Vice President, Communications, Volunteer

About the Pet Cancer Foundation

The Pet Cancer Foundation’s vision is to increase the life expectancy and improve the quality of life of pets diagnosed with cancer. Estimates suggest that 12 million dogs and cats develop cancer each year, which is roughly six times the number of humans diagnosed annually in North America.

As the organization continues to work towards the accomplishment of our mission, the PCF team includes professionals contributing virtually across Canada, the United States, and several other countries worldwide. Working to expand our reach, we need experienced communications leaders to develop and execute impactful strategies that strengthen our public presence, industry relationships, and internal engagement. That is where and how you can help us.

About the Position

The volunteer Vice President, Communications is a senior leadership role responsible for shaping and guiding PCF’s external and internal communications strategy. The VP oversees a team dedicated to corporate messaging, media relations, public engagement, and outreach to applicable industry professionals and institutions. The VP ensures that all communication initiatives enhance PCF’s visibility, credibility, and connection with key stakeholders. This role requires a visionary leader with expertise in strategic communication, media relations, and industry outreach. The VP will work closely with the Vice President of Marketing and other senior leaders to align communication efforts with PCF’s broader objectives. This posting includes a search for an Associate Vice President, who would share in the responsibilities considering the limited volunteer hours we seek.

*Please leave a note with your application to acknowledge your awareness of the volunteer nature of the role. We will only proceed with those candidates who understand this to be a volunteer position.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Develop and lead the execution of a comprehensive communication strategy that supports PCF’s brand awareness and engagement goals.
• Provide strategic oversight to ensure clear, compelling, and consistent messaging across all internal and external platforms.
• Direct corporate and consumer-facing PR initiatives, including media outreach, press releases, and crisis communications.
• Cultivate relationships with media, journalists, and key influencers to enhance PCF’s visibility and reputation.
• Oversee internal communications, collaborating with PCF’s People and Culture’s, Director Engagement, ensuring volunteers are informed, engaged, and aligned with organizational goals.
• Collaborate with the marketing team to integrate communication efforts with campaigns and outreach initiatives.
• Lead outreach efforts to veterinary industry professionals, research institutions, and colleges, fostering partnerships that support PCF’s mission.
• Develop performance monitoring frameworks to assess the impact of communication strategies and optimize them based on data insights.
• Mentor and guide departmental directors and senior managers, fostering a collaborative and high-performing communications team.

About You

You are a seasoned communications professional with a strong strategic mindset and a passion for driving engagement and awareness. You excel at leading teams, developing high-impact communication strategies, and fostering relationships with media and industry professionals. You are a confident and adaptable leader, comfortable navigating a dynamic nonprofit environment while ensuring PCF’s voice remains strong and consistent. You have:

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, or a related field.
• 15+ years of progressive experience in corporate communications, public relations, or media relations, with at least 7 years in a senior leadership role.
• Demonstrated success in leading strategic communications initiatives, including crisis communications, media relations, and industry engagement.
• Proven experience in building and maintaining relationships with media outlets, journalists, and key industry stakeholders.
• Strong leadership skills with a track record of mentoring and managing teams.
• Exceptional writing, messaging, and storytelling abilities with a keen eye for brand consistency.
• Strong analytical skills to assess communication effectiveness and make data-driven decisions.
• Experience in nonprofit or mission-driven organizations is an asset.
• A passion for pets and the PCF mission.

What We Provide You With

Volunteering with PCF in this critical role is a unique leadership opportunity to shape the communications strategy of a growing nonprofit that will make a difference in millions of animals' lives. You will gain valuable leadership experience, expand your professional network, and contribute to an organization that has a lasting impact on pet cancer awareness and research.

Footnotes

• Please leave a note with your application to acknowledge your awareness of the volunteer nature of the role. We will only proceed with those candidates who understand this to be a volunteer position.
• This position is virtual and can be completed from anywhere in Canada or the United States.
• This is a volunteer position with an estimated time commitment of 8-10 hours per week.
• Flexibility will be required in the initial months to support the onboarding and planning process.
• Visit our website at www.petcancerfdn.org for more information about the organization.

Job Type: Part-time

Expected hours: 8 – 10 per week

Application Question(s):

• This is a volunteer role only, and we ask that only those interested in volunteering apply. Please leave us a brief acknowledgement of your volunteer interest when submitting your application to be considered. Thank you!

Experience:

• Strategic communications: 10 years (Required)
• Public relations: 10 years (Required)

Work Location: Remote