[Hiring] National Communications Manager @Breakthrough T1D

Role Description

Breakthrough T1D is adding to our Marketing & Communications team and we’re searching for an experienced professional for the new role of National Communications Manager. If you’re a strategic, resourceful, and collaborative professional who would like to lead the development and execution of communications and media relations strategies across the country, please read on to see if this is the right fit for you.

• Develops and implements Breakthrough T1D’s overarching content strategy in alignment with the Strategic Plan and the Communications Strategy.
• Leads the organization-wide editorial planning process, including story priorities, message sequencing, audience relevance, and cross-functional content balance; works with digital and creative peers to translate the editorial plan into channel-specific execution.
• Produces original, clear, compelling and credible content for the T1D community with a focus on optimizing content for broad reach, deep impact, and high performance.
• Develops media relations strategies and plans, to protect and elevate Breakthrough T1D’s reputation and enhance brand awareness.
• Manages day-to-day media relations activities, collaborating with subject matter experts to identify appropriate spokespeople and develop media materials.
• As Breakthrough T1D’s lead communications business partner, collaborates with colleagues across the organization to connect communications strategies to cross-functional priorities, including fundraising, community engagement, marketing, research, and advocacy.
• Defines, monitors, measures, and reports on key performance metrics related to communications and media relations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, English or related field combined with at least 7 years of experience in corporate communications, public relations, marketing communications, public affairs, or a related field, which includes a minimum of 2-3 years of experience leading strategic communications programs in a similar role (or an equivalent combination of education and experience).
• Proven experience developing and executing strategic communications plans for internal and external audiences.
• Strong content development, storytelling, editing, and media relations experience.
• Demonstrated ability to translate complex or technical information into clear, audience-friendly content.
• Experience measuring communications performance and using insights to optimize results.
• Proficiency with content management systems (e.g., WordPress), project management tools (e.g., Asana), and responsible use of AI for content creation.
• Bilingualism (English/French) is considered an asset.

Requirements

• Ability to serve as a lead communications advisor and business partner across the organization.
• Comfortable representing organizational priorities through media relations and reputation management activities.
• Commitment to maintaining brand standards, messaging consistency, and editorial quality.
• Ability to work with diverse stakeholders, including fundraising, research, advocacy, marketing, and community engagement teams.
• Interest in advancing the mission and impact of a national health charity serving the type 1 diabetes community.

Benefits

• Remote-first: Our employees love the convenience and flexibility of working remotely, so all positions are work from home (within Canada).
• Health and Wellness Benefits: Benefits to support your physical and mental health – this includes Manulife group benefits, Maple virtual health care, Not Myself Today to support mentally healthy workplaces and generous paid sick time.
• Professional Development: We want employees to grow within their roles and have a career at Breakthrough T1D, so we practice Career Development Planning and have a budget for paid development opportunities for each employee.
• Other benefits include: Group RRSP Matching Program, winter holiday office closures, flex weeks in the summer and more!