Job Title: Advocacy Specialist

Vacancies: This posting is for (1) new role.

Location: MB (Winnipeg) | SK (Regina or Saskatoon) 

Work Model: Remote work model

Salary Band: 4 ($52,000 - $58,000 CAD) 

HELP SHAPE THE FUTURE OF CANCER CARE IN CANADA 

The Canadian Cancer Society works tirelessly to save lives, improve lives and drive collective action against cancer. Together with patients, volunteers, donors and communities across the country, we raise funds to invest in transformative cancer research, we provide a caring support system for everyone affected by cancer and we advocate to governments to create a healthier future for all. It takes a society to take on cancer – and the Canadian Cancer Society is leading the way

Join an exceptional team of advocacy professionals dedicated to transforming the future of cancer, Canada’s leading cause of death. As one of the top health lobbyist organizations in the country, the Canadian Cancer Society has been shaping policy on cancer-related issues for decades. CCS was at the forefront of historic wins like bans on indoor smoking and exposure to asbestos, restrictions on cigarette advertising, and the extension of Canada’s Employment Insurance sickness benefit. We have successfully pushed for more recent changes like improving access to mammograms, expanding access to job-protected medical leave and bringing awareness to the significant out-of-pocket costs of cancer borne by patients and caregivers. In this role, you will help CCS continue to drive progress to save lives and improve the health of all Canadians. 

MAKING AN IMPACT

Reporting to the Senior Manager, Advocacy, the Advocacy Specialist will work with colleagues to reduce the burden of cancer in the Prairie Region by advocating to governments and other stakeholders to ensure public policy is in place to help lower the public’s risk of developing cancer and improve the lives of those affected by cancer.

WHAT YOU’LL BE DOING: 

Regional Government Relations

• Advance organizational advocacy priorities by influencing public policy and government action across Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Alberta in alignment with national and regional advocacy goals.
• Build, maintain, and manage strategic relationships with key provincial and municipal stakeholders, including MLAs, Ministers, political staff, senior public servants, as well as health system partners and agencies, and relevant stakeholder organizations across the Prairies Region.
• Represent the organization in meetings, consultations, and forums related to cancer prevention, control, and support for people living with and beyond cancer.
• Lead or support the development of regional advocacy materials, including pre‑budget submissions, election platforms, correspondence to elected officials, briefings, and legislative submissions, in collaboration with advocacy leadership.
• Monitor, evaluate, and report on political, legislative, and policy developments across the Prairie Region, identifying risks, opportunities, and emerging issues relevant to advocacy

Advocacy Strategy & Campaign Delivery

• Support and manage the planning, execution, and evaluation of advocacy initiatives and campaigns that advance strategic priorities at the provincial and regional level
• Support the development and delivery of regional advocacy strategies and initiatives aligned with the national advocacy plan and overall organizational strategy
• Lead or contribute to project management for advocacy initiatives, including planning, setting timelines, coordinating resources, tracking progress, and reporting on outcomes and key performance indicators
• Work cross functionally with communications, marketing, and public engagement teams to develop advocacy content, including key messages, briefing notes and backgrounders, media materials, web content, and social media assets
• Support and manage the delivery of advocacy-related events and activities, such as lobby days, report launches, stakeholder briefings, and public engagement campaigns across the Prairie region

Stakeholder & Grassroots Engagement

• Mobilize advocates, volunteers, and external partners to strengthen advocacy impact and advance public policy goals across the Prairie Provinces
• Support the planning and management of grassroots advocacy and public engagement initiatives by working with volunteers, community members, and partner organizations to advance advocacy priorities
• Build and sustain relationships with relevant health organizations, non-profit partners, and community stakeholders to work together on advocacy priorities and initiatives
• Develop and provide advocacy guidance, tools, and messaging to advocates and stakeholders to support effective engagement with the stakeholders
• Contribute to internal planning, coordination, and reporting by providing input, analysis, and strategic advice regarding Prairies Region to advocacy leadership and cross-functional teams as required.
• Other duties as assigned
• Contribute to our culture of diversity, inclusion, belonging and equity (DIBE) by ensuring that all staff feel represented, valued, and heard across all aspects of their identity, including gender, age, religion, ethnicity, nationality, race, and sexuality.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Post-secondary education such as acquiring a university degree in a relevant discipline, such as public administration, health promotion, and political science or an equivalent combination of education and experience
• At least 1-3 years of experience in advocacy or a similar field
• Specific knowledge of the political landscape in Manitoba and/or Saskatchewan
• Demonstrated experience in government relations, and stakeholder, youth, and adult volunteer/community engagement and mobilization
• Demonstrated experience, knowledge and skill in public policy research and analysis, public policy development, and advocacy techniques 
• Solid knowledge of a range of health-related issues including the components of health and health equity
• Demonstrated ability to build partnerships and succeed in a team environment with diverse stakeholders 
• English is required: French/Bilingualism (French /English) is an asset due to the organization’s nationwide operations
• Others qualifications may apply

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT FROM US:

CCS provides impactful opportunities to transform the lives of Canadians affected by cancer. We are devoted to creating an inclusive workplace that celebrates diverse experiences and skills, encouraging all qualified candidates to join us. Our inspiring culture is rooted in our core values and commitment to meaningful change: 

COURAGEOUS UNITED CARING RIGOROUS

We offer a competitive salary, excellent benefits, including paid parental leave, family sick time, and health insurance—and a fulfilling work environment where your efforts make a meaningful impact daily. 

COME AS YOU ARE

At CCS, we celebrate individuality and the strength of diversity. We are committed to fostering an inclusive and equitable workplace that empowers everyone. We encourage applications from all qualified candidates, including those from equity-deserving groups such as BIPOC, 2SLGBTQI+ communities, individuals with disabilities, veterans, and others who contribute to the richness of our organization. Together, we unite Canadians to shape the future of cancer care.

HOW TO APPLY: 

Qualified candidates are invited to submit their resume, cover letter and salary expectations by May 27th, 2026. 

We thank all candidates for their interest and advise that only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

OTHER INFORMATION:

CCS is dedicated to employment equity and encourages applications from all qualified candidates. In accordance with the local provincial Accessibility Act, accommodation will be provided as requested throughout the recruitment process. We want to make the interview process a great experience for you!

Please note that in keeping with the mandate of CCS to model and promote healthy lifestyles, employees are not permitted to smoke in or about CCS premises or while carrying out CCS business.
 

Privacy Disclosure

We collect your personal information through forms, by phone or in person to evaluate your candidacy for the role(s) you have applied for, to contact you regarding your candidacy, and to generate recruitment-related reports. If selected for a position at CCS the information provided will be used for the purposes of pre-employment checks and added to your employee file. We may share your personal information with third parties, including recruitment consultants, within or outside your province or territory or outside Canada to carry out the purposes identified above, or as required by law.  We may contact you by mail, email, phone or text. You can exercise your right to access your information or have it corrected, unsubscribe from communications or withdraw your consent by selecting these options within the ADP system, or by contacting . For more information about our privacy practices, visit cancer.ca/privacy.

AI Disclosure 

We are committed to transparency and, the responsible use of technology in our hiring process. Artificial intelligence (AI) tools may be used to assist with certain administrative or screening tasks; however, all hiring decisions are made by people. We review and approve AI-assisted outputs to ensure fairness, accuracy, and alignment with our values. For more information about our privacy practices, visit cancer.ca/privacy.