Type of Role: Hybrid role (Remote work available with the need for in-person meetings with team members and stakeholders). All interested candidates are encouraged to apply.

Department: Genetics and Genome Biology/Division of Hematology-Oncology

Reports to: Executive Director and Director, CPCC

Status: 1.0 FTE 2-year contract

The Canadian Pediatric Cancer Consortium (CPCC) is a new initiative (lead institution SickKids) to build a national childhood cancer strategy that will change the way children’s cancers are researched and treated. The vision of the CPCC is that every Canadian child with cancer will have access to the latest scientific advances, diagnostic tools, therapy and supportive care leading to better outcomes and a better quality of life. The CPCC includes clinicians, researchers, survivors, patient advocates, and other stakeholders from across Canada who have diverse experience and expertise.

We are currently seeking a Communications Officer to join our team. In this role you will be a key member of the CPCC operational team and will be responsible for executing the day-to-day communications activities of the Consortium by developing and implementing communications materials for both internal and external stakeholders. This position will require expertise in the following areas: stakeholder communications, writing and editing, basic design, digital/social media management, website content management and science communications.

This position will report to the Executive Director and the Director, Strategy and Operations, and work closely with the Program Manager, Partnerships and Engagement, Project Managers, and other key stakeholders (including the CPCC Knowledge Mobilization Group). The Communications Officer will contribute to the refinement and implementation of a communications plan (including a social media plan), stakeholder engagement plan and brand strategy for the CPCC. Critically important is to ensure that all communications and engagement activities are in support of, and drive, increased organizational awareness and participation among key stakeholders (existing and potential) across Canada.

The Communications Officer position requires a proactive and action–oriented individual with outstanding organizational, interpersonal, multi-tasking, critical thinking, writing and problem-solving skills.

KEY TASKS:

• Responsible for contributing to the communications strategy and executing the communications plan for the CPCC to update stakeholders on Consortium initiatives, programs, announcements, and scientific progress to engage pediatric cancer researchers, clinicians, patient partners, people with lived experience, and other internal and external stakeholders.
• Develop content and serve as editor for a variety of audience-specific communications materials and platforms aligned with the CPCC brand, such as digital newsletters, social media channels and posts, website, infographics, etc.
• Conduct interviews, write stories, and create content for communications materials and channels, ensuring alignment with CPCC key messaging and effective translation of scientific findings for a broader audience.
• Respond to media inquiries and facilitate the establishment of key messages and spokespeople from the CPCC network, as required.
• Manage CPCC website, digital/social media accounts and written communiques.
• Prepare CPCC communications materials as needed, including reports, slide presentations, newsletters, and other promotional materials.
• Ensure adherence to the organization’s brand standards and guidelines across all communications and marketing materials. Liaise with the CPCC Co-Chairs, Co-Leads and the central CPCC team to promote and profile CPCC scientific and consortium-building initiatives across various communication products and social media.
• Collaborate with and manage relationships with relevant external service providers, including web and graphic designers, translator, printing services, web host provider and others.
• Provide support to the CPCC operations team in the planning and coordination of event logistics (e.g., local and large pan-Canadian workshops, meetings, conferences).
• Contribute/participate in the implementation of special projects that support the strategic directions of the Consortium in collaboration with the CPCC operations team and leadership.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Completion of a Bachelor’s degree or Post-Graduate Diploma in communications, public relations, knowledge mobilization, or related field with at least 5-7 years relevant experience (or equivalent combination of training and experience). A background in science, research and/or healthcare communications would be a strong asset.
• Proven track record of communications and community engagement. Strong knowledge of communications, digital media, information gathering, knowledge translation, editing and proofreading, and stakeholder relations.
• Knowledge of or previous work experience in Canada’s healthcare or health research sector to create and edit accessible materials for various healthcare and research professionals, as well as lay audiences (e.g., reports, brochures, digital content, infographics).
• Ability to implement, evolve, and evaluate communication plans and campaigns to ensure alignment with organizational mission, brand strategy and areas of strategic focus.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills to draft clear, concise correspondence, as well as to respond to enquiries with tact, confidentiality, and discretion.
• Must be highly organized and detail-oriented and possess excellent interpersonal skills for liaising with Consortium stakeholders, senior leadership, and representatives from partner organizations.
• Must be able to work both independently and within a team environment and balance competing priorities to meet deadlines.
• Strong computer skills, including Microsoft Office (e.g., Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, SharePoint, Forms) and advanced proficiency in social media platforms (e.g., Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube), as well as demonstrated experience managing websites and web content.
• Graphic design skills and experience working with Adobe Creative Cloud would be a strong asset.
• Strong ability for self-direction, organization, project and time management.
• Exceptional attention to detail, nuance, sensitivity, and assurance of accuracy in communicating health and research information.
• Knowledge of the Canadian cancer research landscape and its stakeholders is an asset.
• May occasionally require travel and flexibility in hours of work to attend and support meetings/events.
• French communication skills, both written and verbal, is desirable and would be considered a significant asset.
• Strong written and oral communication in a professional environment
• Ability to translate complex scientific and clinical concepts into meaningful communication mediums, tailored to specific audiences, and appropriate for specific channels, etc.
• Must be relationship-focused and collaborative. Strong conflict resolution, team building, and interpersonal skills.
• Must demonstrate understanding of, and commitment to, inclusive communications and principles of equity, diversity and inclusivity.