Title: Senior Communications Specialist
Department: Marketing
Reports to: Manager, Marketing
Salary Level: $82,000 - $90,000 per annum
Existing Vacancy: No
Location: 2075 Bayview Ave, North York, ON M4N 3M5 (K-Wing)
Who We Are
Sunnybrook Foundation inspires lasting support for Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, one of Canada’s largest and most dynamic health science centres impacting the lives of the more than 1.1 million patients it sees each year. Sunnybrook is ranked #3 in Canada and #30 worldwide in Newsweek Magazine’s World’s Best Hospitals 2026 list. This is the eighth consecutive year Sunnybrook has received this recognition.
Together with our donor community, Sunnybrook Foundation raises critical funds for Sunnybrook’s world class academic health sciences centre to achieve our shared vision to invent the future of health care. With ambitious goals ahead, the Foundation is committed to continuing to grow our results and impact as we help Sunnybrook to raise sights, uncover new possibilities, develop talent, and deliver exceptional care.
We are one team in pursuit of a common purpose – to inspire lasting support for Sunnybrook – and we are guided by our values: Build Connectedness, Act with Integrity, Meaningful Collaboration and Strive for Excellence.
Why Join Us
At Sunnybrook Foundation, purpose and passion drive us. We lead with our values and know that our diversity makes us stronger. Here, your work will help raise funds to shape the future of one of the world’s best hospitals, contributing to innovation and a profound impact on the communities we serve. You will collaborate, learn, and grow with a team united in our ambition.
Position Overview
The Senior Communications Specialist is responsible for planning and executing public relations and social media initiatives that enhance Sunnybrook Foundation’s leadership and reputation, increase awareness of its philanthropic impact, and support fundraising priorities. Working closely with the Marketing Manager and the Foundation’s PR agency, this role leads the execution of earned media opportunities, manages the Foundation’s LinkedIn presence, and supports the development of speaking notes for various events.
Key Duties and Responsibilities
Public Relations & Media Relations
• Manage the day-to-day relationship with the Foundation’s public relations agency, ensuring projects are delivered on time and aligned with strategic objectives.
• Lead the execution of earned media opportunities for transformational gifts, fundraising campaigns, research breakthroughs, patient stories, and Foundation announcements.
• Identify, develop, and pitch compelling stories that showcase the impact of philanthropy at Sunnybrook.
• Draft and review media materials, including news releases, media advisories, key messages, Q&As, and briefing documents.
• Coordinate media interviews, media training, announcements, and other public relations activities.
• Monitor and report on media coverage, providing recommendations to optimize results.
Social Media
• Manage the day-to-day planning, content creation, publishing, and reporting for the Sunnybrook Foundation LinkedIn channel, with the support of other key stakeholders within the marketing team and Foundation.
• Develop engaging content that highlights donor impact, thought leadership, research innovation, fundraising initiatives, and organizational milestones.
• Monitor social media performance and recommend opportunities to increase engagement and reach.
• Collaborate with the Hospital Strategic Communications team to coordinate the social media calendar.
Transformational & Major Gifts Communications
• Support transformational and major gift announcement by coordinating earned and owned communications across multiple channels.
• Collaborate with internal teams to develop key messages and ensure messaging is consistent and aligned with the Foundation’s mission.
• Collaborate with VP, Marketing & Community Giving on selected internal communication deliverables.
Speaking Notes
• Lead the development of speaking notes for various events in close collaboration with key stakeholders and manage the approval process.
Collaboration
• Work collaboratively with Foundation departments, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre partners, external agencies, and vendors to support communications objectives.
Qualifications and Competencies
Below are qualifications and competencies we believe the successful candidate will need for this role:
- Bachelor’s degree in communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing, or a related field.
- Minimum 5–7 years of progressive experience in public relations, media relations, communications, or social media.
- Experience managing external PR agencies and integrated communications initiatives.
- Demonstrated success securing earned media coverage and developing strategic communications plans.
- Experience managing LinkedIn or other corporate social media channels.
- Experience writing speaking notes.
- Experience in healthcare, philanthropy, or the not-for-profit sector is considered an asset.
- Exceptional writing, editing, and storytelling skills.
- Strong media relations and social media expertise.
- Excellent project management, organization, and stakeholder management skills.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities while meeting tight deadlines.
- Strong analytical skills, with experience measuring communications performance.
- Collaborative, proactive, and highly detail oriented.
Total Rewards Package
This role has been evaluated with an annual salary range of $82,000-$122,000. The hiring range for this position is $82,000-$90,000 per annum. The salary will be determined based on the successful candidate’s years of experience, qualifications and competencies that are relevant to this position.
In addition to salary, our competitive compensation package also includes, comprehensive health and dental benefits, HOOPP (Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan), hybrid work environment with a minimum of two (2) days in office, two (2) float days each fiscal year and additional Sunny Days (paid Foundation office closures around select long weekends and in late December).
We thank all applicants in advance. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted. Sunnybrook Foundation does not use AI to screen job applications.
We know that everyone’s career journey looks a bit different and experience comes in many forms. If you’re unsure whether your experience matches all of the requirements but still think this would be a great fit, we encourage you to apply.
Sunnybrook Foundation values equity, diversity and inclusion within the workplace and is committed to fostering a work environment where employees can bring their whole selves to work, are valued for their diversity, and feel a sense of belonging.
Sunnybrook Foundation is committed to providing an inclusive and accessible recruitment experience for all candidates. If you require accommodations at any stage of the hiring process, please let us know when you are contacted.