Associate Director, Strategic Communications and Marketing

Southlake Health Community • Newmarket, ON

11d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Associate Director, Strategic Communications and Marketing plays a leadership role in advancing the Foundation’s brand, reputation, and fundraising success as Southlake Health embarks on a Transformational Campaign. This role reports to the Vice President, Marketing, Brand, and Engagement, serving as a key advisor and providing strategic direction and hands-on leadership across marketing communications, digital engagement, media relations, and hospital alignment. The position also provides system-level insights and impact analysis on major Foundation initiatives. This role is ideal for a strategic leader with deep expertise in marketing, communications, and public relations who thrives in a fast-paced, purpose-driven environment, aiming to shape how the community understands and supports healthcare philanthropy, strengthening trust and driving meaningful impact. Southlake Health is dedicated to building healthy communities through outstanding care, innovative partnerships, and amazing people, delivering a wide range of healthcare services to northern York Region and southern Simcoe County, including advanced regional programs like Cancer Care and Cardiac Care. The organization comprises nearly 6,000 staff, physicians, volunteers, students, and Patient and Family Advisors. Since its inception in 1980, Southlake Health Foundation has raised over $213 million to support life-saving medical equipment, infrastructure upgrades and expansions, and patient programs.

Requirements

• Post-secondary education in Marketing, Communications, Business, or related field (or equivalent experience)
• 8–10 years of progressive leadership experience in marketing, communications, or public affairs
• Strong background in integrated marketing, public relations, and digital strategy
• Exceptional writing, editing, and storytelling skills
• Strategic thinker with hands-on execution ability
• Experience in media relations, reputation management, and crisis communications
• Strong project management and leadership capabilities
• Strategic, analytical, and results-driven
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines
• Diplomatic with strong interpersonal and stakeholder management skills
• Commitment to mission-driven work and community impact
• Regular and reliable attendance is an expected requirement of this position
• Must be able to perform all necessary bona fide duties for the position, as outlined in the position guide
• Must review and be capable of performing duties as outlined in the Job Demands Analysis for the position as a condition of offer
• Proven ability to attend work regularly as per the Attendance Support Policy

Nice To Haves

• Experience in non-profit, healthcare, or complex organizations is an asset

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute integrated marketing and communications strategies aligned with Foundation priorities and fundraising goals
• Lead multi-channel campaigns from concept to execution and evaluation
• Ensure brand consistency, quality, and effectiveness across all platforms
• Use data and analytics to measure performance and inform decision-making
• Partner with fundraising teams to develop compelling campaigns, messaging, and donor communications
• Support donor acquisition, retention, and engagement through strategic storytelling
• Oversee project planning, workflows, and delivery of communications initiatives
• Manage external vendors and partners as needed
• Lead media relations and public relations efforts to elevate awareness and impact
• Identify, develop, and pitch stories across local, regional, and national media
• Support issues management and crisis communications
• Act as a spokesperson when appropriate
• Serve as a strategic liaison with hospital communications teams to ensure alignment and consistency
• Identify opportunities to amplify shared messaging and campaigns
• Navigate complex stakeholder environments with diplomacy and clarity
• Oversee digital marketing strategy across web, email, social, and paid channels
• Guide digital team in planning and executing campaigns
• Monitor performance metrics and optimize engagement strategies
• Lead, coach, and develop a high-performing team of communications, digital, and design professionals
• Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and results-driven team environment
• Support budgeting, resource planning, and operational effectiveness

Benefits

• A people-first workplace environment that prioritizes belonging, wellness, and psychological safety
• Hybrid, virtual, and in-person working environment (where applicable)
• Progressive health and dental benefit plans
• HOOPP pension plan with employer and employee premium sharing
• Enhanced wellness initiatives, including virtual fitness classes and on-site gym memberships

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director