Manager, Communications

Canadian-Cancer-Society; Halifax; Hybrid; CAD 65,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Parental leave

Family sick time

Competitive salary

Job summary

The Canadian Cancer Society is seeking a Mission Communications Manager to lead strategic communications, advocacy and public relations across multiple regions. You will develop plans, manage teams and collaborate with stakeholders to advance CCS’s mission in cancer care.

Ideal candidates bring 5+ years in communications, strong writing/editing, and experience with media relations and policy advocacy. Hybrid work is offered with competitive benefits.

Qualifications

• Post-secondary degree in communications, public relations, journalism or related field with 5+ years of experience.
• Experience in managing communications and PR strategies, including media relations.
• Excellent synthesis and writing skills for diverse audiences and channels.
• Strong editing and attention to detail; can handle deadlines under pressure.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications; familiarity with AI tools is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Develop communications plans and tools to drive awareness, engagement and revenue.
• Increase exposure of CCS impact in advocacy, health policy, prevention and support services.
• Write, edit and deploy news releases, Q&As, pitches, speeches and presentations.
• Lead a high-performing mission communications team and foster a collaborative culture.
• Coordinate with stakeholders to align nationwide mission plans with communications efforts.
• Monitor issues and adjust strategies based on data and insights.
• Champion plain-language, audience-centric content that connects emotionally and intellectually.
• Provide ad-hoc support for Research Communications as needed.

Skills

Writing skills

Editing skills

Independent judgment

Oral communication

Project management

Content strategy

Audience engagement

Microsoft Office

Media relations

Bilingual (FR/EN)

Education

Communications/PR/Journalism degree

Tools

Meltwater

Cision

Copilot AI

Job description

Salary Range: $65,000.00 To $75,000.00 Annually

Job Title:Manager, Communications

Vacancies:This posting is for (1) current vacancy

Location:Toronto, ON | Vancouver, BC | Ottawa, ON | Calgary, AB | Halifax, NS | St John's, NL | Kelowna, BC| Prince George, BC | Montreal, QC | Québec, QC (Detailed office location information can be found by visiting this link: https://cancer.ca/en/contact-us)

Work Model: Hybrid Work

Salary Band: 6 ($65,000 - $75,000 CAD)

HELP SHAPE THE FUTURE OF CANCER CARE IN CANADA

The Canadian Cancer Society works tirelessly to save lives, improve lives and drive collective action against cancer. Together with patients, volunteers, donors and communities across the country, we raise funds to invest in transformative cancer research, we provide a caring support system for everyone affected by cancer and we advocate to governments to create a healthier future for all. It takes a society to take on cancer – and the Canadian Cancer Society is leading the way

MAKING AN IMPACT
As a member of the Communications team at the Canadian Cancer Society (CCS), the Mission Communications Manager is primarily responsible for developing communications strategies, plans and tools to advance awareness of CCS’s mission to external audiences. Reporting to the Senior Communications Manager, the role helps to shape communications activities to support CCS’s mission work, specifically advocacy, health policy, prevention, cancer information and support services. This includes but is not limited to writing and content development, project management and media relations.

This role is ideal for a results-driven communicator with strong organizational and project management skills, who has an understanding of the Canadian media landscape and communications fundamentals.

WHAT YOU’LL BE DOING:

• Develop communications plans and tools aligned with overall mission and organizational priorities to drive awareness, engagement and revenue.
• With the support of the Senior Communications Manager, develop strategies to increase exposure of CCS’s impact in advocacy, health policy, prevention, cancer information and support services.
• Working with the Communications Specialist and Advocacy Communications Specialist, write, edit and deploy a variety of engaging communications materials such as news releases, key messages, Q&As, pitch notes, speeches, presentations and more.
• Manage and develop a high-performing mission communications team, fostering a positive, collaborative and inclusive workplace culture.
• Identify opportunities to embed CCS’s leadership in advocacy, prevention and support across communications activities, emphasizing outcomes and innovations.
• Strengthen familiarity, relevance and trust in CCS, unifying mission need and donor impact throughcohesive narratives
• Cultivate relationships with key internal and external stakeholders to coordinate communications efforts to support implementation of nationwide mission plans.
• Identify and respond to emerging issues related to advocacy, health policy, prevention or cancer information and support services portfolios, providing counsel and pursuing proactive opportunities to elevate CCS’s voice.
• Assess communications performance by monitoring progress, achievements and gaps, and adjusting strategies based on data and insights.
• Champion audience-centric, plain-language content that connects emotionally and intellectually to drive engagement
• Provide ad-hoc support for Research Communications team as needed.
• Foster a high-performance culture that leverages the unique talents and strengths of each member while encouraging their growth and development.
• Champion CCS as a hero in the face of cancer.
• Contribute to our culture of diversity, inclusion, belonging and equity (DIBE) by ensuring that all staff feel represented, valued, and heard across all aspects of their identity, including gender, age, religion, ethnicity, nationality, race, and sexuality.
• Other duties as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Post-secondary degree or diploma in communications, public relations, journalism or related field and 5+ years of experience in communications, or an equivalent combination of education and experience
• Experience in managing communications and public relations strategies and tactics, including working with media
• Excellent synthesis and writing skills and ability to communicate complex topics and strategic initiatives for a variety of audiences and channels
• Strong editing skills and attention to detail
• Ability to exercise independent judgment and initiative where required, while working under pressure with often changing deadlines
• Demonstrated ability to problem solve, think outside the box and find creative solutions
• Excellent oral communication skills and ability to interact with diplomacy and tact with colleagues, the general public, media, government and healthcare stakeholders
• Superb organizational, project and time management, problem-solving and analytical skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Outlook/Word/Excel/PowerPoint)
• Experience with AI technologies (Copilot) an asset
• Experience with media monitoring (Meltwater and Cision), reporting and analysis is an asset
• Good understanding and knowledge of the spectrum of cancer control, healthcare and not-for-profit sectors is an asset
• Experience in advocacy or government relations is an asset
• Bilingualism (French/English) is highly preferred, with French being an asset due to the organization’s nationwide operations and the need for effective communication across various regions.
• Others may apply

*For roles based in Quebec, French is required. Knowledge of another language may be required depending on job responsibilities and business needs.

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT FROM US:

CCS provides impactful opportunities to transform the lives of Canadians affected by cancer. We are devoted to creating an inclusive workplace that celebrates diverse experiences and skills, encouraging all qualified candidates to join us. Our inspiring culture is rooted in our core values and commitment to meaningful change:

COURAGEOUS UNITED CARING RIGOROUS

We offer a competitive salary, excellent benefits, including paid parental leave, family sick time, and health insurance—and a fulfilling work environment where your efforts make a meaningful impact daily.

COME AS YOU ARE

At CCS, we celebrate individuality and the strength of diversity. We are committed to fostering an inclusive and equitable workplace that empowers everyone. We encourage applications from all qualified candidates, including those from equity-deserving groups such as BIPOC, 2SLGBTQI+ communities, individuals with disabilities, veterans, and others who contribute to the richness of our organization. Together, we unite Canadians to shape the future of cancer care.

HOW TO APPLY:

We thank all candidates for their interest and advise that only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

OTHER INFORMATION:

CCS is dedicated to employment equity and encourages applications from all qualified candidates. In accordance with the local provincial Accessibility Act, accommodation will be provided as requested throughout the recruitment process. We want to make the interview process a great experience for you!

Please note that in keeping with the mandate of CCS to model and promote healthy lifestyles, employees are not permitted to smoke in or about CCS premises or while carrying out CCS business.

Privacy Disclosure

We collect your personal information through forms, by phone or in person to evaluate your candidacy for the role(s) you have applied for, to contact you regarding your candidacy, and to generate anonymized recruitment-related reports. If selected for a position at CCS the information provided will be used for the purposes of pre-employment checks and added to your employee file. We may share your personal information with third parties, including recruitment consultants, within or outside your province or territory or outside Canada to carry out the purposes identified above, or as required by law. We may contact you by mail, email, phone or text. You can exercise your right to access your information or have it corrected, unsubscribe from communications or withdraw your consent by selecting these options within the ADP system, or by contacting [e-mail]. For more information about our privacy practices, visit cancer.ca/privacy.

AI Disclosure

We are committed to transparency and, the responsible use of technology in our hiring process. Artificial intelligence (AI) tools may be used to assist with certain administrative or screening tasks; however, all hiring decisions are made by people. We review and approve AI-assisted outputs to ensure fairness, accuracy, and alignment with our values. For more information about our privacy practices, visit cancer.ca/privacy .