Lead, Strategic Communications

The Strategic Partnerships Division plays a key role in the engagement of partners in Canada’s health system and broader cancer community who are critical to implementing practice and policy changes that deliver on the priorities of the 2019-2029 Canadian Strategy for Cancer Control. The division works with the Partnership’s program teams and system partners to develop work plans, monitor progress, and regularly assess new and evolving work to ensure it aligns with the eight priorities of the Strategy. The Strategic Partnership leads communications activities to support and profile the collaborations that drive towards the outcomes of the Strategy. The division also oversees a special agenda of working alongside First Nations, Inuit and Métis to advance People-specific priorities and actions, outlined in the Strategy, by co-developing and implementing solutions to improving cancer care for those in these communities.
Overview of roleThe Lead, Strategic Communications supports the Strategic Partnerships Division in carrying out communications projects and initiatives to achieve organizational priorities. Reporting to the Manager, Strategic Communications, the incumbent serves as a strategic communications partner to internal clients, providing communications counsel, planning and execution in support of organizational priorities. The role has responsibility for internal communications, Board communications, and communications related to diversity, equity, inclusion and health equity. The incumbent also leads internal content strategy and supports key employee communications channels and engagement activities, working collaboratively across the Communications team and with colleagues throughout the Partnership.
Core responsibilities and activities
Serves as a key strategic communications partner to internal clients, working with program and corporate teams to understand objectives, identify communications needs and develop effective communications approaches as well as strengthen organizational storytelling and employee engagement by connecting internal communications to the Partnership’s broader narrative, priorities and impact.
Develops and implements strategic communications plans for assigned organizational priorities and portfolios, providing advice on audiences, messaging, content, channels, timing and communications risks and opportunities.
Leads the Partnership’s internal communications strategy, planning and delivery, working with leaders and colleagues across the organization to ensure employees receive timely, relevant and engaging information about organizational priorities, decisions and activities.
Develops and maintains an integrated internal communications content strategy and editorial approach, identifying opportunities to strengthen employee understanding, connection and engagement across internal communications channels.
Leads the strategic use of the Partnership’s internal communications channels and forums, including Central Perk, CaféChats and CPAC Connects, ensuring content and programming are coordinated, audience-informed and aligned with organizational priorities.
Leads content strategy, planning and publishing for Central Perk, including identifying and developing content, coordinating contributions from across the organization and ensuring information is current, relevant and engaging.
Leads communications and content planning for CaféChats and supports CPAC Connects, including agenda and program development, organizational storytelling, leadership and employee communications, presenter support and related materials.
Provides strategic communications support for Board-related communications, working with senior leaders and colleagues to maintain a clear and appropriate flow of information between staff and the Partnership’s Board of Directors. Develops materials that help staff understand relevant Board discussions, decisions and priorities, while ensuring messaging is clear, consistent and aligned with organizational priorities.
Provides strategic communications counsel and support for organizational diversity, equity and inclusion and health equity priorities, working collaboratively with internal partners to ensure communications are thoughtful, accessible and aligned with the Partnership’s commitments and approach.
Researches, writes and edits communications materials for internal and external audiences, including leadership communications, presentations, speaking notes, key messages, articles, announcements and other communications products.
Works closely with senior leaders and subject matter experts to translate complex organizational information into clear, accessible and engaging communications for intended audiences.
Works collaboratively across the Communications team to ensure internal, external and digital communications are coordinated and mutually reinforcing.
Uses employee feedback, channel performance and other available insights to evaluate internal communications and identify opportunities for continuous improvement.
Maintains an understanding of emerging communications practices and identifies opportunities to strengthen the Partnership’s communications approaches, channels and employee engagement.
General accountabilities
Plays a key role within the Communications team, contributing to integrated communications planning and delivery across the organization.
Develops and maintains strong relationships with internal clients, providing responsive, strategic and solutions-oriented communications counsel.
Works collaboratively with Communications colleagues and internal partners to ensure communications activities are coordinated, consistent and aligned with organizational priorities.
Supports the Manager, Strategic Communications in the development and implementation of Communications team plans and priorities.
Assists the Manager, Strategic Communications, Director, Communications and Vice President, Strategic Partnerships as required.
The Partnership’s core competencies are a key element to reviewing performance. While the duties and responsibilities of a position tell you the “what,” the competencies tell you the “how.” We have developed universal competencies which we expect to be exhibited by all employees regardless of level or position.
Inclusion
- Contributes to a work environment where all people feel safe, have a sense of belonging, feel valued for their differences, and are empowered to participate and contribute freely.
Collaboration and Teamwork
- Works well with others both internally and externally to achieve individual goals, team goals, and/or organizational goals. Understands that a combined effort leads to greater results than those achieved by individuals.
Organizational Awareness
- Contributes by aligning actions with the organization’s goals, core functions, needs, and values. Understands how the organization functions internally and externally in the broader system.
Design-Thinking
- Designs solutions with the end user in mind. Clearly defines problems to address the real needs. Adopts an iterative approach to designing solutions, integrating ideas or feedback generated at various stages.
Experience and Qualifications
Post-secondary education in communications, journalism, public relations or a related discipline, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience
Minimum of five years of progressively responsible communications experience, including experience developing and implementing strategic communications plans and delivering internal communications initiatives. Experience in the non-profit or healthcare sector is an asset.
Demonstrated ability to advise internal clients and senior leaders on communications approaches, audiences, messaging, channels and timing, and to build alignment across teams.
Experience developing editorial calendars, coordinating contributions and managing content across intranets, employee newsletters and other internal communications channels.
Experience developing leadership communications, presentations, speaking notes and key messages, with sound judgment in handling sensitive or confidential organizational information.
Demonstrated ability to apply plain-language, accessibility and inclusive communications principles, and to work with subject matter experts on sensitive or complex topics.
Experience planning and supporting staff engagement events (both in-person and virtual).
Strong experience with intranet publishing, collaboration platforms and virtual event tools.
Strong writing skills, with experience developing staff-facing content considered an asset.
Strong project management and organizational skills, with the ability to manage concurrent priorities, coordinate contributors and approvals, and deliver high-quality work within deadlines.
Proficient in Microsoft 365 (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, SharePoint, Teams, Viva Engage, OneDrive).
Solid knowledge of social media platforms, such as LinkedIn, Facebook, X and others.
Education or experience with First Nations, Inuit and Métis priorities and contexts is an asset.
Bilingual in English and French is an asset.
The Canadian Partnership Against Cancer thanks all applicants;
however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. If contacted for an interview, please inform us should accommodation be required.
The Canadian Partnership Against Cancer is committed to diversity, equity, inclusion and Reconciliation. Qualified applicants from equity deserving groups are encouraged to apply.
Our hiring process may involve the use of AI-assisted tools throughout the recruitment process (screening, assessment and selection). Final hiring decisions are made by management after full consideration of each candidate’s application.
Reports to:
Manager, Strategic Communications
Location:
Hybrid. The Partnership’s head office is in downtown Toronto. Candidates can work anywhere in Canada.
Employment category:
Permanent
Job level:
Level 6 salary range: $80,624 - $109,080 per year;
Compensation offered will be based on an assessment of the candidate’s knowledge, skills, competencies, and experience, while ensuring internal equity.
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