Director, Communications in Vancouver, British Columbia at Smart, Savvy + Associates

Team mentor. Government relations. Strategic communications. Innovative and creative. If you thrive at the intersection of all four, this could be the opportunity you've been looking for.

Smart, Savvy + Associates is pleased to partner with British Columbia's provincial medical association in their search for a Director of Communications.

This is a senior leadership role responsible for shaping and advancing communications strategies that support the members of the organization and some of the most important collaborative healthcare initiatives in British Columbia. You'll lead a team of communications professionals, serve as a trusted advisor to members of several joint committees, senior leaders and partners, and help ensure complex healthcare priorities are communicated clearly, effectively, and strategically.

Reporting to an Executive Vice President of Communications and Public Affairs, you'll oversee multiple communications portfolios, lead strategic planning, support government and stakeholder relations, and help elevate how communications supports organizational goals and system-wide impact.

This role is ideal for someone who brings equal parts strategic thinking, political acumen, relationship-building expertise, and people devopment and growth.

What You'll Do

Lead communications strategy and planning

• Develop and oversee long-term communications strategies and operational plans
• Establish KPIs, measurement frameworks, and reporting processes to evaluate effectiveness
• Provide strategic communications counsel to senior leaders, committees, and partners
• Identify opportunities to strengthen communications approaches, processes, and outcomes

Support stakeholder, government, and public affairs initiatives

• Build and maintain strong relationships with government, healthcare, and industry stakeholders
• Support advocacy, engagement, and communications initiatives across multiple portfolios
• Navigate complex issues, competing priorities, and sensitive stakeholder environments
• Provide strategic advice on reputation management and communications risk

Oversee content, media, and digital communications

• Guide content strategy across digital, print, web, social, and media channels
• Lead proactive and reactive media relations and issues management activities
• Support the continued evolution of digital communications and audience engagement strategies
• Ensure messaging remains clear, consistent, and aligned across channels and audiences

Lead and develop a high-performing team

• Provide leadership, coaching, and mentorship to communications professionals and senior managers
• Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and high-performing team culture
• Support team development, succession planning, and professional growth
• Create alignment across multiple communications functions and priorities

What You Bring

• 10+ years of progressive experience in communications, public affairs, government relations, public relations, marketing, or related fields
• Experience leading communications strategy in complex, multi-stakeholder environments
• Strong government relations, advocacy, and stakeholder engagement experience
• Proven experience leading and developing high-performing teams through change and growth
• Exceptional communication, presentation, and relationship-building skills
• Experience managing multiple priorities, large projects, and competing stakeholder interests
• Strong strategic planning, measurement, and reporting capabilities
• Excellent judgment, political acuity, and problem-solving skills

Nice to have

• Experience within regulatory organizations, or other complex public-interest environments
• Familiarity with media relations and in a highly visible organization
• Experience working with boards, committees, and government stakeholders

The Details

💰 $128,000–$160,000 base salary
🏦 BC Public Pension Plan
🏥 Comprehensive health and dental benefits from day one
🏖️ 5 weeks vacation plus additional paid time off throughout the year
💻 Fully remote (BC-based candidates only)
📚 Professional development support and leadership development opportunities

If you're excited by the opportunity to lead and execute communications strategies, influence healthcare policy conversations, and support meaningful change across British Columbia's healthcare system, we'd love to hear from you.

Submit your application through Smart, Savvy + Associates' job board. Every application is reviewed by a human, thoughtfully and with care.

About Smart, Savvy + Associates

Smart, Savvy + Associates is a specialized recruitment agency focused on marketing, communications, and creative roles. Based in Vancouver, BC, we partner with companies across Western Canada to help them hire with clarity and confidence.

We believe diverse teams drive stronger results and are committed to equitable and inclusive recruitment practices. Candidates from underrepresented groups are encouraged to apply. If you require accommodation at any stage of the hiring process, please let us know.