Director of Communications, HDRN Canada

Union/Affiliation: Administrative Professional Excluded Staff
Pay range: $105,369 to $136,269 annually SFU Department Descr: School of Medicine - Research Office
Position Grade: 12
# of openings: 1
Biweekly Hours: 72

Who We Are

Simon Fraser University is a leading research university, advancing an inclusive and sustainable future. Our purpose – the essence of SFU – is to create and connect knowledge, learning and community for deeper understanding and meaningful impact. We are committed to fostering excellence, innovation, belonging and community in all that we do.

In the School of Medicine, we are committed to shaping the future of healthcare through innovative education, groundbreaking research, and community engagement. As we embark on this journey to redefine medical education, we are seeking passionate individuals who are eager to contribute to our mission.

We envision a medical education system where students and residents learn as part of a team in primary care, community-level settings and patient-centred environments. Our curriculum considers social, environmental and prevention contexts while seeking to advance reconciliation by embedding and equalizing Indigenous knowledge systems in our learning, research and practices. As we establish the School of Medicine in Surrey, B.C., we will foster our growing relationships with the local community, Fraser Health Authority, First Nations Health Authority, physicians and Indigenous partners who will help us meet the diverse health needs of the communities we serve. We seek to improve access to primary care throughout the province while resting on a solid foundation of high-quality, accredited education and world-class research efforts that keep us oriented toward measurable and socially accountable outcomes.

About the Role

The Director of Communications, HDRN Canada provides strategic communications leadership for a pan Canadian network advancing health data research and health equity. Reporting within the Stephens Family School of Medicine, this role leads integrated communications, stakeholder engagement, brand management, advocacy, digital communications, and public facing initiatives that strengthen HDRN Canada's national profile and support its strategic priorities. The Director works closely with government, funders, researchers, and network partners to promote consistent messaging and build meaningful relationships. Upcoming initiatives include supporting new funding opportunities, expanding stakeholder engagement, enhancing digital communications, strengthening partnerships across Canada's health data ecosystem, and leading strategic campaigns and events while embedding principles of equity, accessibility, reconciliation, and Indigenous data sovereignty.

The ideal candidate is a collaborative and strategic communications professional with experience leading integrated communications, stakeholder engagement, brand management, and digital communications. They are an exceptional writer and storyteller, capable of translating complex information into clear, impactful messages for diverse audiences. They demonstrate strong leadership, sound judgment, and relationship-building skills, thrive in a multi-stakeholder environment, and are committed to advancing equity, accessibility, reconciliation, and culturally safe communications.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, Communications, Journalism or related field and seven years of related professional experience, including experience in developing and implementing marketing and communications plans and budgets or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.

• Proven experience developing and implementing integrated communications strategies, campaigns, and stakeholder engagement initiatives.
• Exceptional writing, editing, and storytelling skills, with the ability to translate complex scientific or technical information for diverse audiences.
• Strong leadership and relationship-building skills, with experience collaborating across organizations and engaging government, funders, and external partners.
• Proficiency with digital communications, social media, content management systems, and analytics tools.

• Knowledge of health data governance, privacy legislation, and inclusive communications principles, including equity, accessibility, reconciliation, and Indigenous data sovereignty.

What We Offer

At SFU, our goal is to ensure our people are valued and supported by promoting a healthy work-life balance, professional growth and development, as well as a safe and respectful workplace. We offer continuing employees who belong in the Administrative Professional Excluded Staff group (APEX):

• 4 weeks’ vacation (prorated for the first year)*
• Hybrid-work program for eligible positions
• Employer paid defined benefit pension plan
• On-campus tuition waiver for employees and their immediate family members*
• Off-campus tuition reimbursements and professional development funds*
• And more!

*Prorated for part-time employees

Additional Information

The pay range is the span between the minimum and maximum base salary for the position. The midpoint of the range is approximately halfway between the minimum and the maximum and represents an employee that possesses full job knowledge, qualifications and experience for the position. In the normal course, employees will be hired, transferred or promoted between the minimum and midpoint of the pay range.