National Director, Marketing and Communications

We’re excited to share that JDRF Canada is now Breakthrough T1D.

We’re the same organization, with the same mission and determination to realize a world free from type 1 diabetes (T1D) – just with a new name and look that reflects what the T1D community needs now and next.

It’s an exciting time to join Breakthrough T1D as we continue to break barriers to help people better manage the disease and enjoy full, healthy lives. Curing T1D is and always will be our north star and we will not stop until breakthroughs get us to a world free from T1D.

Breakthrough T1D is searching for an experienced leader for the role of National Director, Marketing and Communications to lead our Marketing and Communications team.

If you’re a creative, dynamic and strategic leader who would like to oversee a growing team across the country, please read on to see if this is the right fit for you.

Here’s what your primary responsibilities would be:

· Designs, implements and leads the communications strategy and supporting plans to advance Breakthrough T1Ds brand identity, broaden and increase the visibility of its programs and builds a strong public voice, in collaboration with colleagues at Breakthrough T1D in Canada and Internationally.

· Develops and implements marketing communications initiatives to engage the type 1 diabetes community with compelling messages about all of Breakthrough T1D’s mission work and to support national core fundraising, major gifts, regional fundraising, and corporate partnerships.

· Ensures a strong and dynamic digital presence through the implementation of Breakthrough T1D’s digital marketing strategy, including all paid and organic social content, e-communications, website strategy, content development, and digital fundraising strategy;

· Designs, develops and implements effective communications campaigns across all platforms to meet departmental and organizational objectives of driving awareness, engagement, conversions and revenue growth;

· Creates and executes innovative marketing and public relations strategies, incorporating both traditional and social media.

· Collaborates closely with Breakthrough T1D International Marketing teams, acting as main point of contact from a Marketing Communications perspective, leveraging work being done around the globe and ensures Breakthrough T1D Canada’s brand is aligned to the global brand.

· Oversees the marketing and communications budget, evaluating cost effectiveness of all activities.

Here’s what we’re looking for:

Knowledge/Skills/Experience

· Post Secondary education in Marketing or Communications plus 8 - 10 years of proven experience in marketing communications or an equivalent combination of education and experience

· 3-5 years of experience in nonprofit marketing an asset

· 3-5 years of experience leading a team of direct reports

· Strong understanding of digital marketing is required

· Broad knowledge, experience, and skill in marketing and communications with emphasis on brand management, strategic communications, problem solving, and team building

Working Style

· Self-motivated, personable and service-oriented

· Ability to work within a tight timeline and prioritize in a fast-paced dynamic environment

· Strong written and oral communication skills in order to successfully interact with external vendors and staff within the organization

· Ability to sell ideas and concepts

Other position requirements to note:

· Fluently bilingual (French/English) is a definite asset

· Proficient computer skills in Microsoft office

· Attention to detail while also having the ability to see the “big picture”

The salary range for this role is anticipated to be $110K - $127K, commensurate with skills and experience level of the selected candidate.

Location Preference: Anywhere within Canada

Application Deadline: Please submit your resume through our careers website by June 8, 2026.

About Breakthrough T1D

Breakthrough T1D is the leading type 1 diabetes (T1D) research and advocacy non-profit organization in Canada. As we drive toward curing type 1 diabetes, we help to make every day better for the people who live with it.

Breakthrough T1D (formerly JDRF) began in Canada as a grassroots organization in 1974, when a group of dedicated parents came together with a singular goal of finding a cure for T1D. Since the discovery of insulin, Breakthrough T1D has remained at the forefront of T1D research. Breakthrough T1D is committed to investing in the most promising research, advocating for progress by working with governments to address issues that impact the T1D community, and supporting individuals living with this disease.

Breakthrough T1D has a company culture rooted in our Core Values; Adapt and Thrive, Collaborate, Accountable, Innovate, Act with Purpose – if our core values are exemplified in the way that you work, we might be a great fit for each other.

Here’s a few details about what Breakthrough T1D employees receive:

· Remote-first: Our employees love the convenience and flexibility of working remotely, so all positions are work from home (within Canada).

· Health and Wellness Benefits: Benefits to support your physical and mental health – this includes Manulife group benefits, Maple virtual health care, Not Myself Today to support mentally healthy workplaces and generous paid sick time.

· Professional Development: We want employees to grow within their roles and have a career at Breakthrough T1D, so we practice Career Development Planning and have a budget for paid development opportunities for each employee.

· Other benefits include: Group RRSP Matching Program, winter holiday office closures, flex weeks in the summer and more!

Benefits listed above for regular full-time employees. Not all benefits may be available to part-time or temporary employees.

Recruitment Process: We may review applications as they are received and this position will remain posted until it is filled. Our recruitment process typically includes an initial introductory phone call with an HR team member, and up to two video interviews over MS Teams with the hiring manager and other members of the team. Some positions may require a skills-based evaluation to be completed as a part of the recruitment process. We thank all those applicants that apply, but please note only those selected for an introductory phone call will be contacted after their application is submitted.

Breakthrough T1D strives to foster a workplace that reflects the diversity of the community it serves and welcomes applications from all qualified candidates. Breakthrough T1D is also committed to developing an inclusive, barrier-free selection process and work environment. Please advise if you require any accommodation measures to ensure you will be interviewed in a fair and equitable manner. Information received relating to accommodation requests will be treated with confidentiality.