Senior Communications Specialist - 16-Month Contract [Full time]

Description

What we do
At BC Children’s Hospital Foundation, we’re on a quest to ensure every kid in the province receives the best health care imaginable. As a fundraising organization, we inspire communities and people to support BC Children’s Hospital, along with its world-class research institute, mental health facility and rehabilitation center.

Our work makes a profound difference. From helping get the boldest research ideas off the ground to supporting the most advanced equipment, together we are pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in children’s health care. This is no small task—which is why we’re looking for passionate people to join our team and help propel our work forward to power the possible.

What you’ll do
We’re looking for a skilled storyteller and strategic communicator to join our Marketing + Communications team on an 16-month maternity leave contract. As the Senior Communications Specialist, you’ll play a critical role in shaping how the Foundation shares its most meaningful stories—particularly through our publications like Shine magazine, earned and social media, and donor-centered content.

Reporting to the Director, Marketing + Communications, you’ll bring a calm, editorial lens and strategic thinking to high-profile projects and complex narratives. You have a natural ability to build trust and foster strong relationships across a diverse set of stakeholders—seeing each interaction as an opportunity to learn, collaborate and elevate the cause. Grounded in intentional curiosity and a genuine belief that everyone brings valuable perspective, you’ll help deepen engagement, strengthen alignment and ensure our communications reflect the heart of our mission.

More specifically, you will:
•Lead the planning and execution of our donor-facing publications: Shine Magazine, Shine Newsletter, and our Progress Report, in partnership with our senior writer, Creative Team
• Lead complex, multi-stakeholder projects from planning through execution—bringing structure, calm and strategic insight to fast-paced, collaborative environments.
• Manage project workflows and timelines across campaigns using tools like Asana and PageProof—ensuring alignment, accountability and on-time delivery.
• Drive and execute our earned media strategy in partnership with our PR agency—unearthing stories, developing pitches, and preparing spokespeople for interviews.
• Guide the strategy, tone and performance of our social media channels in collaboration with our social media consultant, Communications Coordinator , and internal marketing leads—ensuring content is purposeful, on-brand and audience-centered.
• Unearth and develop stories that reflect the impact of donor support—drawing on voices from across the Foundation, hospital and community.
• Act as a trusted communications partner to internal teams—supporting campaign messaging and content development with clarity and confidence.
• Build strong, trust-based relationships with a wide range of stakeholders, including patient families, health care providers, donors, researchers and community partners.
• Mentor and coach team members, offering editorial guidance and support to strengthen cross-functional storytelling.
• Measure and report on communications activities, providing insights that inform strategy and demonstrate impact.
What you’ll bring
We understand that no single candidate will perfectly meet all the qualifications outlined for this job posting. The following highlights the qualifications we consider important.

You’re a strategic communicator who sees storytelling as both an art and a responsibility—you understand that the way we share a story shapes how people connect to a cause. You bring a steady, thoughtful energy to your work, balancing confidence with curiosity, structure, and care, especially when stakes are high or timelines are tight. You lead with perspective, ask great questions, listen deeply, and create space for meaningful dialogue, helping others bring their best.

In addition, you bring:
• A diploma or degree in communications, journalism, public relations, or a related field.
• 7 years of experience in a communications role, with a focus on content strategy, editorial development, and media relations.
• A deep purpose in amplifying real, human stories that connect audiences to our cause.
• Exceptional writing and editing skills—clear, concise, and deeply audience-aware.
• Proven experience developing and executing earned media strategies, including pitching, briefing, and building strong journalist relationships.
• Familiarity with social media strategy and oversight, with an understanding of how content and tone vary by platform.
• Strong project management and prioritization skills, with the ability to move seamlessly between strategy and execution.
• A thoughtful, people-first approach to stakeholder engagement and relationship building.
• Experience navigating sensitive stories and working with families or community members in high-trust settings.
• A collaborative mindset, with a desire to mentor, coach, and work as part of a team that values shared purpose.
• Composure and clarity in fast-paced, complex environments, building trust across a wide range of people and perspectives.
• A natural curiosity, adaptability, and enthusiasm for learning and growth.
• An affinity for our values – Think Big, Step Up, and Lead with Heart.

What you can expect
Ensuring that kids receive the best health care imaginable is no small task, therefore taking care of our team is a top priority. To help you power the possible and to support you in your health, well-being, and career growth, in additional to competitive compensation, we offer perks like a hybrid work environment (minimum of two days per week in office) and nine-day fortnight schedule, generous vacation, topnotch health and dental benefits, a defined benefit pension plan, and a commitment to professional development.

The hiring range for this position is between $81,770 and $91,000. At BCCHF, we are committed to ensuring that compensation is fair and equitable. Your placement in the salary range will be determined by your experience, relevant skills, and qualifications as they relate to this role.

Please note that all team members of BCCHF are required to complete vulnerable sector criminal record check as a condition of employment.
Join us
We exist to power the possible. And that permeates every action we take. As a team, we push ourselves to: think big in how we boldly envisioning the future; step up in how we are accountable to ourselves, each other and our shared cause; and lead with heart in how we listen and engage with others.

BCCHF invites and encourages all qualified individuals to apply. As an organization committed to fostering an inclusive workplace that reflects the diversity of the communities we serve and support. We welcome individuals whose lived experiences may further contribute to the rich diversification of skills, knowledge, and backgrounds at the Foundation.