Job Description

Please note this role will work in a hybrid environment. The successful candidate must be located near a Canadian Blood Services site and will be working a mixture of on-site and off-site work based on the parameters for our operations to meet the needs of our donors, our staff and our communities. Currently, employees are expected to have an in-person presence for at least 40% of their work time. This requirement may vary depending upon circumstances.

Job category: Communications, marketing and public affairs
Job posting ID: 8515

​Employment status: Temporary full-time (four - year term)
Position's anticipated start date: 2026-04-27
Position's anticipated end date: 2030-03-29

Classification: PTS
Salary/Rate of pay: $86,400 to $101,700

Application deadline: 2026-04-09

• This external job posting may close earlier than the advertised deadline. We recommend applying as soon as possible.

Application requirements:

• Your up-to-date resume.
• Job specific cover letter.
• We recommend you save a copy of the job posting for reference throughout the recruitment process.

Do you currently work for Canadian Blood Services? All employees must apply via the internal career page

Together, the work we do connects people and changes lives — including your own.

Be part of a dynamic, collaborative and caring organization committed to saving and improving lives. Thousands of patients depend on us every day for reliable access to safe blood, plasma, stem cells and organs and tissues. 

If you’re looking for a rewarding experience with a values and mission-driven team, join Canada’s Lifeline and discover a role where your work is meaningful, your purpose is clear, and your impact is felt every day.

We acknowledge that the work of Canadian Blood Services spans many Territories and Treaty areas across the country, and we are grateful for the Traditional Knowledge Keepers and Elders who have guided us in this important work. We recognize the land and waters that have inspired our work and offer gratitude to those Indigenous peoples on whose territory we work, live and play.

About the role

Canadian Blood Services is looking for a Temporary full-time (four - year term) Specialist, Strategic Communication to join our dynamic Internal Communications team in our Donor Engagement and Corporate Reputation division.

In this role, you will be accountable for the planning, development and production of communications plans, strategies, and materials in support of Canadian Blood Services' brand and its corporate goals, and leverage various communications channels to reach designated audiences.

You will be part of a national Communications team that produces high-quality, engaging and brand-aligned materials including, but not limited to, key messages, media pitches, news releases, web content, and speaking notes. You will be accountable for the accuracy and consistency of information related to these files. As a member of the Donor Engagement and Corporate Reputation division, you will work closely with and provide communications guidance to your colleagues across the broader team.

In this highly collaborative role, you will require excellent relationship-building skills, as you will also work with other divisions and groups to promote, educate and inform various audiences about Canadian Blood Services' vital work in meeting patient needs.

Formula for success

• Leveraging your excellent communications skills, you will lead integrated communications strategies that elevate the organization’s priorities related to blood, plasma, stem cells, organs and tissues, and research and innovation.
• Spot critical moments and opportunities to shape how key learnings, research and medical insights are shared internally and externally.
• Turn complex information into compelling and accessible content that showcases real‑world impact and organizational value.
• Drive strategic amplification of key examples of the organization's outputs, innovations, and thought leadership for identified audiences and on relevant channels.
• Align communications strategies and tactics with enterprise goals, brand positioning, and executive priorities.
• Drawing from your experience you will stay ahead of emerging trends in health, science, and innovation communications to continuously refine strategy.
• Champion research and innovation achievements to strengthen the organization’s reputation as a leader in innovation.
• Translate scientific, technical, and medical content into clear, engaging language for non‑expert audiences.
• Utilizing your superb communications skills, you will develop factual, evidence‑informed messaging that balances accuracy with clarity and actionability.
• Proactively identify and pursue media opportunities to spotlight the organization's contributions to Canadian health-care, safety, research and innovation, and improvements donor experience.
• Create media materials—including releases, key messages, Q&As, and backgrounders—and prepare spokespeople for media engagements.
• Monitor the media landscape to identify trends, issues, and potential risks related to Canadian Blood Services and its corporate reputation.

Desired education and skills

• Post-Secondary level education in a relevant discipline from a recognized academic institution is essential, preferably in Public Relations, Journalism, Communications or related field.
• Five (5) years of communications-related experience; minimum 3 years of other related experience.
• Exceptional writing and storytelling skills, strong familiarity with the Canadian Press stylebook. Experience in science communications or journalism would be a strong asset. Health care and/or biopharma or agency experience is an asset.
• Demonstrated ability to create clear and compelling content from complex information for target audiences.
• An equivalent combination of education, training and experience may be considered.

What we offer you

• Percent in lieu of vacation and benefits.
• Annual performance award up to 6%.
• Defined benefit pension plan.
• Employee discounts, wellness program, professional resources.

What you can expect

• This role will work in a hybrid environment with requirements to be onsite at Canadian Blood Services location 40% of the time/2 days of the week.
• You will work Monday to Friday, 37.5 hours per week/7.5 hours per day.
• You may be required to travel a couple times per year, and as required.

Diversity and inclusion play a vital role in ensuring health equity for patients across Canada. We are committed to reflecting Canada’s population in our organization and fostering an environment where all employees can be their authentic selves, with equal opportunities to succeed and contribute.

If this role resonates with you, we encourage you to apply by providing your up-to-date resume. This could be your first step towards a meaningful and inspiring career. Come to work each day knowing that you save lives.

We thank all applicants for their interest. However, only those considered for an interview or those invited to participate in an assessment will be contacted. Emails are sent directly from our system, to ensure you receive them please add donotreply@blood.ca and system@successfactors.com to your safe senders list.

Applicants who require accommodation should discuss their needs with us.

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