Public Relations Lead
Job in
Vancouver, BC, Canada
Listing for:
Smart, Savvy + Associates
Full Time
position
Listed on 2026-08-11
Job specializations:
-
Marketing / Advertising / PR
PR / Communications, Marketing Communications, Digital Marketing
Job Description & How to Apply Below
Earned media doesn't happen by accident. It's built through relationships, credibility, and knowing exactly when a story deserves to be told.
Smart, Savvy + Associates is pleased to partner with VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation in their search for a Public Relations Lead.
This is a newly created role within the Foundation's Marketing & Brand Engagement team and an opportunity to establish and lead the Foundation's public relations function. Reporting to the Director, Marketing & Brand Engagement, you'll develop and execute the Foundation's earned media strategy, build relationships with journalists across British Columbia and Canada, and help shape how one of the province's most respected charitable organizations shows up in the public conversation.
As VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation continues building awareness of the VGH+ brand, this role will play a key part in telling the stories behind groundbreaking research, world-class patient care, and healthcare innovation. You'll help elevate the Foundation's profile, support major fundraising initiatives, and position senior leaders as trusted voices on issues that matter.
This role is ideal for a strategic communications and PR leader who enjoys building something new, spotting opportunities others miss, and turning meaningful stories into meaningful media coverage.
What You'll Do
Lead the Foundation's public relations strategy
Develop and execute a comprehensive public relations strategy that supports the Foundation's brand, fundraising, and organizational prioritiesIdentify proactive media opportunities that increase awareness of the Foundation's work and impactBuild annual PR plans aligned with key campaigns, announcements, and organizational milestonesMeasure and evaluate PR performance, using insights to strengthen future initiativesBuild relationships and tell compelling stories
Develop and maintain strong relationships with journalists, producers, influencers, and media outlets across British Columbia and CanadaIdentify and pitch stories that showcase the Foundation's impact, donors, researchers, physicians, and healthcare innovationsPrepare media materials including press releases, briefing notes, backgrounders, and key messagingPartner with internal teams to uncover stories that deserve greater public attentionAdvise leaders and manage reputation
Prepare executives, physicians, researchers, and spokespeople for media interviews, public appearances, and announcementsProvide strategic communications counsel to senior leadershipLead issues management and crisis communications planningMonitor emerging issues and provide recommendations that protect and strengthen the Foundation's reputationCollaborate across the Foundation
Partner closely with colleagues across marketing, brand, digital, content, fundraising, and executive leadershipWork alongside the Foundation's in-house creative team to ensure earned, owned, and paid communications work together to maximize impactManage external agency and vendor relationships as neededContribute to annual planning and organizational prioritiesWhat You Bring
8-10 years of progressive experience in public relations, media relations, strategic communications, or corporate communicationsDemonstrated success securing earned media coverage and building strong media relationshipsExperience developing proactive PR strategies that support organizational objectivesExperience preparing senior leaders and subject matter experts for media opportunitiesStrong judgment and experience navigating sensitive issues and crisis communicationsExcellent relationship-building and stakeholder management skillsA proactive, entrepreneurial mindset and the confidence to build a function from the ground upNice to Have
Experience working in healthcare, nonprofit, public sector, or purpose-driven organizationsExisting relationships with BC and national mediaExperience working with researchers, physicians, healthcare leaders, or scientific subject matter expertsAbout VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation
VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation is the leading charity investing in healthcare innovation in British Columbia. Through the power of philanthropy, the…
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