Senior Specialist, Talk Tobacco

Canadian Cancer Society; Kelowna; Hybrid; CAD 56,000 - 84,000; Full time

Job summary

A health-focused non-profit organization in British Columbia seeks a Talk Tobacco Senior Specialist to promote tobacco cessation among Indigenous populations. The ideal candidate has relevant educational background, a minimum of 5 years of related experience, and strong skills in partnership development. A competitive salary and impactful work environment are offered to help transform the future of cancer prevention.

Benefits

Paid parental leave

Health insurance

Family sick time

Qualifications

• 5+ years’ experience in a similar role, ideally in a community organization or health network.
• Familiarity with the social determinants of health affecting Indigenous communities.
• Knowledge of commercial tobacco cessation strategies.

Responsibilities

• Drive initiatives to increase awareness of Talk Tobacco services.
• Establish partnerships with healthcare and social service agencies.
• Collaborate with internal partners to enhance Talk Tobacco strategies.

Skills

Culturally respectful communication

Relationship building

Project management

Interpersonal skills

Social media content development

Education

Relevant post-secondary education in health sciences or related fields

Tools

CRM systems

MS Office

Job description

Location : British Columbia(Detailed office location information can be found by visiting this link : https : / / cancer.ca / en / contact-us)

Salary Band : 5 ($56,000 - $84,000 CAD)

HELP SHAPE THE FUTURE OF CANCER CARE IN CANADA

The Canadian Cancer Society works tirelessly to save and improve lives. We raise funds to fuel the brightest minds in cancer research. We provide a compassionate support system for all those affected by all type of cancer, across Canada. Together with patients, supporters, donors and volunteers, we work to create a healthier future for everyone. Because to take on cancer, it takes all of us. It takes a society.

MAKING AN IMPACT

Under the direction of the Team Lead and Manager of Cancer Prevention, the Talk Tobacco Senior Specialist will support the service delivery and promotion of Talk Tobacco services in British Columbia. This project will serve First Nations, and urban Indigenous peoples and will be implemented in partnership with the First Nations Health Authority.

The aim of Talk Tobacco is to reduce commercial tobacco use among Indigenous populations. The Talk Tobacco Senior Specialist will work in partnership with the First Nations Health Authority to support the delivery and promotion of culturally appropriate commercial tobacco cessation telephone and online services for Indigenous populations in British Columbia. Talk Tobacco services are currently offered in Manitoba, Ontario, and Saskatchewan, and British Columbia.

When we speak of reducing tobacco use, we refer to commercial tobacco. We recognize and respect that Traditional tobacco is different from commercial tobacco. Traditional tobacco is a sacred medicine meant to be used as a way of healing and is an important part of culture and spiritual connectedness for many Indigenous people.

This position will contribute to the health recommendations in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada : Calls to Action (2015) that calls for the establishment of measurable goals to identify and close the gaps in health outcomes between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities in consultation with Indigenous peoples, and will be grounded in the rights of Indigenous peoples to live in dignity, and maintain and strengthen their own cultures and traditions as outlined in the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

WHAT YOU’LL BE DOING :

1. Drive initiatives that increase awareness and uptake of Talk Tobacco program services

• Support implementation, and evaluation of annual plans to engage community members, health sector organizations and allied partners to increase awareness and uptake of Talk Tobacco services
• Connect with health care professionals and organizations to integrate and increase referrals to Talk Tobacco
• Develop, disseminate, manage and audit promotional materials, presentations and other program or service-related resources
• Monitor key performance indicators to understand effectiveness of tactics, provide critical analysis and recommendations to improve performance
• Implement and evaluate program strategies that align with evidence-informed practices, Indigenous ways of knowing, and organizational goals
• Development of social media content and promotion / communications strategy

2. Relationship building, partnership development and maintenance

• Establish respectful and collaborative relationships with healthcare and social service agencies serving Indigenous communities, to expand outreach efforts and knowledge of Talk Tobacco services.
• Maintain relationships with relevant organizations, with sensitivity to cultural protocols and Indigenous perspectives and participate in relevant external working groups, networks and committees.
• Support funder relationships and assist in meeting contractual obligations and funder requirements
• Work with cross-functional internal teams to meet goals and expectations.
• Educate and equip partners, including Indigenous-serving organizations with knowledge and tools needed to advocate for and implement Talk Tobacco services.

3. Participate as an active and collective member of the Cancer Prevention Programs and Services team and CCS as whole.

• Collaborate with internal partners to integrate Talk Tobacco across the organization, incorporating Indigenous worldview where appropriate to support culturally relevant approach
• Maintain current information and knowledge base of smoking / vaping cessation programs
• Support writing of funding proposals as needed.
• Contribute to strategic planning and team discussions related to the department.
• Stay informed on emerging trends, technologies and research related to cancer prevention programs and services while also valuing Indigenous approaches to wellness practices to enhance delivery and effectiveness.

QUALIFICATIONS :

• Relevant post-secondary education in fields such as health sciences, health promotion, public health, social work, Indigenous social work, Indigenous health, or related disciplines.
• Familiarity with the social determinants of health, including how historical and systemic factors uniquely impact Indigenous communities and influence access to cancer prevention programs and services.
• 5+ years’ experience in a similar role, ideally in a community organization or health network
• Demonstrated experience in partnership development and maintenance.
• Knowledge of health care and allied health settings and referral pathways.
• Experience and knowledge of commercial tobacco (smoking / vaping) cessation.
• Experience and knowledge of program planning, implementation, and evaluation.
• Experience and knowledge developing social media health related content is an asset.
• English is required, French / Bilingualism (French / English) is an asset due to the organization’s nationwide operations.
• Fluency in First Nations language common in BC would be an asset
• Knowledge of the social determinants of health, including those affecting Indigenous communities and equitable access to health services.
• Strong interpersonal and culturally respectful communication skills with an ability to network and deliver presentations
• Strong initiative and capacity to work autonomously, balanced with teamwork.
• Strong organizational and project management skills
• Ability to manage multiple projects and competing priorities.
• Strong ability to identify, build, and maintain collaborative relationships with diverse stakeholders.
• Familiarity with customer relationship management (CRM) systems.
• Proficient in using MS Office programs
• Others may apply

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 :

Qualified candidates are invited to submit their resume, cover letter and salary expectations by August 05th, 2025 .

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 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 [e-mail]. For more information about our privacy practices , visit cancer.ca / privacy.

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