The Canadian Partnership Against Cancer (“the Partnership” or “CPAC”) has an exciting Director, Communications opportunity available.

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 & 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.

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.

We offer a competitive salary, benefits package, and flexible working conditions.

How to apply

If you are interested in this position, please submit a cover letter and a resume in one file by email with the subject line ' Director, Communications ' to peopleandculture@partnershipagainstcancer.ca by November 30, 2025.

For the full job description of this posting, please visit: Director, Communications – Canadian Partnership Against Cancer

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.

The Canadian Partnership Against Cancer is an organization committed to ensuring accessible services and communications to individuals with disabilities. Should you require accommodation at any point during the recruitment process, including accessible job postings, please call 416-915-9222 or email us at peopleandculture@partnershipagainstcancer.ca