FinDev Canada is entering a defining period in its evolution following the Government of Canada's renewed international climate finance commitment, taking on a larger mandate, managing a growing portfolio of investments, and increasing engagement with governments, investors, businesses and international institutions. It is seeking a Principal, Strategic Communications to lead its executive visibility and strategic engagement agenda, ensuring its 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, permanent role based in Montreal (hybrid, currently three in-office days per week). Salary (Grade 19): $112,006 - $149,341 annually plus a performance-based incentive.
Responsibilities:
- Lead executive visibility, thought leadership and strategic engagement: serve as lead architect of visibility strategies for the CEO and senior leadership team; position FinDev Canada as a trusted voice in climate finance, development finance, impact investing and international development; oversee participation at major global convenings, securing speaking opportunities, coordinating executive engagement programs and bilateral meetings, and guiding strategic briefing materials; build relationships with conference organizers, industry associations, media and event producers.
- Lead domestic and international media relations strategy: develop and execute proactive media strategies; build relationships with Canadian French- and English-language and international journalists; act as lead advisor on French-language media relations within Quebec; oversee key messages, press releases, briefing notes, backgrounders and opinion pieces.
- Serve as senior communications advisor: contribute to a high-performing external affairs function, work across communications, government affairs and external engagement, advise executives on media positioning and message development, and anticipate emerging issues and reputational risks.
Requirements:
- 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 forums in climate finance, development finance, impact investing, public policy or international development.
- Strong relationships with Canadian French- and English-language media and experience 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.
- Exceptional project management and coordination skills.
- Bilingual in French and English.
Assets: experience in development finance, impact investing or emerging market investing; relationships with Canadian and international media; experience supporting executives at forums such as COP, Climate Week NYC, World Bank and IMF events, G7/G20 forums; familiarity with the Government of Canada ecosystem.
Application deadline: November 9, 2026
HOW TO APPLY:
Apply online via the FinDev Canada Workable portal: https://apply.workable.com/findevcanada/j/3F0380039D/apply/. Applications must be received by November 9, 2026. Preference will be given to candidates able to work legally in Canada (Canadian citizens or permanent residents) and who meet government security screening requirements.