Senior Specialist, Communications

Senior Specialist, Communications & Public Affairs

Location:
 Hybrid - Toronto, ON (Canada)

Position Type:
 Permanent – 30 Hours a week

Salary:
 $50,000 to $58,000

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POSITION OVERVIEW

The Senior Specialist, Communications & Public Affairs, plays a dual role: advancing CCC's public affairs agenda across Canada and supporting clear, impactful communications that engage families, donors, and stakeholders.

Reporting to the Director of Development, this role is both strategic and hands-on, ideal for someone who can build relationships, communicate with purpose, and mobilize communities. This position will be a key contributor to storytelling and written communications that elevate awareness and drive impact and help expand CCC's national advocacy and public affairs program, support government relations initiatives.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic Communications 70%

• Support the creation of newsletters, fundraising communication pieces, campaign messaging, and donor-facing resources, and digital communications.
• Contribute written content for awareness campaigns, impact reports, and supporting written proposals.
• Assist in storytelling, focusing on family experiences, impact updates, and research investments.
• Draft press releases, key messages, media briefs, and other written communication.
• Support brand positioning and narrative development to strengthen CCC's national voice.
• Collaborate closely with the Marketing Manager and fundraising team to ensure consistent, compelling messaging.

Public Affairs 30%

• Support the development and implementation of a national advocacy strategy that mobilizes families, supporters, and community advocates.
• Build and nurture relationships with elected officials and staff across federal, provincial, and municipal levels.
• Develop frameworks, resources, and messaging to help families self-advocate with confidence.
• Collaborate with industry partners and fund development colleagues on advocacy-aligned initiatives.
• Prepare briefing notes, backgrounders, advocacy toolkits, and materials to support meetings and campaigns.
• Represent CCC at community events, government meetings, and stakeholder discussions.
• Engage and support volunteer advocacy groups, ensuring they are equipped, informed, and connected.
• Contribute to CCC's presence in national coalitions and cancer advocacy tables as the program evolves.

Internal & External Collaboration

• Work collaboratively with fundraising, programs, research partners, and the Executive team on communication, public affairs and advocacy initiatives.
• Engage actively with volunteers, families, partners, and healthcare stakeholders.
• Coordinate with contractors and external vendors as needed (no direct reports).

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

Education

• Post-secondary education in Communications, Public Policy, Public Relations, Journalism, or a related field.

Experience

• 3–5+ years in communications, advocacy, public affairs, or related fields.
• Experience engaging elected officials, volunteer communities, and public audiences.
• Strong written communication skills across formats (newsletters, briefs, press releases, donor messaging).
• Demonstrated ability to represent an organization publicly and confidently.
• Experience in nonprofit, health, oncology, or child- and family-serving sectors is an asset.
• Volunteer management experience is an advantage.

Skills

• Excellent written and verbal communication.
• Strong relationship-builder with the ability to mobilize and inspire.
• Highly organized and detail-oriented; able to manage competing priorities.
• Familiarity with public policy, government processes, and advocacy engagement.
• Comfortable working remotely with a national team.

Why Join Childhood Cancer Canada

Childhood Cancer Canada (CCC) is the leading national charity dedicated to ensuring a world where no childhood is lost to cancer. The organization focuses on investment in research, family support, and public awareness. We believe that every child deserves access to the best care, the best treatments, and the best chance. Our work unites families, survivors, advocates, researchers, health partners, and supporters across Canada.

We are expanding our strategic communications and public affairs capacity to elevate the voices of children, youth, and families affected by cancer and to strengthen national momentum for change.

HOW TO APPLY

If this sounds like you, we want to hear from you.

Interested applicants should forward their resume and cover letter explaining why you believe you are the best candidate. 
Please submit your resume and cover letter in one document by January 28, 2026, to Kyle Smith, Director of Development, at

and indicate Senior Specialist, Communications and Public Affairs in the subject line.

Childhood Cancer Canada is an equal-opportunity employer and encourages all qualified individuals to apply. If you are the successful candidate and require accommodation, CCC will work with you to meet your needs.

The successful candidate will need to undergo a successful Vulnerable Sector Screening Police check.

We thank all candidates for their interest; however, only qualified candidates will be contacted for an interview. Please note we will not be able to respond to phone calls about this position so all applicants must apply by email.