Senior Communications Specialist

Senior Communications Specialist Permanent Position

College of Pharmacists of Manitoba (CPhM)

The College of Pharmacists of Manitoba (CPhM) is seeking an experienced, strategic, and collaborative communications professional to join our team as Senior Communications Specialist.

Reporting to the Chief Operations Officer, the Senior Communications Specialist leads the development and implementation of communication strategies that support CPhM's mandate, strategic priorities, and commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, and reconciliation. This role oversees a broad range of communication activities, including media relations, public affairs, social media, publications, events, educational modules, presentations, and internal communications.

The Senior Communications Specialist also provides leadership and mentorship to the Communications Coordinator and collaborates across all departments to ensure communication initiatives effectively support organizational goals.

If you are a strategic communicator with exceptional writing, leadership, and relationship-building skills, and you are passionate about supporting public interest through effective communication, we encourage you to apply.

This is a full-time permanent position, Monday to Friday, 37.5 hours per week. A hybrid work model is available. CPhM offers a competitive salary, comprehensive benefits, employer contributions to a retirement savings plan, and opportunities for professional development.

About the College of Pharmacists of Manitoba

CPhM is Manitoba's pharmacy regulatory and licensing authority. Its legislated mandate is to serve and protect the public interest by ensuring pharmacy professionals are qualified to provide safe, ethical, and competent care.

CPhM operates on an annual cycle with a broad range of projects and responsibilities throughout the year. Staff work collaboratively in a supportive environment and are united by a commitment to the public interest and the organization's guiding principles of accountability, equity, person-centered care, collaboration, inclusivity, and integrity.

About the Role

The Senior Communications Specialist is responsible for leading and advancing CPhM's strategic communications function. The role oversees communication planning and implementation across internal and external audiences, supports organizational initiatives through effective communication strategies, and ensures consistent, accessible, and engaging messaging across all communication channels.

The Senior Communications Specialist serves as a key communications advisor, leads media and crisis communications activities, oversees digital strategy and analytics, manages major publications and reporting initiatives, and supports organizational change management through effective communication planning.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Editorial and Internal Communications

• Organize and lead editorial planning activities
• Develop, refine, and implement communication guides to ensure consistent publication standards across the organization
• Oversee the strategic direction of internal publications, including Friday Five and quarterly newsletters
• Identify and implement strategies to increase registrant engagement and readership

Digital Strategy and Data

• Oversee digital analytics reporting and monitor communication performance indicators
• Maintain and refine website and social media strategies, including content planning, scheduling, engagement, and reporting
• Manage digital transformation projects in collaboration with internal departments, consultants, and vendors
• Ensure communication platforms remain accessible, effective, and aligned with organizational objectives
• Oversee the Cybersecurity Communications Plan in alignment with IT and data protection protocols

Media, Public Relations, and Crisis Communications

• Monitor provincial and national media coverage relevant to pharmacy regulation and CPhM
• Lead media relations activities and serve as spokesperson when designated
• Develop key messages, media protocols, briefing materials, and communication plans
• Design and implement media relations strategies and media training for leadership and Council
• Oversee communications and logistics for webinars and external meetings
• Lead crisis communications planning and response activities to support and protect organizational reputation, credibility, and public trust

Leadership and Staff Oversight

• Provide day-to-day guidance, mentorship, and support to the Communications Coordinator
• Foster a collaborative environment that encourages learning, accountability, and professional growth
• Conduct annual performance reviews for the Communications Coordinator
• Review and approve communication materials, articles, strategies, and social media content
• Provide ongoing coaching and feedback to support skill development

Organizational Planning and Reporting

• Develop annual report strategies and oversee report production
• Coordinate Strategic Plan reporting processes, including collection of organizational data and preparation of Council and public-facing materials
• Monitor and escalate emerging issues that may affect communication priorities
• Lead change management communication strategies that support organizational initiatives
• Contribute to cross-departmental projects and organization-wide communication planning

Strategic Initiatives

• Identify, lead, and implement special projects that strengthen CPhM's communications capacity and effectiveness
• Perform additional duties or projects as assigned

About You

EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE

• Post-secondary education in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, or a related discipline, or an equivalent combination of education and experience
• Professional certifications related to communications, crisis communications, digital marketing, media relations, or related fields are considered an asset
• Minimum five years of progressive communications experience, preferably in a regulatory, healthcare, public sector, or professional environment

EXPERIENCE, KNOWLEDGE, AND SKILLS

• Exceptional writing, editing, and proofreading skills
• Demonstrated ability to adapt messaging, voice, and tone for diverse audiences
• Experience creating and managing multi-channel content across digital, print, and social platforms
• Experience planning and executing strategic communication initiatives
• Strong understanding of media relations, stakeholder communications, and public engagement
• Experience managing websites and content management systems, such as WordPress
• Experience with virtual communication platforms, including Microsoft Teams, Zoom, and GoTo Meeting
• Proficiency with Microsoft 365, Adobe Creative Suite, and analytics and reporting tools
• Strong organizational and project management skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining attention to detail
• Strong interpersonal and collaboration skills

PROFESSIONAL QUALITIES

• Demonstrated leadership, initiative, and strategic thinking
• Strong commitment to accuracy, quality, confidentiality, and accountability
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and collaborative skills
• Highly organized with strong project management abilities
• Professional, ethical, and able to exercise sound judgment and discretion
• Adaptable, resourceful, and committed to fostering a positive team environment

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Permanent, 1.00 FTE; Monday to Friday, 37.5 hours per week
• Hybrid work model available
• Occasional travel and attendance at offsite meetings, presentations, or events may be required

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

• Must be legally entitled to work in Canada
• Provide a satisfactory criminal record check upon hire

HOW TO APPLY

Apply Online:

CPhM values diversity and inclusion and encourages all qualified applicants to apply. Applications will be reviewed as they are received until the position is filled. We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.