are used, please reach out to us at [email protected].
At CDA-AMC, our employees share a passion for building the future of the health systems in Canada. We recognize that our employees bring diverse strengths, experiences, and backgrounds. One of our collective strengths is our culture and our commitment to creating a positive and inclusive workplace culture.
CDA-AMC is committed to inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility. We highly encourage all qualified applicants to apply, including Indigenous people, people of all places of origin and religions, people with disabilities, people who are neurodivergent, people who are racialized, women, and people from 2SLGBTQ+ communities.
We provide accommodations during all phases of the recruitment process. If you require any accommodations, please let the Talent Acquisition team know when they contact you. We will work with you to meet your needs.
Please note that, as a condition of employment, successful candidates will be required to complete a confidential pre-employment background check, including criminal, employment, and education verifications.
Candidates must be legally eligible to work in Canada.
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