Who we are
At Heart & Stroke our mission is to promote health, save lives and enhance recovery. We are committed to a culture that exemplifies our core values: champion health, practice humility, embrace change, drive impact, learn and grow and be heartfelt as we work together to beat heart disease and stroke.
We believe in equity, diversity and inclusion ― it’s embedded in our values and core mission work to support all people in Canada to lead healthier lives. We are committed to applying this principle to cultivate a welcoming environment that embraces diversity among our employees. Candidates from diverse backgrounds, including but not limited to, Indigenous peoples, racialized communities, 2SLGBTQIA+ communities, women, and people living with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
To learn more about our mission, values, commitment to EDI, and the difference Heart & Stroke makes in the lives of people in Canada at every age, please visit our website.
The opportunity
Please note Heart & Stroke offers a hybrid work option. Candidates can work from anywhere in Western Canada (MB, SK, AB and BC).
The key accountabilities of this position is to:
Offer strategic communications counsel to internal regional teams; develop, recommend and execute communications tactics to build awareness and raise the profile of Heart & Stroke (e.g., communications plans, earned media pitching, social media content, written materials, etc.)
As a member of Heart & Stroke’s communications team, the role works closely with all Western Canada employees and the national communications and marketing teams to support mass marketing campaigns and media outreach across the region for key national campaigns.
How you will make an impact every day
Plans and executes all communications activities for the region
Develops/adapts and implements communications plans and strategies for the region in order to increase the profile of Heart & Stroke’s work in research, health promotion, recovery, advocacy, fundraising and partnering with medical experts and people with lived experience.
Evaluates each situation and determines the most appropriate way(s) to communicate applying communications best practices (media pitches and advisories, news releases and statements, op-eds and letters to the editor, social media content, etc.).
Collaboratively and cooperatively supports internal teams as an expert communications advisor to develop and implement communications strategies and activities that support their goals. This may include: communications support for events (not event management), as well as recognition and stewardship programs.
Serves as the primary relationship manager for medical experts and people with lived experience within the Western Canada region (BC, AB, SK, MB).
Assist with the identification of speakers, campaign ambassadors, media spokespeople, etc. (i.e., medical experts, people with lived experience) for Heart & Stroke-related events and campaigns.
Develops personal “stories” of people with lived experience, donors, healthcare providers, researchers and volunteers in the region for website content and social media.
Supports in-person events (i.e., researcher lab tours, provincial government relations events, research grant announcements, etc.) as needed.
Public & Media Relations
Leverages strategic public relations tactics to support regional and national brand image, including: writing (or adapting from templates) key messages, news releases, fact sheets, op-eds, letters to the editor, spokespersons’ Q&As, FAQs, etc.
Recruits and fosters relationships with influential partners to serve as a Heart & Stroke ambassador where needed (e.g., celebrities, media personalities, social media influencers, etc.).
Who we need
Education
University or College degree in communications, public relations, marketing or business; or related technical degree and combination of equivalent extensive background with strong communications and marketing experience.
Experience
Experience working with external suppliers, specifically PR professionals, event managers, writers, designers, print production, digital and social media.
Skills
Knowledge of communications processes, techniques and activities, including research, strategy, implementation and evaluation.
Superior verbal communications and interpersonal skills, with the ability to deal with all levels of staff, volunteers and suppliers, providing impeccable customer service.
Dedicated team player possessing an unflappable positive ‘can do’ attitude, with demonstrated innovation, creativity and resourcefulness in the form of continuous improvement to internal processes, able to work independently and to collaborate.
What we offer
At Heart & Stroke, we make it a priority to foster a culture of caring by implementing practices and programs that foster respect, compassion, trust and attentiveness to our own and others’ health and well-being. This role offers a hiring range of $80,000 to $94,000, aligned with our compensation framework and your professional background.
We believe that time off is integral to the personal health and wellness of our employees. We offer a generous paid time-off package including vacation days, personal days, wellness days, and paid company-wide closure between December 25 and January 1. We also provide competitive health, medical, dental and vision benefits, life insurance, disability benefits, an employee assistance program (EAP) and a defined contribution pension plan with employer matching. Our employees also enjoy a flexible hybrid working model and reimbursement for mobile phones and home office setup, as well as opportunities for professional development.
Apply now
If you want to join the fight to beat heart disease and stroke, please apply by sending your resume by June 10, 2026. Applicants must be currently residing in Canada and legally entitled to work in Canada.
Only those candidates that qualify will be selected for an interview. Interviews may be conducted virtually or in-person. Selected candidates will be notified in advance if an in-person interview is required.
Accommodation
We are committed to fostering an inclusive, barrier-free and accessible environment. If you have been contacted for an interview and require accommodation to participate in the recruitment and selection process, please let us know and we will do our best to address your needs.
