Manager, Communications

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.
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.

Employment type
Full-time

Work arrangement
Hybrid