National Communications Manager

Medisca Pharmaceuticals Inc.; Canada; Hybrid; CAD 80,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Remote-first (work from home within CA

Health and wellness benefits (Manulife

Professional development budget

RRSP matching and additional benefits

Job summary

Breakthrough T1D is hiring a National Communications Manager to lead content strategy and media relations across Canada. You will oversee editorial plans, coordinate with digital and creative teams, and produce compelling content for diverse audiences.

Ideal candidates have 7+ years in corporate communications, strong editing and storytelling skills, and proficiency with WordPress and Asana. English/French ability is an asset; remote-first, Canada-wide location.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, English or related field plus 7+ years in corporate communications or related field.
• Proven experience developing and executing strategic communications plans for internal and external audiences.
• Strong content development, storytelling, editing, and media relations experience.
• Ability to translate complex information into clear audience-friendly content.
• Experience measuring communications performance and using insights to optimize results.
• Proficiency with WordPress, Asana, and responsible use of AI for content creation.
• Bilingualism (English/French) is an asset.

Responsibilities

• Develops and implements Breakthrough T1D’s overarching content strategy aligned with the Strategic Plan and Communications Strategy.
• Leads the organization-wide editorial planning process, prioritizing stories, messaging, audiences, and cross-functional balance; collaborates with digital and creative peers.
• Produces original, clear content for the T1D community with broad reach, high impact, and strong performance.
• Develops media relations plans to protect and elevate Breakthrough T1D’s reputation and brand awareness.
• Manages day-to-day media relations activities and coordinates with subject matter experts to identify spokespeople and materials.
• Collaborates across the organization to connect communications strategies with fundraising, community engagement, marketing, research, and advocacy.
• Defines, measures and reports KPIs related to communications and media relations.

Skills

Strategic communications

Media relations

Content development

Editing

Storytelling

Project coordination

Bilingualism (EN/FR) asset

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Communications/PR/Journalism/English or related field

Tools

WordPress

Asana

AI for content creation

Job description

We’re excited to share that JDRF Canada is nowBreakthrough T1D.

We’re the same organization, with the same mission and determination to realize a world free from type 1 diabetes (T1D) – just with a new name and look that reflectswhat the T1D community needs now and next.

It’s an exciting time to join Breakthrough T1D as we continue to break barriers to help people better manage the disease and enjoy full, healthy lives. Curing T1D is and always will be our north star and we will not stop until breakthroughs get us to a world free from T1D.

Breakthrough T1D is adding to our Marketing & Communications team and we’re searching for an experienced professional for the new role of National Communications Manager.

If you’re a strategic, resourceful, and collaborative professional who would like to lead the development and execution of communications and media relations strategies across the country, please read on to see if this is the right fit for you.

Here’s what your primary responsibilities would be:

• Develops and implements Breakthrough T1D’s overarching content strategy in alignment with the Strategic Plan and the Communications Strategy.
• Leads the organization-wide editorial planning process, including story priorities, message sequencing, audience relevance, and cross-functional content balance; works with digital and creative peers to translate the editorial plan into channel-specific execution.
• Produces original, clear, compelling and credible content for the T1D community with a focus on optimizing content for broad reach, deep impact, and high performance.
• Develops media relations strategies and plans, to protect and elevate Breakthrough T1D’s reputation and enhance brand awareness.
• Manages day-to-day media relations activities, collaborating with subject matter experts to identify appropriate spokespeople and develop media materials.
• As Breakthrough T1D’s lead communications business partner, collaborates with colleagues across the organization to connect communications strategies to cross-functional priorities, including fundraising, community engagement, marketing, research, and advocacy.
• Defines, monitors, measures, and reports on key performance metrics related to communications and media relations.

Here’s what we’re looking for:

Knowledge/Skills/Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, English or related field combined with at least 7 years of experience in corporate communications, public relations, marketing communications, public affairs, or a related field, which includes a minimum of 2-3 years of experience leading strategic communications programs in a similar role (or an equivalent combination of education and experience).
• Proven experience developing and executing strategic communications plans for internal and external audiences.
• Strong content development, storytelling, editing, and media relations experience.
• Demonstrated ability to translate complex or technical information into clear, audience-friendly content.
• Experience measuring communications performance and using insights to optimize results.
• Proficiency with content management systems (e.g., WordPress), project management tools (e.g., Asana), and responsible use of AI for content creation.
• Bilingualism (English/French) is considered an asset.

Working Style

• Strategic thinker who can balance long-term planning with immediate opportunities and priorities.
• Highly organized and resourceful, with the ability to manage multiple projects, deadlines, and competing priorities.
• Collaborative relationship builder who works effectively across departments and with external partners.
• Strong problem-solver who can develop and improve processes and systems.
• Comfortable working independently while also contributing to cross-functional teams.
• Curious, adaptable, and open to innovation and continuous improvement.

Other position requirements to note:

• Ability to serve as a lead communications advisor and business partner across the organization.
• Comfortable representing organizational priorities through media relations and reputation management activities.
• Commitment to maintaining brand standards, messaging consistency, and editorial quality.
• Ability to work with diverse stakeholders, including fundraising, research, advocacy, marketing, and community engagement teams.
• Interest in advancing the mission and impact of a national health charity serving the type 1 diabetes community.

The salary range for this role is anticipated to be $80,000 - $90,000, commensurate with skills and experience level of the selected candidate.

Location Preference:

Anywhere within Canada

Application Deadline:

Please submit your resume through our careers website by September 3, 2026.

About Breakthrough T1D

Breakthrough T1D is the leading type 1 diabetes (T1D) research and advocacy non-profit organization in Canada. As we drive toward curing type 1 diabetes, we help to make every day better for the people who live with it.

Breakthrough T1D (formerly JDRF) began in Canada as a grassroots organization in 1974, when a group of dedicated parents came together with a singular goal of finding a cure for T1D. Since the discovery of insulin, Breakthrough T1D has remained at the forefront of T1D research. Breakthrough T1D is committed to investing in the most promising research, advocating for progress by working with governments to address issues that impact the T1D community, and supporting individuals living with this disease.

Breakthrough T1D has a company culture rooted in our Core Values; Adapt and Thrive, Collaborate, Accountable, Innovate, Act with Purpose – if our core values are exemplified in the way that you work, we might be a great fit for each other.

Here’s a few details about what Breakthrough T1D employees receive:

• Remote-first: Our employees love the convenience and flexibility of working remotely, so all positions are work from home (within Canada).
• Health and Wellness Benefits: Benefits to support your physical and mental health – this includes Manulife group benefits, Maple virtual health care, Not My Self Today to support mentally healthy workplaces and generous paid sick time.
• Professional Development: We want employees to grow within their roles and have a career at Breakthrough T1D, so we practice Career Development Planning and have a budget for paid development opportunities for each employee.
• Other benefits include: Group RRSP Matching Program, winter holiday office closures, flex weeks in the summer and more!

Benefits listed above for regular full-time employees. Not all benefits may be available to part-time or temporary employees.

Recruitment Process:

We may review applications as they are received and this position will remain posted until it is filled. Our recruitment process typically includes an initial introductory phone call with an HR team member, and up to two video interviews over MS Teams with the hiring manager and other members of the team. Some positions may require a skills-based evaluation to be completed as part of the recruitment process. We thank all those applicants that apply, but please note only those selected for an introductory phone call will be contacted after their application is submitted.

Breakthrough T1D strives to foster a workplace that reflects the diversity of the community it serves and welcomes applications from all qualified candidates. Breakthrough T1D is also committed to developing an inclusive, barrier-free selection process and work environment. Please advise if you require any accommodation measures to ensure you will be interviewed in a fair and equitable manner. Information received relating to accommodation requests will be treated with confidentiality.