Manager, Communications

University Health Network · Toronto · CA$80,000–CA$90,000 (stated in the posting)

Company Description

At The Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation (PMCF), our vision is to create a world free from the fear of cancer. Cancer remains the number one cause of death for Canadians and our top priority is to accelerate cancer research and care.

Our role is to garner support for Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, one of the world’s leading cancer research and treatment centres, through philanthropy, fundraising events, and our world-renowned lottery program. The work we accomplish drives groundbreaking research, relentless innovation, and a deep commitment to improving the lives of cancer patients and their loved ones.

Now, we have an opportunity to blaze an even brighter future for everyone affected by cancer.

We will Carry The Fire for cancer patients everywhere, lighting the way forward through discovery, reigniting our commitment to transform cancer outcomes and ease the profound suffering cancer causes patients and their loved ones.

At the PMCF, every one of us carries the fire for someone else. Join us as we inspire a movement and help us achieve our vision to change the way we understand, diagnose, and treat cancer.

Job Description

Union: Non-Union
Site: 700 University Avenue
Department: Marketing and Communications
Reports to: Director, Communications
Status: Permanent, Full Time
Vacancy: New
Hours: 35 hours
Hiring Range: $80,000 to $90,000 (plus additional compensative incentives such as bonus, pension and more)
Posted Date: October 9, 2026
Closing Date: November 1, 2026

The Manager, Communications is a senior member of The Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation’s Communications team, responsible for leading key areas of the Foundation’s communications function, including earned media and media relations, strategic communications relationships with Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, and issues and crisis communications.

Reporting to the Director, Communications, the Manager will develop and lead communications strategies that strengthen the national profile and reputation of The Princess Margaret, provide strategic communications counsel to senior leaders and stakeholders, and build trusted relationships across the Foundation, Cancer Centre and Canadian media.

The Manager will also lead the strategic planning and delivery of the Foundation’s quarterly Town Halls, working closely with senior leadership, People & Culture and colleagues across the organization.

This role requires an experienced communications professional with exceptional news judgment, strong Canadian media relationships, demonstrated issues and crisis communications experience, and the ability to turn complex ideas into compelling stories that earn attention.

Key Responsibilities

Public Relations and Media Management

Lead proactive earned media and media relations strategies that strengthen the national profile and reputation of The Princess Margaret and advance organizational priorities.
Develop media strategies for major Foundation priorities, including transformational and major gifts, fundraising campaigns, research and clinical innovation, signature events and other organizational announcements.
Identify compelling stories, experts and emerging opportunities that can position The Princess Margaret within relevant national conversations.
Build and maintain strong relationships with journalists, editors and producers across national, business, health, science, philanthropic and Toronto-based media.
Personally pitch priority stories and lead complex or high-profile media opportunities from initial strategy through interview and publication or broadcast.
Oversee the development of media materials, including pitches, news releases, media advisories, briefing materials, key messages and Q&As.
Prepare and advise Foundation leaders, clinicians, researchers and other spokespeople for media opportunities.
Provide strategic media counsel to senior leaders and stakeholders and direction to Communications colleagues supporting earned media initiatives.
Evaluate earned media performance and use results and insights to continuously strengthen the Foundation’s media strategy.

Cancer Centre Relations and Strategic Communications

Serve as the primary day-to-day communications liaison between The Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation and Princess Margaret Cancer Centre.
Build trusted relationships with clinicians, researchers, scientific leaders and other key partners across Princess Margaret Cancer Centre and UHN.
Develop a strong understanding of research, clinical innovation and emerging priorities and build a proactive pipeline of stories, experts and opportunities with strong communications potential.
Translate complex scientific and medical information into clear, compelling narratives for media and public audiences.
Provide communications counsel to Cancer Centre stakeholders and identify opportunities to elevate clinicians, researchers and scientific leaders as expert voices.
Ensure Foundation and Cancer Centre communications opportunities are strategically aligned and appropriately coordinated.

Issues and Crisis Communications

Lead issues and crisis communications for The Foundation, in partnership with the Director, Communications and senior leadership.
Identify and assess emerging reputational risks and recommend appropriate communications strategies, escalation and response.
Develop and maintain crisis communications plans, protocols, holding statements, key messages, Q&As and other preparedness materials.
Provide strategic communications counsel to senior leaders during sensitive or rapidly evolving situations.
Coordinate communications responses involving Foundation leadership, Cancer Centre/UHN partners and other stakeholders.
Monitor the external environment for emerging issues and help strengthen organizational preparedness through planning and scenario development.

Internal Communications

Lead the strategic planning and delivery of the Foundation’s quarterly Town Halls in partnership with the Director, Communications, People & Culture and senior leadership.
Develop agendas, programming, executive messaging and content that reflect organizational priorities and strengthen employee understanding and engagement.
Provide communications counsel and support to senior leaders and presenters.
Coordinate Town Hall delivery with support from Communications colleagues and internal partners.

Other Responsibilities

Provide strategic communications advice to internal teams and senior stakeholders.
Provide direction, coaching and subject-matter expertise to Communications colleagues.
Establish and implement communications best practices that strengthen the effectiveness of the Communications function.
Monitor trends and emerging practices in media, public relations and reputation management.
Manage multiple complex and high-profile communications priorities, exercising sound judgment regarding prioritization, risk and escalation.

Qualifications

University degree or college diploma in Public Relations, Communications, Journalism or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
6+ years of progressive experience in media relations, public relations, corporate communications or a related field.
Demonstrated experience leading issues management and crisis communications, including assessing reputational risk, developing response strategies and providing strategic communications counsel during sensitive or rapidly evolving situations.
Demonstrated track record of securing significant earned media coverage and established relationships with Canadian journalists, editors and producers.
Exceptional news judgment and demonstrated ability to identify compelling stories, develop strong angles and confidently pitch journalists.
Experience developing and leading complex communications strategies and providing counsel to senior leaders and stakeholders.
Proven ability to establish credibility and build trusted relationships with senior leaders, subject-matter experts and complex stakeholder groups.
Exceptional writing and editing skills, with the ability to translate complex scientific, medical or technical information into clear, compelling communications.
Excellent judgment, discretion and composure when managing sensitive information and reputational issues.
Demonstrated ability to provide direction and guidance to colleagues and lead work through influence and collaboration.
Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
Experience working in a public relations or communications agency, charitable foundation, healthcare organization or other complex, mission-driven organization is considered an asset, but is not required.

Additional Information

We believe that the way we work together is just as important as what we accomplish. By making choices and taking actions that align with our values, we achieve greater success, and our work lives become happier and more meaningful.

At The PMCF, we strive to foster a culture built on Collaboration, Accountability, Respect, and Excellence (CARE). Central to these values is our commitment to IDEAA: Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Accessibility, and Anti-Racism.

What you can expect from working at The PMCF:

A sense of purpose that you won’t get anywhere else. You will be making a difference for millions of people impacted by cancer
An open-minded and friendly culture that encourages you to bring your best ideas forward
A hybrid work environment that fosters collaboration and teamwork. Our in-office days are Tuesday, Thursday, and one other day per week in office, or as required subject to business needs

UHN is a respectful, caring, and inclusive workplace. We are committed to championing accessibility, diversity and equal opportunity and welcome all applicants including but not limited to: all religions and ethnicities, LGBTQIA2S+, BIPOC, persons with disabilities and all others who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas. Requests for accommodation can be made at any stage of the recruitment process providing the applicant has met the Bona-fide requirements for the open position. Applicants need to make their requirements known when contacted.

All applications must be submitted before the posting close date.
UHN uses email to communicate with selected candidates. Please ensure you check your email regularly. At University Health Network (UHN), artificial intelligence technologies may be used to assist in the screening, assessment, and selection of candidates for this position.
Please be advised that a Criminal Record Check may be required of the successful candidate. Should it be determined that any information provided by a candidate be misleading, inaccurate or incorrect, UHN reserves the right to discontinue with the consideration of their application.
UHN is an equal opportunity employer committed to an inclusive recruitment process and workplace. Requests for accommodation can be made at any stage of the recruitment process. Applicants need to make their requirements known.
We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.

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