Senior Philanthropic Communications Specialist (Science Writer)

Company Description

At The Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation, our mission is to create a world free from the fear of cancer. Cancer remains the number one cause of death for Canadians and our top priority is to accelerate cancer research and care.  

Our role is to garner support for Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, one of the world’s leading cancer research and treatment centres, through philanthropy, fundraising events, and our world-renowned lottery program. The work we accomplish drives groundbreaking research, relentless innovation, and a deep commitment to improving the lives of cancer patients and their loved ones.  

Now, we have an opportunity to blaze an even brighter future for everyone affected by cancer.   

We will Carry The Fire for cancer patients everywhere, lighting the way forward through discovery, reigniting our commitment to transform cancer outcomes and ease the profound suffering cancer causes patients and their loved ones.  

At the PMCF, every one of us carries the fire for someone else. Join us as we inspire a movement and help us achieve our vision to change the way we understand, diagnose, and treat cancer.   

Job Description

Union: Non-Union
Department: Major and Estate Giving
Reports to: Director of Major and Transformational Gift Communications
Hours: 35 Hours
Salary Range: $80,000 - $95,000 (plus additional compensative incentives such as bonus, pension and more)
Status: Permanent, Full Time
Vacancy: Existing Vacancy - Backfill
Posted Date: April 16, 2026
Closing Date: May 10, 2026

Application Submission Instructions: Please attach a single PDF containing your cover letter, resume and 2-3 writing samples that are relevant to the role (fundraising communications, impact reports, etc.). 

Established in 1982, PMCF has been setting daring and audacious goals with a mindset that is driven by our culture and passion for the cause. We have pioneered many successful fundraising programs, including our world-leading Princess Margaret Home Lottery, and some of the world’s largest peer-to-peer cancer fundraising events, and have sophisticated Major & Transformational Gifts and Estates & Gift Planning programs.

Reporting to the Director of Major and Transformational Gift Communications, the Senior Philanthropic Communications Specialist (Science Writer) will be responsible for developing compelling campaign cases for support, as well as transformational and major gift proposals and impact reports, and translating complex scientific and medical research into high-quality, donor-friendly communications. They will partner with scientific, clinical and executive leadership to shape philanthropy projects that align with strategic and business goals.

The individual will work collaboratively with a passionate team to support the needs of the Transformational and Major Giving, Donor Experience and Stewardship Impact, and Campaign teams, as well as the organization as a whole.

Accountabilities

• Research, conceptualize, develop and write compelling and persuasive cases for support, project backgrounders, fundraising proposals and impact reports for individual donors, corporations, and foundations, as well as other creative communications collateral needs, such as presentations, in support of the Major and Transformational Giving, Donor Experience and Stewardship Impact, and Campaign teams
• Research and translate complex cancer research and care information into engaging materials for donors
• Lead internal and external meetings with Foundation staff, clinicians, researchers and patients to gather source materials and liaise with them to obtain approvals for final products
• Edit, review and revise work in a timely manner in response to feedback from Foundation and Cancer Centre colleagues
• Serve as project manager for each assignment, from initial strategy meeting through to final design and production, arranging for photo shoots and sourcing other visual and creative assets as needed
• Provide support to fellow team members by proofreading and copy-editing materials
• Manage min. 1 major team-wide process initiative to enhance team efficiency and effectiveness
• Provide coaching and mentorship to the team of communication specialists

Qualifications

• Post-secondary education in a related field, preferably health sciences, or equivalent working experience
• Minimum eight years of experience in a non-profit writing role, preferably in healthcare or an academic environment
• Proficiency in MS Office (Word, PowerPoint, Excel), project management (Asana) and design software tools (Adobe Creative Suite)
• Ability to partner with clinicians and scientists in a professional manner, and to develop and leverage professional working relationships
• Strong alignment with the values of Collaboration, Accountability, Respect, and Excellence
• Demonstrated commitment to the principles of Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Accessibility, and Anti-Racism (IDEAA)

Technical Skills & Capabilities

• Experience in campaign communications for a non-profit organization an asset
• Experience writing successful donor proposals and impact reports at the major ($100k to $1M+) and transformational donor level ($5M+)
• Exceptional conceptual, writing, storytelling, copy editing and research skills with the highest attention to detail, and the ability to make a persuasive case in solicitation materials and convey the impact of philanthropic support in reports, as well as other donor communications (e.g. PowerPoint presentations, briefings, infographics, stories)
• Experience conducting insightful interviews, capable of eliciting both critical information and compelling narratives
• Experience translating medical and scientific content for a broad (non-medical) audience
• Strong critical thinking, problem-solving and communication skills, both oral and written
• Ability to work independently and to collaborate effectively as part of a team to execute deliverables within stated timelines
• Strong organizational skills in order to manage many projects simultaneously under tight deadlines
• Highly inquisitive and comfortable working with ambiguity to find clarity
• Proactive and solutions-oriented mindset to anticipate and work through project challenges

Additional Information

We believe that the way we work together is just as important as what we accomplish. By making choices and taking actions that align with our values, we achieve greater success, and our work lives become happier and more meaningful.

At PMCF, we strive to foster a culture built on Collaboration, Accountability, Respect, and Excellence (CARE). Central to these values is our commitment to IDEAA: Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Accessibility, and Anti-Racism.

• Experience a sense of purpose that you won’t get anywhere else, in any other job. You will be making a difference for millions of people impacted by cancer
• We have an open and approachable culture that enables you to bring your best ideas forward
• We offer a hybrid work environment with Tuesday, Thursday and one other day per week in office, or as required subject to business needs

All applications must be submitted before the posting close date.

UHN uses email to communicate with selected candidates.  Please ensure you check your email regularly.

Please be advised that a Criminal Record Check may be required of the successful candidate. Should it be determined that any information provided by a candidate be misleading, inaccurate or incorrect, UHN reserves the right to discontinue with the consideration of their application.

UHN is an equal opportunity employer committed to an inclusive recruitment process and workplace. Requests for accommodation can be made at any stage of the recruitment process. Applicants need to make their requirements known.

We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.