Director, Communications

Division overview

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 Partnerships Division leads communications activities to support and profile the impact of 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 role

The Director, Communications supports the organization in carrying out projects and initiatives to achieve organizational priorities. Reporting to the Vice-President, Strategic Partnerships, the incumbent takes a digital-first approach to develop and deliver strategic communications initiatives to achieve program and project objectives while contributing to CPAC’s overall vision to reduce the burden of cancer on all people living in Canada. The incumbent collaborates closely with the Director, Strategy and Partner Experience and Director, First Nations, Inuit and Métis Cancer Strategy to develop strategic engagement plans for government and partners; with the cancer program directors to communicate the impact of key initiatives; and with the Director, People and Culture to coordinate internal communications. Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) and Reconciliation are embedded in all the work across the Partnership and having a strong commitment to DEI and health equity is essential to be successful in the role.

Core responsibilities and activities

Strategic leadership and organizational alignment

• Partner with the VP and executive colleagues to align communications strategies with organizational priorities, ensuring consistency across all programs and initiatives.
• Develop and oversee the multi-year communications and outreach strategy that advances CPAC’s mandate and the cancer control strategies, coordinating with relevant internal and external partners where appropriate.
• Lead annual planning and budgeting for the Communications team, setting priorities, allocating resources, and monitoring progress against goals and metrics.
• Contribute to the overall strategic leadership of CPAC through active participation on leadership governance and advisory tables.

Corporate communications strategy and delivery

• Lead and integrate all internal and external communications, ensuring clear, timely, and consistent messaging that reflects CPAC’s values, impact and strategic direction.
• Oversee the creation and implementation of strategic, multi-channel communications plans encompassing media, digital, print, and engagement platforms, coordinating with relevant internal and external partners.
• Develop and maintain communications policies, procedures, and standards to guide the organization’s messaging and brand.
• Measure and report on the effectiveness of communication initiatives, providing quarterly updates to senior management.
• Ensure strategies, plans and products are aligned with legislative (e.g. translation, accessibility, etc.) and regulatory (e.g. funding agreement) communication requirements.

Public engagement and outreach

• Drive the implementation of public engagement and outreach strategies that build awareness and support for CPAC’s mandate among key audiences.
• Collaborate closely with teams leading programs across the cancer control continuum, government engagement, and First Nations, Inuit and Métis strategic engagement, to ensure alignment and integration of outreach efforts.
• Build and sustain relationships with partners among the healthcare, government, academic, media, and international cancer communities.
• Monitor public awareness and perceptions, identifying opportunities to enhance engagement with key audiences, including equity-denied groups, and strengthen CPAC’s reputation.

Media relations, issues management, and brand stewardship

• Serve as key spokesperson and media contact, providing strategic advice and media support to the Executive team, CEO and Board as required.
• Design and implement a proactive media relations and social media strategy to enhance CPAC’s visibility, impact and reputation.
• Maintain an issues management system to anticipate, monitor, and respond to emerging reputational risks.
• Plan and oversee media events and programs that promote CPAC’s work and strengthen public understanding of its impact.

Internal communications and staff engagement

• Lead the development and delivery of internal communications and communication channels (e.g. intranet, newsletters, townhalls) that engage and inform staff, reinforcing a shared sense of purpose and connection.
• Collaborate across divisions to maintain and enhance CPAC’s intranet as a key knowledge-sharing and engagement tool.
• Provide tools, guidance, and training to leaders to strengthen communication practices across the organization.

Team leadership and operational excellence

• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing communications team with a focus on collaboration, accountability, inclusion, and continuous learning.
• Source and manage diverse communication-related vendors and partners to ensure quality and cost-effectiveness.
• Ensure effective project management, execution, and evaluation of communication and outreach initiatives.

General accountabilities

• Contributes to the strategic leadership and direction of the organization as a member of the key leadership and governance tables—alongside the CEO, Vice Presidents, Directors, and Regional Liaisons—and through other organizational leadership mechanisms.
• Shares accountability for fostering collaboration across divisions, portfolios, and with external partners to ensure strategic alignment and supports the Vice President in achieving divisional and organizational priorities.
• Contributes to setting divisional strategy and goals, allocating resources effectively, and delivering results on time and within budget.
• Demonstrates and promotes CPAC’s commitment to DEI and reconciliation through internal and external communications, marketing campaigns, and organizational initiatives.
• Participates in ongoing training and serves as a visible champion for DEI and reconciliation, helping to embed these values into the organization’s culture and practices.
• Leads a reconciliatory approach within Communications, including the development and implementation of reconciliation-focused workplans and initiatives.

Competencies

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, as well as leadership competencies which we expect to be exhibited by staff in people management positions.

Universal competencies

• 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 in order to address the real needs. Adopts an iterative approach to designing solutions, integrating ideas or feedback generated at various stages.

Leadership competencies

• Inspiration – Motivates others by bringing energy and optimism to the team. Creates a sense of direction and common purpose by helping others see themselves in the work. Explains the ‘why’ behind the ‘what’ and the ‘how’.
• People management – Enables and empowers people to achieve individual and organizational goals. Coaches, mentors, and manages employee experience, and employee performance, through mindful preparation. Creates space for others to lead.
• Strategy – Applies vision to think beyond the immediate situation and explores multiple potential paths. Invests time in planning, discovery, and reflection to better drive decisions and more efficient implementation. Ensure that business goals are met by executing, monitoring, and adjusting the organizational action plan.
• Influence – Impacts others’ thinking, decisions, or behavior through inclusive practices and relationship building. Drives action through influence, often without authority.
• Problem solving and decision making – Uses critical thinking to evaluate problems, gather information, understand causes, and identify best possible solutions. Invests time in planning, discovery, and reflection to drive better decisions and more efficient implementations.

Experience and qualifications

• Undergraduate or graduate degree in communications, journalism, marketing, or other relevant discipline, or an acceptable combination of education and experience.
• Minimum 10 years experience, preferably in the non-profit or healthcare sector, in communications and government affairs.
• Experience leading and managing a team of communication professionals.
• Education related to or experience with First Nations, Inuit and Métis is a significant asset.
• Microsoft 365 (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, SharePoint, Microsoft Teams, OneDrive).
• High proficiency with digital communication tools and channels, such as LinkedIn, Instagram, etc.
• Bilingual in both English and French is an asset.

Apply now

To apply, please forward your CV and cover letter combined in one file in Word or PDF format to:
peopleandculture@partnershipagainstcancer.ca.

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 apply.