Careers

Job Description: Intern (Part-Time), Beacon North Strategies

 

Ottawa-based (remote-first) | Pay competitive hourly rate | 5 to 10 hours per week minimum

 

About Beacon North Strategies

Beacon North Strategies is a Canadian public affairs and government relations firm. We help clients navigate government, communications and advocacy in a fast-moving environment.

 

We’re not a traditional consultancy. We’re building something different: excellent public affairs work delivered with creativity, clarity and care. If you want a part-time role where your work matters, your ideas are welcome, and you’ll learn fast, you’ll fit in here.

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Part of a bigger platform

Beacon North Strategies is led by Founder and CEO Stephanie Mitton and is affiliated with:

• Beacon North Mentorship Academy: expert-led professional development courses

• NextGen: a national professional development event for public affairs and government relations professionals

• WOMENdontDOthat: a global blog and podcast that empowers women to trust their voice, act with courage and lead with confidence

 

Through NextGen and the Beacon North Mentorship Academy, we’ve become a go-to provider for training public affairs professionals in Canada. As an intern, you’ll get that same professional development experience in-house, while working on real files.

 

Position details

• Start date: February or March 2026 (flexible)

• Hours: Part-time, 5 to 10 hours per week minimum (more may be available depending on your schedule and firm needs)

• Duration: Ongoing, with flexibility around academic workload and planned commitments

• Compensation: Pay competitive ourly rate

• Location: Remote-first, with periodic in-person work in Ottawa

• In-person cadence: Typically 1 to 2 times per month, based on project needs

• Reports to: Senior advisor

• Mentorship: Direction and mentorship from Stephanie and senior team members

• Growth potential: Strong performers may have opportunities to take on more responsibility over time

• Scheduling flexibility: If your availability changes during the year (for example, more time in the summer, less time during exams), there may be options to adjust hours for periods of time. If you can only work until the end of the school year, we are still open to connecting.

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What you’ll gain

• Hands-on experience and real skills: Build practical research, writing and briefing skills that position you for a career in public affairs

• A front-row seat to public affairs: See how government relations, strategic communications and advocacy connect in real time

• Mentorship and feedback: Clear direction, real-time feedback and support from a team that cares about quality and growth

• Be part of something being built: A role in a creative, growing startup that does public affairs differently, while still delivering excellence

• NextGen exposure: Opportunities to support and gain exposure to NextGen and other Beacon North initiatives

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Requirements (must-have)

• Based in Ottawa (this role includes periodic in-person work)

• Located in Canada

• Applicants must be legally eligible to work in Canada

• Strong writing skills and excellent attention to detail

• Comfortable working independently and meeting deadlines in a remote setting

• Working knowledge of Canadian politics and the parliamentary system

• Ability to handle confidential information professionally

• Applicants should disclose if they are currently subject to any lobbying bans in Canada

 

Assets

• Bilingualism (French), written and spoken

• Experience in politics, government or Parliament

• Experience with AI tools

• Interest in one or more of the following (from an advocacy or policy perspective): international relations, international development, higher education, science, research and innovation

 

What you’ll do

This is real work, not busywork. Responsibilities may include:

• Research and policy analysis (backgrounders, issue scans, briefing notes, summaries)

• Coordination and administrative support (scheduling support, logistics, basic tracking and follow-up)

• Project support across client files and internal initiatives, working with team members as needed

• Drafting emails, letters and other professional outreach to government and sector stakeholders

• Professional outreach and follow-up as required (persistence and politeness matter)

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You’ll thrive here if you

• Take initiative and ask smart questions

• Deliver clean, accurate work (details matter here)

• Communicate early if something is stuck or unclear

• Can work independently without needing constant direction

• Are comfortable working in a fast-moving environment

 

Tools you may use (training available)

Experience is an asset, but training can be provided: Asana, Canva, Voxer, ChatGPT, Wix, Zoom, Adobe, Calendly, Microsoft 365 Copilot.

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Work environment and expectations

Beacon North Strategies is a high collaboration, high trust environment. You will have access to senior leaders to align on direction, and then you are off to the races to complete your assignments independently, on time, with high quality.

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Our values: Integrity, discretion, trust, empathy, strong ethics and strong relationships. We care about outcomes and we care about people.

 

Secure workspace: Because this role may involve confidential client information, you must have a professional setup for calls and a private workspace where sensitive information will not be overheard or visible to others.

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Practical notes

• Flexible scheduling: work must be completed weekly and by deadlines, but you can choose when you complete it within the week (same variance depending on task)

• We can accommodate exam periods and student study windows with advance notice

• Remote role: you must have your own computer, reliable internet, cell phone and a professional setup for calls

• Business casual is expected if joining client calls

• In-person work requires business attire

• No required travel

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How to apply

Note: We use a short survey in place of a cover letter. It helps us understand your skills and availability quickly and fairly.

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To be considered, please complete all of the following by the deadline listed in the role description:
✅ Complete the provided application
✅ Submit your resume
✅ Submit two pre-existing writing samples (school assignments are acceptable)

 

Please use the form below to upload your resume and writing samples and submit your application. 

 

Privacy note: Information collected through the application process will be used only for recruitment purposes.

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Selection process and timing

Applicants will be contacted in early to mid-March 2026 if we would like to move forward. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an informal Zoom conversation as part of the review process.

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We appreciate your interest and look forward to hearing from you