Associate, Healthcare

About us 

At NATIONAL, we partner with organizations to build reputation, manage risk and deliver meaningful impact through strategic communications. Our healthcare work brings together media relations, stakeholder engagement and awareness programs to help some of the world’s leading pharmaceutical companies and healthcare organizations influence patient outcomes. Based in our Toronto office, we’re looking for an associate who is curious, detail-oriented and motivated to grow within a collaborative, high-performing team. 

The role  

You’ll support communications mandates from planning through execution—helping bring campaigns to life while building a strong foundation in client service. Working closely with a collaborative team, you’ll contribute to day-to-day client activities, assist in developing communications materials and support the delivery of integrated programs across media relations, stakeholder engagement and digital channels.  

This role is ideal for someone early in their career who is eager to learn, contribute to meaningful work and develop expertise in a fast-paced, regulated industry. You’ll gain hands-on experience, exposure to a range of clients and the opportunity to grow within a dynamic and supportive team. 

Key Responsibilities  

• Support the day-to-day delivery of integrated healthcare communications programs across media relations, stakeholder engagement, digital, social and corporate communications channels  

• Develop and contribute to high-quality communications materials, including media pitches, press materials, briefing notes, key messages, social media copy, newsletters, web content, client updates and executive-ready summaries  

• Conduct research, environmental scans and monitoring across healthcare, pharmaceutical, policy, media, patient advocacy, competitor and social/digital landscapes to identify insights, trends, risks and opportunities  

• Support media relations activities, including targeted media list development, journalist research, pitch coordination, coverage tracking and preparation of media briefing materials  

• Use AI-enabled and digital tools responsibly to support research, content development, brainstorming, summarization, workflow efficiencies, issues tracking, reporting and audience insights, while applying fact-checking, privacy awareness and compliance judgment  

• Prepare client-facing reports, project updates and campaign summaries that translate data, media coverage and engagement metrics into clear, actionable insights  

• Coordinate logistics and project management for meetings, events, advisory boards, stakeholder engagements and awareness campaigns, including agendas, briefing materials, vendor coordination, timelines, approvals, budgets and status documents  

• Support regulated healthcare communications review processes and contribute to campaign planning, social strategy, new business proposals and team brainstorming, while staying current on healthcare, AI, media and Canadian regulatory trends, including PAAB and Ad Standards Canada 

Qualifications  

• 1-3 years of experience in public relations, communications or a related field (agency experience is an asset) 

• Post-secondary education in communications, public relations, marketing or related discipline 

• Strong writing and editing skills with attention to detail 

• Familiarity with social media platforms and digital communications tools 

• Interest in Healthcare, pharmaceutical or other regulated sectors, with an understanding of Canadian healthcare regulations and review processes (e.g., PAAB, Ad Standards Canada) 

• Experience working in regulated environments (e.g., pharmaceutical marketing, ASC/PAAB guidelines) and comfort using AI-enabled tools (e.g., ChatGPT) are assets  

Abilities 

• Highly organized with exceptional attention to detail 

• Ability to manage competing priorities and deliver high-quality work in a fast-paced environment 

• Collaborative team player with a proactive and solutions-oriented mindset 

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build effective working relationships 

• Curious, adaptable and motivated to continuously learn and grow 

What we offer 

• Hybrid work environment and a supportive, collegial office culture 

• Competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits 

• Opportunities to work on high-profile mandates with leading organizations across sectors 

• Professional development, coaching and growth opportunities within a national team 

• Occasional travel as required by client and team needs 

 Expected Compensation 

The expected salary for this role is $50,000-$62,500 CAD. Actual compensation will be determined based on experience, skills, and internal equity.  

How to apply 

Submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your interest and fit for the role. If you’re up for a new challenge to join Canada’s PR Firm, we’d love to hear from you. 

NATIONAL is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are dedicated to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Should you require any accommodation during the selection process, please inform us.  
 
A vacancy currently exists for this position. Please note that only candidates selected for further consideration will be contacted. We use artificial intelligence tools to assist in screening, assessing, and selecting applicants for this role. Thank you for considering a career with us. 

NATIONAL Public Relations provides creative communications solutions that move people in thought and actions. We bring together a team of 300 seasoned professionals, who are committed to helping organizations of all sizes and in all sectors understand their challenges and opportunities and solve the issues they are facing. For 47 years, NATIONAL has been at the center of issues and industries that matter, leading change for today and tomorrow.

NATIONAL is Canada’s leading public relations firm, with offices in Vancouver, Calgary, Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal, Quebec City, Saint John, Halifax and St. John’s. Its network includes Time & Space, a leader in media strategy, data analysis, planning and execution.

NATIONAL Public Relations is an AVENIR GLOBAL company, the largest Canadian-owned global communications firm, ranked among the 25 largest in the world with offices in 23 locations across Canada, the U.S., Europe and the Middle East. For more information about NATIONAL, please visit our website or follow us on LinkedIn and X.

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