Principal, Strategic Communications

Application deadline: November 9, 2026

Are you ready to advance your career while helping drive positive change in emerging markets?

We are seeking a Principal, Strategic Communications.

FinDev Canada is entering a defining period in its evolution. Following the Government of Canada's renewed international climate finance commitment, the organization is taking on a larger mandate, managing a growing portfolio of investments, and increasing its engagement with governments, investors, businesses, and international institutions. As our profile grows, so too does the opportunity to shape important conversations about climate finance, development finance, private capital mobilization, and Canada's role in the world.

We are seeking a Principal, Strategic Communications to lead FinDev Canada's executive visibility and strategic engagement agenda, ensuring our leaders, experts, and ideas are represented in the forums, events, conversations, and media that shape development finance and sustainable investment globally.

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.

Why You’ll Love Working Here

• Impactful Work: We are driven by our mandate to promote sustainable and inclusive growth in emerging markets and developing economies. Every role contributes to creating a positive, lasting impact - for our clients, the markets we serve, and communities around the world.

• Inspiring Colleagues: Join a diverse and talented team from around the world that brings a wealth of experience, knowledge, and passion to everything we do. We believe strong results come from strong partnerships - working together, sharing perspectives, and building trust to achieve shared goals.

• Our Core Values: Our culture is anchored in Collaboration, Agility, Impact, and Respect. We work together across diverse teams, embrace change and innovation, and stay focused on creating meaningful, sustainable impact - while treating one another with integrity, empathy, and respect.

• Perks and Benefits: Our Total Rewards offering goes beyond a paycheck. We provide a comprehensive package designed to meet the diverse needs and life stages of our employees.

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

Eligibility:

FinDev Canada is committed to Fair Employment Practices and preference will be given to a candidate who is able to work legally in Canada at the time of application (Canadian Citizens or Permanent Residents). Candidates must meet the requisite government security screening requirements. The position is open to those who meet all of the essential requirements stated above and whose applications are received by the closing date.

Your application must clearly demonstrate how you meet all the requirements. We thank all applicants' interest in a career at FinDev Canada; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. Please note that qualified candidates may be considered for similar roles at this level within FinDev Canada.

FinDev Canada’s Commitment to Employment Equity

FinDev Canada is dedicated to fostering employment equity and building a diverse workforce. We are committed to creating a safe and inclusive environment that respects people from all cultures, backgrounds, and abilities. At FinDev Canada, we nurture a culture of inclusion and belonging where everyone has equal opportunity to grow, develop, succeed, and be their truest selves.

We actively encourage applications from women, Indigenous peoples, visible minorities, persons with disabilities, and members of the 2SLGBTQI+ community.

FinDev Canada recognizes that disclosing the need for accommodations can be a personal matter. Please know that as an organization, we are committed to maintain confidentiality and ensure that any accommodation provided is tailored to support your needs. Our aim is to ensure you have a comfortable and positive experience throughout the recruitment process, so please do not hesitate to contact us directly for any accommodation requests at [email protected]. We are here to support you every step of the way.

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