Communications Manager

THE ORGANIZATION

Since 1962, the University Hospital Foundation (UHF) has been a catalyst for health innovation and impact across Alberta and beyond. Established to advance patient care, research, and education at the University of Alberta Hospital, UHF has grown into one of Canada’s most respected hospital foundations. The Foundation proudly supports the University of Alberta Hospital, the Mazankowski Alberta Heart Institute, and the Kaye Edmonton Clinic, fueling medical breakthroughs, transformative treatments, and compassionate care that improve countless lives.

UHF exists to bridge community generosity with world-class healthcare and research. Through its bold Ignite 2030 strategic plan, the Foundation is reimagining how philanthropy can shape the future of health. This ten-year roadmap focuses on four strategic imperatives—Partnership Impact, Thought Leadership, Revenue Generation, and Health Ecosystem Leadership, positioning UHF to drive innovation, strengthen collaboration, and create measurable impact across the healthcare landscape.

The Foundation’s culture is defined by courage, collaboration, and integrity. Recognized as a High Performer by the Association for Healthcare Philanthropy and accredited by Imagine Canada, UHF operates with professionalism, transparency, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. Joining the University Hospital Foundation means becoming part of a purpose-driven, high-impact organization where leadership, innovation, and compassion converge to create lasting change in healthcare.

Our purpose

Our purpose is to continuously seek, inspire and lead bold solutions to seemingly insurmountable challenges and ignite new discoveries in health.

Our values

• We respect our partners – those who support the Foundation, and those who work with us and for us.
• We are trusted stewards of community members’ generous donations.
• We are persistent advocates for health and better health outcomes.
• We are brave and courageous, willing to be disruptive, ask bold questions, and seek innovative solutions.
• We respect and value diversity of thought, ideas, cultures and contributions.

For more information on the University Hospital Foundation, visit: https://givetouhf.ca.

THE OPPORTUNITY

Reporting to the Director, Marketing and Communication, this newly created role will be instrumental in supporting the development and execution of key thought leadership responsibilities, with a specific focus on elevating UHFs brand profile through proactive media relations and strategic public relations. The efforts of this role will directly contribute to positioning the organization and its leadership as influential voices in the industry.

The Communication Manager will lead the development of comprehensive communication plans, including content planning, internal communications, and communication channels for events, brand campaigns, and digital appeals. They will lead and inspire a team of two communications professionals in developing and deploying impactful storytelling and reporting that raises Foundation awareness and supports donor communications. This role will also actively cultivate key internal and external relationships to act as a catalyst for change, challenge creative norms, and embody the organization’s mindset of being a “what-if-ologist”, driving innovative communication solutions.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Communications Planning:

• Work with the Director, Marketing & Communications to reimagine and elevate our internal and external communications plans to support our Strategic Priorities and Operational Plan.
• Spearhead and develop long-term communications plans that identify opportunities for efficient and effective channels and align with the foundation’s goals.
• Develop and execute a cohesive internal communications strategy to ensure all team members and stakeholders are informed, engaged, and aligned with the Foundation’s purpose, goals, and strategic initiatives.
• Lead and manage communications projects which include developing project plans, managing resources (including budget and team members), tracking progress, identifying and mitigating risks, and communicating effectively with stakeholders throughout the project lifecycle. This will involve managing multiple projects concurrently.
• Foster curiosity and experimentation in collaboration of internal UHF stakeholders including Annual Giving, Strategic Partnerships, Philanthropy, Events and the President’s Office to develop communication materials to support fundraising goals.
• Drive the organization’s Thought Leadership roadmap, planning, and development by planning and creating cohesive, high-impact content. Ensure all communications break through the noise by leveraging our expertise and insights to project a bold, innovative voice across all channels.

Media and Public Relations:

• Drive positive media coverage by building and maintaining strong relationships with journalists and key media outlets.
• Manage media inquiries and arranging interviews and statements by identifying key stakeholders to represent the foundation (internal/patients/doctors, etc.).
• Pioneer strategic PR campaigns to manage and enhance our public image and reputation.
• Building and maintaining relationships with external media and influencers and determining the best avenues to share stories and content with media and influencers.

Content Creation and Thought Leadership:

• Lead the planning, creation, and editing of high-impact content, including strategic news releases, persuasive cases for support, engaging website copy, and compelling internal and external newsletters.
• Ensure absolute consistency and adherence to the organization’s brand identity, voice, and key messaging across all communication materials and channels.
• Act as a catalyst for innovation by staying current with emerging communication trends, digital tools, and technologies to continuously identify and implement new strategies that push the boundaries of our public engagement.

Social Media Management:

• Manage the Foundation’s organic social media strategy and execution by providing direct oversight to a social media specialist. This includes directing the specialist’s activities in content creation, daily posting, performance measurement, and detailed analytics reporting.
• Spearhead the evolution of our digital storytelling, ensuring our content is cutting-edge and establishes a bolder, more distinctive voice for the foundation.
• Collaborate closely with internal teams and subject matter experts to proactively identify and develop key organizational stories and compelling content that directly aligns with the overall social media strategy and enhances audience engagement.
• Leverage story development through social channels for communication planning.

Analytics and Reporting:

• Establish, track, and report on key performance indicators (KPIs) and metrics of success for all PR, media relations, and thought leadership initiatives. This includes measuring the impact of earned media, story placement, and changes in organizational reputation to inform future strategy.
• Increase the number of pitches to media and earned media coverage with mainstream media by sharing the compelling stories of the foundation.
• Continuously improve the effectiveness of our Marketing and Communications materials.

FIRST YEAR – MEASURES OF SUCCESS

• Drive and execute our thought leadership plan, including a PR/media plan and key relationships that position the organization as a trusted voice.
• Refine content planning to better leverage organizational stories across channels, aligned with brand and strategic goals.
• Complete a social media audit and implement a refreshed strategy with the Communications Specialist to boost engagement and consistency.
• Build and roll out an internal communications plan that improves transparency, alignment, and employee engagement.

THE INDIVIDUAL

This is an excellent opportunity for a strategic, innovative, and results-driven communications professional who is passionate about amplifying the voice and impact of a mission-driven organization. The ideal candidate will have a proven ability to develop and execute integrated communications strategies, lead high-impact media and public relations initiatives, and create compelling content that engages both internal and external audiences. Strong project management, storytelling, and analytical skills are essential to drive thought leadership, elevate the Foundation’s profile, and support its fundraising and strategic priorities.

Education

• Post-secondary degree or diploma in communications, public relations, journalism, marketing, or related field.

Experience

• Minimum of five (5) to eight (8) years of progressive experience in a communications role with direct reports.
• Demonstrated success as a Change Agent, with the ability to drive innovation and challenge existing practices while maintaining team alignment and morale.
• Excellent writing, editing, and proofreading skills with impeccable attention to detail.
• Excellent project management skills and the ability to manage and lead multiple priorities.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in media and public relations.
• A collaborative team player able to build strong relationships with colleagues and stakeholders.
• Passion for the non-profit mission and values
• Membership with Canadian Public Relations Society (CPRS) or International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) is an asset.

Competencies and Knowledge

• Proven ability to lead, mentor, and motivate a team of specialists, fostering a collaborative, positive, and “group-win” environment.
• Acts as a strategic advisor and effective facilitator within the broader organizational team, leading projects and guiding communication strategy across departments.
• Demonstrates a high degree of professionalism, self-confidence, and sound judgment to effectively represent and enhance the Foundation’s reputation.
• Superior verbal, written, and presentation skills, including expertise in strategic copywriting, detailed proofreading, and editing. Ability to articulate complex ideas and communication plans clearly to diverse internal and external audiences.
• Strong understanding of media relations and public relations principles necessary to support and execute thought leadership initiatives.
• Highly collaborative team-player with strong interpersonal skills and the proven ability to develop and maintain robust professional relationships with internal stakeholders, donors, and external partners.
• Outstanding organizational and time-management skills with a proven ability to successfully manage multiple competing priorities and projects, adapting quickly to changes and meeting tight deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Exceptional personal responsibility and integrity. Ability to handle extremely sensitive and confidential information with the utmost discretion, tact, and diplomacy.
• Demonstrates superior problem-solving ability and an outcomes-focused, proactive approach to work.

COMPENSATION
An excellent compensation package awaits the successful candidate.

LOCATION
Edmonton, Alberta.

WORK ENVIRONMENT
UHF offers a hybrid work arrangement with two days per week in the office required.

HOW TO APPLY
For the opportunity to join UHF in the role of Communications Manager, please email your resume to DreamBig@profoundtalent.com referencing Position ID # AONK-600616.

Should you have an inquiry regarding this position, please contact Paul Phillips at 587-200-0114 ext. 105 or Max Frank at ext. 102.

For further information on ProFound Talent Inc. please visit: www.profoundtalent.com

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY

ProFound Talent is a woman owned and operated business, recognized and certified by Women Business Enterprise (WBE). We pride ourselves in supporting equity, diversity, and inclusion initiatives in our recruitment processes and in our work environment, where every individual feels valued and respected. We welcome applications from all qualified individuals to which you may confidentially share your accommodation needs at time of application. We will adjust our processes to ensure you have an inclusive, fair, and respectful experience that allows you to represent yourself in your unique and most authentic way.

* We thank all applicants for your submissions, however only candidates being considered for this role will be contacted. *