Communications & Public Affairs Specialist

About the Role

The Communications & Public Affairs Specialist position, based in Toronto, reports to the Senior Director of Communications & Public Affairs at the Canadian Beverage Association (CBA). CBA is the leading authority for Canada's non-alcoholic beverage industry, supporting members and related sectors to innovate, grow, and operate sustainably within the country. The association champions sustainability initiatives and advocates for responsible public policies to foster a thriving beverage sector.

Primary Duties

• Create, develop, and publish accessible marketing and communication materials in both English and French, including social media content, videos, and blogs.
• Coordinate with design consultants to maintain and improve the CBA website, brand assets, and member portal.
• Oversee the association's communications and events calendar.
• Implement communication campaigns, manage associated budgets, and contribute to strategic communications planning to achieve organizational goals.
• Monitor media channels—both social and traditional—on key industry topics; deliver daily media monitoring updates to members.
• Organize and manage strategic in-person and virtual events such as webinars, roundtables, and advocacy days.
• Lead preparation and distribution of member newsletters and internal memorandum in a timely manner.
• Keep accurate committee agendas and minutes, promoting ongoing enhancements to committee operations.
• Assist in preparing briefing notes, key messaging, and summaries of policy issues and association stances.
• Track government relations meeting requests and provide necessary support for follow-ups.
• Support the Senior Director in drafting and releasing important strategic documents, press releases, and official statements.

Qualifications & Experience

• Minimum five years’ experience in public affairs, journalism, communications, PR, media relations, content strategy, or related fields.
• Strong integrity and alignment with CBA values.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to tailor messages for diverse audiences.
• Proven capacity to cultivate and sustain relationships with stakeholders including government officials, industry leaders, media, and influencers.
• Strategic thinker capable of anticipating risks and managing organizational reputation and advocacy challenges.
• Experience in event management is advantageous.
• Background in political or agency settings is a plus.

Education

• Undergraduate degree or postgraduate certification/degree in communications, business, journalism, political science, or a related discipline.
• Bilingual proficiency (English and French) is highly preferred.
• Must have legal authorization to work in Canada.

Personal Attributes

• Highly motivated self-starter with a strong work ethic, well-organized, results-driven and capable of working independently.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities effectively within fast-paced, deadline-driven environments.
• Adaptable and flexible, thriving in collaborative settings with dynamic priorities.

Additional Information

The role involves primarily hybrid work arrangements, with an expectation to work onsite one day per week in Toronto. The employer promotes an inclusive, equitable hiring process compliant with relevant human rights codes and accessibility acts. Accommodations are available throughout the recruitment process upon request.

CBA offers competitive salaries and a comprehensive benefits package.