[Hiring] Advocacy Specialist @Canadian Cancer Society

Role Description

The Advocacy Specialist will work with colleagues to reduce the burden of cancer in the Prairie Region by advocating to governments and other stakeholders to ensure public policy is in place to help lower the public’s risk of developing cancer and improve the lives of those affected by cancer.

What You’ll Be Doing:

• Regional Government Relations:
  • Advance organizational advocacy priorities by influencing public policy and government action across Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Alberta in alignment with national and regional advocacy goals.
  • Build, maintain, and manage strategic relationships with key provincial and municipal stakeholders, including MLAs, Ministers, political staff, senior public servants, as well as health system partners and agencies, and relevant stakeholder organizations across the Prairies Region.
  • Represent the organization in meetings, consultations, and forums related to cancer prevention, control, and support for people living with and beyond cancer.
  • Lead or support the development of regional advocacy materials, including pre‑budget submissions, election platforms, correspondence to elected officials, briefings, and legislative submissions, in collaboration with advocacy leadership.
  • Monitor, evaluate, and report on political, legislative, and policy developments across the Prairie Region, identifying risks, opportunities, and emerging issues relevant to advocacy.
• Advocacy Strategy & Campaign Delivery:
  • Support and manage the planning, execution, and evaluation of advocacy initiatives and campaigns that advance strategic priorities at the provincial and regional level.
  • Support the development and delivery of regional advocacy strategies and initiatives aligned with the national advocacy plan and overall organizational strategy.
  • Lead or contribute to project management for advocacy initiatives, including planning, setting timelines, coordinating resources, tracking progress, and reporting on outcomes and key performance indicators.
  • Work cross-functionally with communications, marketing, and public engagement teams to develop advocacy content, including key messages, briefing notes and backgrounders, media materials, web content, and social media assets.
  • Support and manage the delivery of advocacy-related events and activities, such as lobby days, report launches, stakeholder briefings, and public engagement campaigns across the Prairie region.
• Stakeholder & Grassroots Engagement:
  • Mobilize advocates, volunteers, and external partners to strengthen advocacy impact and advance public policy goals across the Prairie Provinces.
  • Support the planning and management of grassroots advocacy and public engagement initiatives by working with volunteers, community members, and partner organizations to advance advocacy priorities.
  • Build and sustain relationships with relevant health organizations, non-profit partners, and community stakeholders to work together on advocacy priorities and initiatives.
  • Develop and provide advocacy guidance, tools, and messaging to advocates and stakeholders to support effective engagement with the stakeholders.
  • Contribute to internal planning, coordination, and reporting by providing input, analysis, and strategic advice regarding Prairies Region to advocacy leadership and cross-functional teams as required.
• Other duties as assigned.
• Contribute to our culture of diversity, inclusion, belonging and equity (DIBE) by ensuring that all staff feel represented, valued, and heard across all aspects of their identity, including gender, age, religion, ethnicity, nationality, race, and sexuality.

Qualifications

• Post-secondary education such as acquiring a university degree in a relevant discipline, such as public administration, health promotion, and political science or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• At least 1-3 years of experience in advocacy or a similar field.
• Specific knowledge of the political landscape in Manitoba and/or Saskatchewan.
• Demonstrated experience in government relations, and stakeholder, youth, and adult volunteer/community engagement and mobilization.
• Demonstrated experience, knowledge and skill in public policy research and analysis, public policy development, and advocacy techniques.
• Solid knowledge of a range of health-related issues including the components of health and health equity.
• Demonstrated ability to build partnerships and succeed in a team environment with diverse stakeholders.
• English is required: French/Bilingualism (French/English) is an asset due to the organization’s nationwide operations.
• Other qualifications may apply.

Benefits

• Competitive salary.
• Excellent benefits, including paid parental leave, family sick time, and health insurance.
• A fulfilling work environment where your efforts make a meaningful impact daily.

How to Apply

Qualified candidates are invited to submit their resume, cover letter, and salary expectations by May 27th, 2026. We thank all candidates for their interest and advise that only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Other Information

• CCS is dedicated to employment equity and encourages applications from all qualified candidates.
• In accordance with the local provincial Accessibility Act, accommodation will be provided as requested throughout the recruitment process.
• Employees are not permitted to smoke in or about CCS premises or while carrying out CCS business.