Manager, Communications

Who we are?

The pan-Canadian Pharmaceutical Alliance (pCPA) brings together provincial, territorial, and federal governments for the purpose of increasing and managing access to clinically relevant and cost-effective medicines. Through collective negotiations, the pCPA has realized overall savings (as of April 1, 2025) for governments of $3.94 billion annually for brand name drugs and $935 million annually for generic drugs totaling $4.87 billion annually. The pCPA offers a 100% remote (within Canada) work environment.

About the role

Reporting to the Director, Communications, the Manager, Communications provides support to meet the organization’s core business goals and priorities in alignment with the pCPA’s strategic priorities.

As the division expands its service offerings and plays a more strategic and proactive role within the organization, the Manager, Communications will oversee a growing complement of service offerings and staff members, ensuring we have the right resources and structures to deliver on the organization’s ambitious goals.

The Manager, Communications leads the pCPA’s communications projects and day-to-day activities (web copy, social media content, news releases, media kits, briefing notes, key messages, talking points, presentations, etc.). They work closely with both internal and external partners, and they provide expert communications advice to the organization’s divisions and leadership team. They are responsible for the development, implementation, maintenance and optimization of internal processes and systems to ensure efficient and timely services. Together with the Director, Communications, they also lead brand identity and reputation management activities, as well as issues management efforts.

The Manager, Communications oversees a team of communications professionals. They establish priorities and work plans for their direct reports to ensure the pCPA remains responsive, proactive, current, timely and efficient. They also manage relationships with various vendors.

Specific deliverables and authorities

Communications activities

• Oversees the pCPA’s internal and external communications activities, including the development, execution and evaluation of communications plans (web copy, social media content, news releases, media kits, briefing notes, key messages, talking points, etc.)
• Works and liaises with various partners cross Canada, including internal and external groups, to provide advice and information on projects and inputs to joint communications projects.
• Identifies, analyzes, and monitors partner, public and media attitudes to provide insights and advice on various programs and initiatives.
• Assists the Director, Communications, with the development and implementation of special projects.
• Leads or oversees the development of speeches and assists with public appearances.
• Oversees the development and maintenance of communications tools.

Issues management activities

• Oversees the pCPA’s media monitoring activities.
• Anticipates and identifies emerging issues and trends with potential implications for the organization.
• Proactively and reactively leads and oversees the development, execution and evaluation of issues management and risk mitigation strategies.
• Leads or supports media relations activities.
• Develop and maintain proactive and reactive relationships with Canadian media, leveraging a strong understanding of the Canadian media landscape.

Program support

• In collaboration with other members of the leadership and management team, identifies project parameters and product planning, including resources required.
• Oversees the work of direct reports as they participate in cross-functional project teams.
• Works and liaises with various partners across Canada, including internal and external groups, to provide advice and information on projects and inputs to joint communications efforts.

Team management

• Set clear performance expectations, monitor progress, provide constructive feedback, and address performance concerns in a timely and consistent manner.
• Coach and support employee development through career growth discussions, learning opportunities, and capability-building initiatives.
• Prioritize, plan, and allocate workload across direct reports to ensure alignment with organizational objectives and individual capacity.
• Foster a positive, inclusive, and engaging team culture that encourages collaboration and high levels of employee engagement.

Accountability

• Accountable to the Director, Communications.

Qualifications

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, public relations, political science, journalism, marketing, or related field.
• 10+ years of experience developing and implementing communications and engagement activities.
• 3-5 years of experience managing a team.
• Demonstrated experience in copyediting and proofreading; knowledge of industry standards, including the Canadian press (CP) style.
• Demonstrated experience publishing publicly available communications, including press and media releases, speeches, presentations, and similar documents.

Skills and Abilities

• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills in English and French (mandatory).
• Demonstrated proficiency in delivering presentations to internal and external partners.
• Proficiency with Office 365 (including Teams, SharePoint, Word, etc.).
• Familiarity with social media platform and management software (asset).
• Proficiency with Adobe Creative Cloud (including InDesign, Illustrator and Photoshop) (asset).
• Proficiency with email marketing and survey software (asset).
• Experience working in the health sector, government, or regulatory membership-based organization (asset).
• Strong understanding of the Canadian pharmaceutical industry and government processes (asset).
• Exceptional partner engagement abilities committed to building an effective and dynamic organizational culture.
• Ability to build and nurture effective working relationships.
• Proven problem-solving abilities, adaptable and exercises astute judgment.
• Strong business and digital acumen.

Employment terms  

• The salary range for this full-time permanent position is $117,689 to $164,201. This range reflects the salary for candidates with varying experience levels, job knowledge, and qualifications relevant to the position. Specific offers will be based on individual backgrounds and qualifications.
• The work hours for this position is 36.25 hours per week.
• The pCPA provides employees with a comprehensive group benefits package from the first day of employment. 
• The ideal candidate must be legally eligible to work in Canada and can work from any location within Canada.
• This position requires frequent travel in different provinces and territories, including periodic multi-day, overnight trips.

If you are interested in this position, please submit your application by the end Wednesday, June 17, 2026.

We thank all those who apply; however, only those chosen for further consideration will be contacted.   

The pCPA is an equal-opportunity employer. In accordance with the Accessible Canada Act, 2019, and all applicable provincial accessibility standards, the pCPA will provide accommodation for applicants with disabilities upon request throughout the recruitment, sele ction, and/or assessment process.