Strategist/Senior Strategist

WHO WE ARE

Point Blank is the impact agency for Canada’s progressive movement. Proudly values-first, purpose-driven, women-led and unionized, we partner exclusively with movement partners: unions, political parties and candidates, not-for-profits, charities, and public sector allies who are hellbent on being on the right left side of history. We’re built for outcomes, not outputs, integrating research, strategy, creative, paid media, and organizing under one roof. The result? Campaigns that hit hard and incite impact where it counts: in the real world. Unconventional, unapologetic, and sometimes a little unhinged, we’re here to make noise, make change—and make damn sure your campaign can’t be ignored.

We work and live on the unceded territory of the Algonquin Anishinaabe and Coast Salish peoples, as well as the Coast Salish territory of the Lək̓ʷəŋən (Lekwungen)/Songhees, Esquimalt, WSÁNEĆ Nations, including the territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Stó:lō, səl̓ílwətaʔɬ (Tsleil-Waututh), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) Nations; in Treaty 6 territory, the traditional meeting ground and home for many Indigenous peoples, including Plains and Woodland Cree, Assiniboine, Saulteaux, Niitsitapi (Blackfoot), Métis, and Nakota Sioux peoples; in Treaty 13, the traditional territory of many nations including the Mississaugas of the Credit, the Anishinabewaki ᐊᓂᔑᓈᐯᐗᑭ, the Chippewa, the Haudenosaunee and Huron-Wendat peoples, this land is also home to many diverse Indigenous, Inuit and Métis peoples.

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Strategist is responsible for developing the strategy for major campaigns and projects, including election campaigns, national and provincial projects with key clients, and our rapid-response work on pressing issues. They provide overall direction and strategic advice, lead research efforts, craft impactful campaign plans and support the development of deliverables for innovative and successful campaigns, as well as providing strategic input for proposals and sales opportunities. As a senior member of our Strategy team within the overall Strategy department, the ideal candidate has strong existing relationships and experience working on labour and political campaigns in Ontario. 

REPORTING

This position is part of Point Blank’s Strategy Team, and reports to the Senior Director of Strategy. This role is to fill an existing vacancy. 

LOCATION

Point Blank is a remote-first work place, with offices in Toronto and Vancouver. For this role, we are looking for someone based in Toronto or Ottawa. 

EQUITY

Point Blank is committed to equitable hiring, development, and promotion with recognition that equity-deserving candidates continue to face systemic barriers to employment. We see immense value in hiring, training and promoting professionals from a wide variety of experiences and backgrounds. Point Blank does not have a minimum requirement for education or training, as the entry requirements and barriers to education are historically discriminatory. We particularly encourage candidates from equity-deserving and under-represented backgrounds to apply. Point Blank does not use AI to review applications; every application is reviewed by a human to ensure that we attain a consistent and equitable hiring process. 

WHAT YOU DO 

• Play the role of Strategist for our clients’ major campaigns and/or election campaigns including leading discovery, research, and strategic planning. This work includes:
  • Facilitating discovery meetings or workshops and leading our clients through the duration of the engagement as their go-to strategic advisor.
  • Leading research, including leading key informant interviews and working with research partners to conduct message testing, formal polling, or focus groups.
  • Developing audience profiles and creative insights to brief and guide creative development and production.
  • Leading strategic communications planning and developing in depth strategic communications plans.
  • Leading overall strategy & developing campaign, paid media, and organizing plans in consultation with internal and external subject matter experts.
  • Leading internal project team members from a strategic standpoint including engaging and motivating the broader project team, keeping them aligned to the goals of the project, and providing strategic input and oversight on all project deliverables.
  • Reporting on campaign outcomes.
• Facilitate workshops, give presentations, and deliver training for clients.
• Contribute to winning new business for Point Blank, including leveraging relationships to cultivate leads, providing strategic input for proposals or sales opportunities, and participating in pitching to clients.
• Provide thought leadership and build relationships to develop your reputation as a trusted strategist and Point Blank’s reputation as Canada’s go-to political strategy and campaigns agency in the progressive sphere.
• Support and mentor other Strategy team members, as needed
• And more.

WHO YOU ARE

• A savvy leader, campaigner, organizer, or movement builder with 3-5+ years of relevant experience. 
• Have held a related role in an agency or political, labour, non-profit, NGO or progressive organization; or have related experience in organizing, movement building, and/or issue-based campaigning; or have comparable experience in an adjacent sector paired with strong knowledge of the progressive political landscape. 
• Familiar with the latest campaign tactics and technology, including but not limited to tools to drive impact for acquisition campaigns, advocacy campaigns, email programs, fundraising programs, awareness and persuasion campaigns, digital organizing, member engagement, GOTV, and more.
• Have a keen interest in helping to grow our work in existing and new practice areas.
• Able to work non-standard hours and travel as needed to complete the required responsibilities.

SKILLS & EXPERIENCE

Required:

• Minimum 3-5+ years of experience in a comparable role 
• Experience and relationships within Ontario’s labour and/or political ecosystems
• Direct experience on a municipal, provincial or federal election campaign (or a third-party campaign), as paid staff, volunteer, or candidate
• Positive reputation as a smart and strategic campaigner and relationship builder
• To apply for this role you must be based in Canada and be legally eligible to work in Canada. Candidates must be based in Toronto or Ottawa. 
• This position requires some travel and non-standard work hours and overtime as needed to complete the required responsibilities.

Additional Assets:

• Professional fluency in French or other languages.
• Experience with new campaign technology and organizing tools.
• Familiarity with third-party structures and advertising rules.

WHY WORK WITH US?

• Our entire team is committed to social change. We work with causes and movements we believe in – and we have a great time doing it.
• We offer annual salary growth, as well as paid health leave and an extended benefits package – including a health and dental plan, an additional mental health spending account, and a group RRSP plan.
• Our team has access to an annual professional development budget and training and development opportunities throughout the year.
• We offer flexible, hybrid working arrangements. While some in person work may be required at times, you will be able to work remotely or from our offices as you choose.
• Our staff are proud members of UFCW 1518 and this position is included in the unit.

COMPENSATION

The expected salary range for this role is between $84,192 to $94,670. Compensation will be determined based on skills, experience, and equity amongst our team.

TO APPLY

Step 1: Apply by clicking the “Apply for this job” button. Submit your resume, along with a cover letter outlining why you believe you would be a great fit for this role. Please note that your writing will be assessed as part of this application, and we ask that you do not use AI assistance.

Step 2: Submissions will be reviewed, and top applicants invited for an interview. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Closing Date: Open until filled. Don’t delay your application! We are looking to hire immediately and will be conducting interviews on a rolling basis.

Please note, this position may require in person work at times. The successful candidate must be willing to comply with Point Blank’s Communicable Disease Prevention Policy, which includes a requirement to adhere to any active public health mandates. 

Point Blank is committed to providing accommodations for people with disabilities. If you require an accommodation at any point during this process, please notify [email protected] and we will work with you to jointly address your needs.