The Clayton H. Riddell Graduate Program in Political Management at Carleton University is delighted to announce the appointment of the Jeni Armstrong as an instructor for a three-year term, beginning 1 July 2020.
Ms. Armstrong brings to the position more than twenty years of experience in the communications field, most recently as director of communications for Finance Minister Bill Morneau. In that role, she was responsible for developing and executing strategic communications plans that supported the government’s economic agenda – work that drew on her experiencing helping to write the last four federal budgets.
Before joining Morneau’s office, Ms. Armstrong served as lead speechwriter for Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and helped to author the Liberal Party’s election platform in 2015, a role she repeated in 2019. Her work experience also includes many years in the private sector, both as head of her own communications consultancy and as a communications and media specialist for Restaurants Canada, Canada’s national restaurant and foodservice industry association.
“Hiring faculty with extensive, hands-on experience in politics is part of what sets us apart from traditional academic programs,” said Stephen Azzi, director of the Riddell program. “Adding Jeni Armstrong to our teaching team gives our students a chance to learn from and work with an experienced practitioner who knows the communications skills they will need to put into practice on day one. She is the best in the business, and I am delighted she will be joining us.”
The Riddell program offers Canada’s first graduate degree in applied politics. Students study Canadian political institutions, strategic communications, public opinion research, leadership, advocacy, policy, and campaigns. Graduates work for Cabinet ministers, members of Parliament and the provincial legislatures, senators, government relations firms, advocacy organizations, and business associations.
For more information, please contact Stephen Azzi, associate professor and program director, Clayton H. Riddell Graduate Program in Political Management, stephen.azzi@carleton.ca.