Communications Specialist

Union: Non-Union
Number of Vacancies: 1
New or Replacement Position: Replacement 
Site: 700 University Avenue Toronto
Department: CIHR Institute of Cancer Research at UHN
Reports to: ICR Scientific Director & Assistant Director
Salary Range: $78954 - $118424 Annually
Hours: 37.5 Hours Per Week
Shifts: Monday - Friday
Status: Permanent Full-time
Closing Date: July 3 2026

Position Summary:

Reporting to the ICR Scientific Director and Assistant Director the Communications and Projects Lead is responsible for the planning development and implementation of communications and knowledge mobilization (KM) activities in support of the Institutes strategic priorities. The role contributes to advancing cancer research across Canada by supporting collaboration and engagement through the coordination of projects meetings workshops and events.

The incumbent applies strong project management and organizational skills along with excellent written and verbal communication abilities to develop and deliver clear accurate and accessible content tailored to diverse audiences. This includes translating complex scientific and research information into formats suitable for a range of stakeholders and dissemination through multiple communication channels with a high standard of quality and attention to detail.

The Institute of Cancer Research (ICR) headquartered at the University Health Network (UHN) in Toronto is one of the thirteen institutes of the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR). ICR advances cancer research in Canada by developing new national research initiatives and coordinating Canadawide efforts supported by federal national and provincial partners.

Duties

• Develop implement and evaluate communications and knowledge mobilization (KM) strategies to support Institute initiatives programs and priorities and to effectively engage researchers patient partners and other stakeholders.
• Lead the planning development and management of Institute communications channels including the website social media platforms and digital engagement activities.
• Prepare edit and disseminate a range of communications and KM products (e.g. reports presentations newsletters web content promotional materials award applications) that are clear accurate and accessible to diverse audiences.
• Collaborate with CIHR communications and KM teams to enhance the visibility and impact of Institute initiatives researchers and various outputs.
• Build and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders including vendors partners service providers and collaborators (e.g. designers translators and printers).
• Support the planning and delivery of events (e.g. meetings workshops and conferences) that support the Institutes strategic objectives including logistical and communications support.
• Maintain and update the Institutes content management systems (e.g. SharePoint) to ensure accessible and well-organized documentation.
• Provide coordination and administrative support to Institute staff including managing staff calendars scheduling meetings preparing materials (e.g. agendas and minutes) coordinating travel arrangements and general clerical duties as needed.
• Represent the Institute at meetings events and conferences as required to support community engagement and promote Institute priorities and initiatives.
• Contribute to special projects and cross-cutting initiatives that advance the Institutes mandate and strategic goals.

Qualifications :

• Completion of a recognized post-secondary degree program in communications public relations knowledge mobilization or a related field required.
  • Masters degree an asset 
• At least Five (5) years of relevant experience or an equivalent combination of education training and experience required.
•  A background in science or health research communication is considered an asset.
• Demonstrated experience in communications and stakeholder engagement including the development of digital and print content with strong knowledge of knowledge mobilization principles and practices.
• Knowledge of the Canadian health research and/or healthcare environment with the ability to create and adapt content for both specialized and general audiences (e.g. researchers clinicians and the public).
• Proven ability to develop implement and evaluate communications plans and initiatives that align with organizational priorities and strategic objectives.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills including the ability to produce clear concise and accurate materials and to communicate with professionalism discretion and sound judgment.
• Strong organizational and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• High level of attention to detail and commitment to accuracy quality and consistency across all outputs.
• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills with the ability to work effectively with diverse stakeholders including senior leadership researchers and external partners.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team environment with a proactive and solutions-oriented approach.
• Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Office applications (e.g. Outlook Teams SharePoint Word Excel PowerPoint Forms) Adobe Acrobat graphic design and social media tools (e.g. Adobe Creative Cloud applications Canva LinkedIn) with demonstrated ability to quickly learn new software and tools.
• Ability to work in a hybrid environment with a minimum of 3-4 days per week on-site at the downtown Toronto office.
• Ability to travel outside of Toronto for multi-day periods and to work flexible hours including occasional evenings and weekends to support/attend events and meetings.
• Knowledge of the Canadian cancer research landscape and key stakeholders is an asset.
• Bilingualism (English/French) is considered an asset.

Additional Information :

Why join UHN
In addition to working alongside some of the most talented and inspiring healthcare professionals in the world UHN offers a wide range of benefits programs and perks. It is the comprehensiveness of these offerings that makes it a differentiating factor allowing you to find value where it matters most to you now and throughout your career at UHN.

• Competitive offer packages
• Government organization and a member of the Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan (HOOPP  access to Transit and UHN shuttle service
• A flexible work environment
• Opportunities for development and promotions within a large organization
• Additional perks (multiple corporate discounts including: travel restaurants parking phone plans auto insurance discounts on-site gyms etc.)

Current UHN employees must have successfully completed their probationary period have a good employee record along with satisfactory attendance in accordance with UHNs attendance management program to be eligible for consideration.

All applications must be submitted before the posting close date.

UHN uses email to communicate with selected candidates.  Please ensure you check your email regularly.

Please be advised that a Criminal Record Check may be required of the successful candidate. Should it be determined that any information provided by a candidate be misleading inaccurate or incorrect UHN reserves the right to discontinue with the consideration of their application.

UHN is an equal opportunity employer committed to an inclusive recruitment process and workplace. Requests for accommodation can be made at any stage of the recruitment process. Applicants need to make their requirements known.

We thank all applicants for their interest however only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.

Remote Work :

No

Employment Type :

Full-time