Communications Specialist

"The best prescription I've ever given is a wish."

-Dr. Jeremy Friedman, Associate Paediatrician-in-Chief, SickKids Hospital & Medical Advisor for Make-A-Wish® Canada

WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST WISH?

Is it to be part of an organization that is child-focused, values employee experience and is an inspiring workplace? If so, Make-A-Wish is for you!

Make-A-Wish® Canada creates life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses. We are on a quest to bring every eligible child's wish to life because a wish is an integral part of a child's treatment journey. Research shows children who have wishes granted can build the physical and emotional strength they need to fight a critical illness.

“It’s been wonderful to have this wish to look forward to... It’s wonderful to see [Rowan] with something that brings him pure joy after all he’s been through and missed out on!” –Melissa, mom to wish kid Rowan (age 5, leukemia), who wished for an indoor jungle gym.

MISSION, VISION AND VALUES

Our mission is, together, we create life-changing wishes for children with critical illness.

Supported by our vision to grant the wish of every eligible child.

Our values are Child-Focused, Integrity, Impact, Innovation, and Community.

WHAT’S IN IT FOR YOU?

• Meaningful opportunities to make an impact and change the lives of children with critical illnesses within your community and across Canada
• A collaborative team environment where you feel valued and inspired
• An attractive compensation package that includes group health and dental premiums which are fully covered by the Foundation, RRSP, & Wish paid hours
• Annual vacation starting at three weeks & additional paid leaves
• Work/life balance and flexibility
• Hybrid working environment
• Employee Wellness Program
• Corporate discounts
• Continuous learning, development and internal training opportunities • Fun employee activities, contests, and more!

Make-A-Wish® Canada is committed to fostering a culture that aims to change lives while offering a rewarding employment experience where your contributions make a true difference every day!

WHERE YOU COME IN

We are looking for a Communications Specialist to join our team at Make-A-Wish Canada. Reporting to the Communications Manager, you will be responsible for the development, implementation, execution and coordination of all regional communication activities, with a focus on growing brand awareness in the Atlantic region. This position ensures consistency of message and brand in all communication deliverables while following established policies, procedures and guidelines. The Communications Specialist safeguards the interests of the Foundation to achieve/maintain a positive public image.

This role can be based anywhere in Atlantic Canada and is a full-time, hybrid, permanent position. The hiring range for this role is $57,600-$62,600.

WHAT YOU WILL DO

• Plan and execute marketing and communication strategies for fundraising events that align with organizational goals.
• Ensure all event materials, content, and campaigns meet MAWC brand standards.
• Prepare and implement crisis communication plans as needed.
• Coordinate Integrated Marketing Requests and collaborate closely with development staff.
• Build and maintain relationships with local media, coordinate interviews, and act as spokesperson when needed.
• Distribute press releases, monitor media coverage, and secure local media sponsorships using tools like Meltwater.
• Create, edit, and manage content across social media, event materials, reports, and press releases.
• Supervise volunteer writers and seasonal interns to ensure high-quality, brand-compliant content.
• Collaborate with internal teams, volunteers, committees, and external organizers to support marketing initiatives.
• Maintain media, story, and video archives, and ensure compliance with health and safety regulations.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

WHAT YOU BRING

• Degree or diploma in communications, marketing, public relations, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
• 3–5 years of experience in communications, marketing, or media-related roles.
• Bilingual in French and English (required).
• Proven ability to generate media coverage and confidently engage with media and the public.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, including tact and diplomacy.
• Ability to build relationships with journalists, internal teams, external stakeholders, and wish families.
• Experience developing communications plans, strategies, and tactics.
• Positive, self-motivated, and able to work independently.
• High attention to detail with strong proofreading skills.
• Strategic thinker with the ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines independently.
• Proficiency in MS Office, social media platforms, Canva, Meltwater, Salesforce, and Dropbox is a plus.
• Experience supporting fundraising professionals and handling public relations or brand issues is an asset.
• A clear Criminal Background Check is required.

YOUR WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Hybrid work environment (2 days in-office, 3 days remote per week) with occasional requirement to work outside of traditional office hours.
• Occasional day and/or overnight travel.

Physical/Mental Effort

• Work under pressure of tight deadlines, with a high-volume workload, and with multiple demands & changing priorities.

How to apply

If everything you’ve read so far sounds like you, we encourage you to apply now! The deadline to apply is May 28th, 2026 at 11:59pm EDT.

To apply, please navigate to: https://jobs.dayforcehcm.com/enCA/makeawishca/CANDIDATEPORTAL/jobs/1554

Make-A-Wish Canada provides equal opportunity in employment and encourages applications from all qualified candidates. Reasonable accommodations due to disability are available on request at any stage of the hiring process.

Our Commitment to IDEA

Make-A-Wish Canada (MAWC) is committed to Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access (IDEA). We believe that it is essential to our mission that we build a diverse, balanced, and vibrant workforce that reflects the diversity of the communities we serve and seek to serve. Research has shown that candidates from underrepresented groups often only apply when they feel 100% qualified. Therefore, we ask that even if you do not see yourself fully reflected in every job requirement listed on this posting, to still apply.

Recruitment process

Once applications are reviewed, we will contact our shortlisted candidates. Our typical process includes a phone screen, one or two interviews, and reference checking, followed by an offer and a criminal background check for the successful candidate.

We would like to thank all applicants for their interest in working with us!

ABOUT MAKE-A-WISH® CANADA

In the past 40 years, Make-A-Wish Canada has granted over 40,000 wishes across the country, with over 1,800 of them last year alone. As an independently operating affiliate of Make-A-Wish International, Make-A-Wish Canada is part of the network of the world’s leading children’s wishgranting organization. We serve children in every community in Canada, and in more than 50 countries worldwide.