WHO WE ARE? 

The pan-Canadian Pharmaceutical Alliance (pCPA) brings together provincial, territorial, and federal governments for the purpose of increasing and managing access to clinically relevant and cost-effective medicines. Through collective negotiations, the pCPA has realized overall savings (as of April 1, 2025) for governments of $3.94 billion annually for brand name drugs and $935 million annually for generic drugs totaling $4.87 billion annually.  The pCPA offers a 100% remote (within Canada) work environment.  

ABOUT THE ROLE  

Reporting to the executive director, Partner Relations and Communications, the director, Communications is responsible for establishing and overseeing the strategic planning and operational requirements of the pCPA’s communications function. They lead the development, execution and evaluation of initiatives that align with the organization’s mandate and objectives. This role requires a blend of strategic thinking, positioning and branding expertise, and corporate acumen.  

A skilled communicator and relationship builder, the director, Communications works to maintain and elevate the pCPA’s profile, voice, and reputation with partner organizations, governments, and others within and beyond the Canadian pharmaceutical ecosystem.  

SPECIFIC DELIVERABLES AND AUTHORITIES 

Communications  

• Leads and executes communications, brand management, and web strategies in alignment with organizational goals.  

• Identifies, analyses and monitors partner, public and media attitudes that could impact the Canadian pharmaceutical ecosystem.  

• Provides counsel and advice to the leadership team and Board of Directors.  

• Leads and oversees the development of a range of products and compelling narratives (campaigns, web and social media content, news releases, media kits, briefs, etc.), working in conjunction with relevant divisions.  

• Leads or oversees the development of speeches and presentations and assists with public appearances.  

• Leads or oversees media relations activities.  

• Fosters and maintains relationships with key partners (partner organizations, government, public, media, etc.)  

• Assists the executive director, Partner Relations and Communications with the development and execution of special projects.  

Issue management 

• Provides ongoing analysis of public and partner opinion and sentiment concerning the organization and its activities.  

• Anticipates and prepares for potential issues and emerging trends.  

• Proactively and reactively leads and oversees the development, execution and evaluation of timely issue management and risk mitigation strategies.  

• Collaborates with relevant teams to develop and manage public messaging and media relations strategies.  

Portfolio and team management  

• Establishes the priorities for the portfolio.  

• Assess and review all communications activities through a metrics-driven approach to deliver maximum impact, while ensuring appropriate allocation of resources.  

• Leads or supports budget planning for communications activities.  

• Supervises a cross-functional team of direct reports, consultants and independent contractors (communications, translation, web, multimedia, etc.)  

• Establishes priorities of work assignments, monitors progress, reviews products and ensures products are delivered in a timely matter.   

• Hires, trains and evaluates direct reports.  

• Supports team development by providing training, mentorship, and growth opportunities to enhance team members’ skills. 

Accountability  

• Accountable to the executive director, Partner Relations and Communications. 

QUALIFICATIONS  

Education and experience  

• A minimum of five (5) years of senior leadership experience in communications, leading both teams and portfolios.  

• Post-secondary education in communications, public relations, or related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.   

• Demonstrated experience in building and overseeing integrated communications strategies.   

Skills and abilities   

• Exceptional written and verbal communications skills in both English and French are required. 

• Demonstrated ability to engage with a wide variety of partners (organizations, interest groups, opinion leaders, etc.) and build meaningful, mutually benefiting relationships.  

• Demonstrated ability to inspire and motivate teams toward shared objectives, while providing effective leadership and guidance to direct reports and supporting organizational goals. 

• Demonstrated ability to foster a supportive and inclusive work environment by practising empathy, strengthening team relationships, and maintaining high levels of engagement. 

• Deep understanding of the Canadian public policy and healthcare landscape.   

• Deep understanding of legislative and regulatory processes. 

• Deep understanding of UX design and web accessibility best practices.  

• Deep understanding of media relations. 

• Deep understanding of privacy protection laws and best practices, and with freedom of information acts.  

• Strong strategic thinking skills.  

• Strong business and digital acumen.  

Employment terms    

• The hiring salary range for this full-time permanent position is $ 135,000 to $ 155,000. This range reflects the salary for candidates with varying experience levels, job knowledge, and qualifications relevant to the position. Specific offers will be based on individual backgrounds and qualifications.   

• The pCPA provides employees with a comprehensive group benefits package from the first day of employment.   

• The ideal candidate must be legally eligible to work in Canada and can work from any location within Canada.      

• This position requires frequent travel in different provinces and territories, including periodic multi-day, overnight trips.   

If you are interested in this position, please submit your resume and cover letter in one PDF document, using the naming convention “FirstName LastName – Director, Communications” and address it to the manager, HR and Office Administration by the end of Wednesday, December 17, 2025. Due to the pCPA’s holiday schedule, the next steps in the recruitment process will resume in January 2026. We appreciate your patience, and we look forward to connecting with you in the new year. 

We thank all those who apply; however, only those chosen for further consideration will be contacted.   

The pCPA is an equal-opportunity employer. In accordance with the Accessible Canada Act, 2019, and all applicable provincial accessibility standards, the pCPA will provide accommodation for applicants with disabilities upon request throughout the recruitment, selection, and/or assessment process.