Who We AreAt Heart & Stroke our mission is to promote health, save lives and enhance recovery. We are committed to a culture that exemplifies our core values: champion health, practice humility, embrace change, drive impact, learn and grow and be heartfelt as we work together to beat heart disease and stroke.We believe in equity, diversity and inclusion ― it's embedded in our values and core mission work to support all people in Canada to lead healthier lives. We are committed to applying this principle to cultivate a welcoming environment that embraces diversity among our employees. Candidates from diverse backgrounds, including but not limited to, Indigenous peoples, racialized communities, 2SLGBTQIA+ communities, women, and people living with disabilities are encouraged to apply.The opportunityHybrid work option: candidates can work from anywhere in Western Canada (MB, SK, AB and BC).The key accountabilities of this position are:Review content provided by internal clients and others to ensure brand alignment and accuracyOffer strategic communications counsel to internal regional teams; develop, recommend and execute communications tactics to build awareness and raise the profile of Heart & Stroke (e.G., communications plans, earned media pitching, social media content, written materials, etc.)Protect and strengthen the brand, acting as a steward of the brand and its most current messaging and positioningSupport regional philanthropy and national fundraising initiativesHow You Will Make an Impact Every DayDevelop and implement communications plans and strategies for the region to increase the profile of Heart & Stroke's work in research, health promotion, recovery, advocacy, fundraising and partner with medical experts and people with lived experience.Evaluate each situation and determine the most appropriate communication approach applying communications best practices (media pitches, advisories, news releases, op-eds, letters to the editor, social media content, etc.).Execute the regional communications roll‐out of national programs such as health reports and public awareness campaigns with an eye to local markets and needs.Work with internal stakeholders to ensure all regional programs are aligned with Heart & Stroke brand guidelines, including image, voice and messaging.Collaboratively support internal teams as an expert communications advisor to develop and implement communications strategies and activities that support their goals, including events support and recognition and stewardship programs.Serve as the primary relationship manager for medical experts and people with lived experience within the Western Canada region (BC, AB, SK, MB).Assist with the identification of speakers, campaign ambassadors, media spokespeople, etc. for Heart & Stroke–related events and campaigns.Develop personal stories of people with lived experience, donors, healthcare providers,



researchers and volunteers in the region for website content and social media.Triage public complaints in the region and ensure they are managed in a timely manner.Work with the central Internal Communications Manager to ensure timely and clear communication with employees across the region.Support in‐person events (e.G., researcher lab tours, provincial government relations events, research grant announcements) as needed.Public & Media RelationsDevelop and maintain positive media relationships to attract media attention and position Heart & Stroke as an authoritative voice of cardiovascular disease and stroke and a leading health charity in Canada.Leverage strategic public relations tactics to support regional and national brand image, including writing key messages, news releases, fact sheets, op‐eds, letters to the editor, spokesperson Q&As, FAQs, etc.Act as initial point person for media calls to Heart & Stroke in the region.Respond to and redirect queries, and find spokespeople as needed to act on opportunities, using sound judgment to determine involvement.Work closely with the Director of Communications to handle sensitive media queries and respond to issues using protocols and issue‐management scripts.Manage and develop internal spokespeople and ensure that they are well‐briefed and prepped for interviews, including providing media training when needed.Manage and steward relationships with expert spokespeople (e.G., cardiologists, neurologists and other health professionals) and people with lived experience to participate in media interviews and events.Recruit and foster relationships with influential partners to serve as a Heart & Stroke ambassador where needed (e.G., celebrities, media personalities, social media influencers).Liaise with external stakeholders to leverage support and coordinate joint media activities (e.G., non‐profit partners, Ministry of Health).Track and monitor media calls, interviews, issue‐related inquiries and coverage.Maintain current media list for the region.Provide analytic media reports to internal stakeholders as needed.Who We NeedEducationUniversity or College degree in communications, public relations, marketing or business, or related technical degree and a combination of equivalent extensive background with robust communications and marketing experience.ExperienceMinimum 5–7 years related work experience, management experience in non‐profit and/or healthcare industry preferred.Ability to align plans and activities with organizational goals and objectives and experience in advising senior decision makers.Experience and confidence in working with reporters,



including issues management.Experience developing social strategies and content as part of an integrated communications plan.Significant experience managing public engagement programs in multi‐stakeholder environments to further the mission of an organization.Experience with media monitoring and tracking software is required.Experience working with external suppliers, specifically PR professionals, event managers, writers, designers, print production, digital and social media.SkillsThorough knowledge and understanding of the Canadian media landscape.Knowledge of communications strategy development and execution theory, principles and practices.Knowledge of communications processes, techniques and activities, including research, strategy, implementation and evaluation.Proven success in developing and implementing communications plans and content.Excellent written communications and editorial skills in different media, with commitment to quality and strategic understanding of message positioning.Excellent MS Office computer skills (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint).Excellent organizational and project management skills, ability to multi‐task and work under tight deadlines with advanced organization skills and strong attention to detail.Superior verbal communications and interpersonal skills, with the ability to deal with all levels of staff, volunteers and suppliers, providing impeccable customer service.Dedicated team player possessing an unflappable positive 'can‐do' attitude, with demonstrated innovation, creativity and resourcefulness in continuous improvement to internal processes, able to work independently and to collaborate.What We OfferAt Heart & Stroke, we make it a priority to foster a culture of caring by implementing practices and programs that foster respect, compassion, trust and attentiveness to our own and others' health and well‐being. This role offers a hiring range of $80,000 to $94,000, aligned with our compensation framework and your professional background.We believe that time off is integral to the personal health and wellness of our employees. We offer a generous paid time‐off package including vacation days, personal days, wellness days, and paid company‐wide closure between December 25 and January 1. We also provide competitive health, medical, dental and vision benefits, life insurance, disability benefits, an employee assistance program (EAP) and a defined contribution pension plan with employer matching. Our employees also enjoy a flexible hybrid working model and reimbursement for mobile phones and home office setup, as well as opportunities for professional development.Apply nowIf you want to join the fight to beat heart disease and stroke, please apply by sending your resume by June 10, 2026. Applicants must be currently residing in Canada and legally entitled to work in Canada.AccommodationWe are committed to fostering an inclusive, barrier‐free and accessible environment. If you are contacted for an interview and require accommodation to participate in the recruitment and selection process, please let us know and we will do our best to address your needs.#J-18808-Ljbffr

📌 Regional Communications Advisor, Western Canada - C$80,000 - C$94,000 A Year (Toronto)
🏢 Heart & Stroke
📍 Toronto