Manager, Communications

Position Title: Manager, Communications

Reports to: Chief Executive Officer

Job Purpose

The Communications Manager leads the Canadian Orthopaedic Association (COA)’s national communications portfolio, shaping how we inform, engage, and support our members, partners, and the broader musculoskeletal community. Reporting to the CEO, this role oversees internal and external communications, brand consistency, media relations, and the development of high‑quality bilingual content that reflects the full diversity of Canada’s orthopaedic community.

The Manager is a strategic thinker and skilled communicator who thrives in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment. They bring exceptional organizational, analytical, and project management abilities, ensuring that all communications align with the COA Mission, strategic priorities, and brand standards.

Key Responsibilities

1. Member Communications & Publications

• Lead the planning, writing, and distribution of the weekly COA newsletter, the Annual Report, and all recurring member communications (email blasts, program announcements, campaign materials).
• Oversee the full management of the Ortho Insider Podcast, including episode planning support, guest coordination, production workflows, promotional strategy, and integration into broader COA communications and content plans.
• Manage the production cycle of the COA Bulletin (biannual online journal), including editorial planning, contributor coordination, copyediting, layout review, and publication timelines.
• Ensure all content is accurate, timely, strategically aligned, and maintains a consistent, professional, and engaging editorial voice.

2. Digital, Social Media & Web Presence

• Develop and execute the COA’s social media strategy across all platforms.
• Create bilingual content (graphics, captions, campaigns) that reflects COA values and strengthensbrand visibility.
• Monitor engagement, track and report analytics, and adjust strategy to maximize reach and impact.
• Maintain and update the COA website (WordPress), ensuring accuracy, accessibility, and alignment with brand and strategic priorities.

3. Brand, Marketing & Campaign Strategy

• Create strategic communication and marketing plans for COA services, programs, events, and initiatives.
• Plan and manage the design, content, production, and distribution of all marketing materials.
• Uphold COA brand standards and ensure bilingual consistency and accessibility across all channels.
• Develop content calendars, campaign plans, and storytelling strategies that build member loyalty and brand awareness.

4. Media Relations, Advocacy & Public Visibility

• Serve as the primary contact for media inquiries.
• Draft media statements, key messages, and briefing notes.
• Arrange and support media interviews; coordinate media training for COA leadership and spokespeople.
• Build and maintain relationships with journalists and health-sector media.
• Support advocacy initiatives with clear, compelling messaging, including briefs, infographics, and member-facing updates.
• Prepare detailed media activity reports and track performance indicators.

5. Events, Committees & Organizational Support

• Lead the planning and execution of Orthopaedic Care Day communications, including campaign strategy, content calendars, social media assets, videos, storytelling, and post-event analytics.
• Collaborate with the CEO, staff, committees, and partners on communications planning, design, and delivery.
• Provide staff support to committees and affiliate groups with communications mandates.
• Manage multiple projects simultaneously with strong attention to detail; supervise content development to ensure all materials are publication-ready.
• Coordinate special projects as assigned by the CEO.

Qualifications

• Degree in Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, or related field.
• 3–5+ years of experience in communications, ideally in a health, association, or nonprofit environment.
• Exceptional writing and editing skills in English; strong French proficiency is a significant asset.
• Experience managing newsletters, social media platforms, and publication workflows.
• Familiarity with media relations, including drafting statements and coordinating interviews.
• Ability to translate complex information into clear, engaging content.
• Strong project management skills with the ability to juggle multiple deadlines.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and website maintenance (WordPress).
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate with internal and external stakeholders at all levels.
• Ability to manage sensitive issues with tact and diplomacy.
• Comfort with flexible work schedules (evening meetings, some weekends, and travel).

Key Attributes

• Strategic thinker with strong attention to detail.
• Creative storyteller with a polished, professional voice.
• Proactive, organized, and able to work independently.
• Strong team player committed to innovation and cross-functional collaboration.
• Passionate about healthcare, education, and advocacy.

Working Conditions

This is a full-time, fully remote position (minimum 37.5 hours per week). The Communications Manager must live and work in Canada and be located within one to two hours of Eastern Time (ET) to ensure alignment with team schedules and member activities. Availability during core ET working hours (9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.) is required.

This role requires regular participation in virtual meetings and occasional in-person events. Overnight travel (approximately 10–15 days per year) is required for meetings, conferences, and events. Some evening and weekend work is required to support COA events, time-sensitive communications, and national initiatives; time-in-lieu is pre-approved by the CEO.

Physical requirements include extended periods of desk and computer work, with the ability to take breaks as needed, and occasional lifting/packing of materials for events.

Why Join the COA?

• Shape the national voice of Canada’s orthopaedic community through high-impact communications.
• Lead flagship initiatives such as Care Day, the COA Bulletin, and the Ortho Insider Podcast.
• Collaborate with surgeons, researchers, educators, and health-system leaders across the country.
• Contribute to meaningful advocacy, education, and knowledge-sharing initiatives.
• Join a small, agile, supportive team with national reach and a strong sense of purpose.

To Apply

Please submit a detailed résumé and cover letter with salary expectations to: Cynthia Vezina, CEO – cynthia@canorth.org

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.