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We’re excited to share that JDRF Canada is now Breakthrough T1D.

We’re the same organization, with the same mission and determination to realize a world free from type 1 diabetes (T1D) – just with a new name and look that reflects what the T1D community needs now and next.

It’s an exciting time to join Breakthrough T1D as we continue to break barriers to help people better manage the disease and enjoy full, healthy lives. Curing T1D is and always will be our north star and we will not stop until breakthroughs get us to a world free from T1D.

Are you a bold, strategic leader ready to champion change for Canadians impacted by type 1 diabetes? Breakthrough T1D is seeking a dynamic Chief External Relations Officer (CERO) to lead national advocacy, elevate the patient voice in regulatory decisions, and build a powerful, unified brand. As a key member of the Senior Leadership Team, you’ll oversee government relations, policy advocacy, regulatory engagement, and marketing and communications, while serving as a national spokesperson and building powerful partnerships that drive impact.

This is your opportunity to lead with purpose, make a national impact, and elevate the voices of those living with T1D.

As the CERO, your primary responsibilities would be to:

Strategic Advocacy & Public Relations

Lead national government relations strategy at federal and provincial levels to shape policy, close access gaps, and improve outcomes for Canadians with T1D.
Serve as the organization’s lead policy spokesperson with government and external stakeholders.
Develop positions on key issues and oversee targeted campaigns that reflect the lived experience of the T1D community.
Forge strategic alliances and coalitions to advance legislative and regulatory goals.

Patient Voice in Regulatory Approvals

Partner with industry, regulatory agencies, and research teams to embed the patient perspective into regulatory approval processes for new therapies and technologies.
Translate patient insights into compelling, evidence-informed submissions and engagements with Health Canada and other regulatory bodies.

Brand & Communications Leadership

Drive a clear, consistent brand strategy that enhances awareness, trust, and connection to Breakthrough T1D’s mission.
Lead integrated marketing and communications efforts across digital, media, and community platforms, in alignment with HQ and internal partners.
Oversee internal and external communications, executive visibility, issues management, and reputation stewardship.

Storytelling & Mission Impact

Elevate research, advocacy, and community narratives to mobilize donor and public support.
Lead messaging and storytelling that bring to life the urgency, innovation, and personal impact of Breakthrough T1D’s work.

Organizational Leadership

Serve as a key member of the Foundation’s leadership team, working with the President & CEO, Board of Directors, and other senior leaders on Foundation-wide strategic initiatives.
Participate in the development and implementation of the strategic plan that guides the direction of the Foundation.
Collaborate with Senior Leadership Team colleagues to achieve organizational key performance indicators and operational efficiencies.
Build and lead a high-performing team rooted in the organization’s values.
Develop meaningful KPIs to monitor advocacy outcomes, brand performance, and engagement impact.

Our ideal candidate will have the following experience:

Minimum 10 years of senior leadership experience in advocacy, public affairs, marketing, or communications, ideally in health, nonprofit, or life sciences.
Proven success influencing public policy, advancing regulatory change through the lens of lived experience, and leading impactful national campaigns.
Deep understanding of Canada’s regulatory and policy landscape, with strong government and industry relationships.
Proven ability to lead brand strategy, crisis communications, and national campaigns with measurable impact.
Exceptional leadership abilities in complex, matrixed environments with a track record of cross-functional collaboration and strategic influence.
Strategic thinker with strong problem-solving skills, able to identify opportunities, develop solutions, and drive results in a fast-paced environment.
Brings a balance of big-picture vision and attention to detail, with the ability to persuasively communicate ideas and prioritize in a fast-paced deadline driven environment.
Bilingualism (French/English) is a strong asset.

The salary range for this role is anticipated to be $175,000 – $195,000, commensurate with skills and experience level of the selected candidate.

Location Preference

Breakthrough T1D is a remote-first organization with staff located across Canada.

Due to the nature of this role, frequent travel to Ottawa, sometimes on short notice, could be expected. Candidates should be based in or near the Greater Toronto Area, Ottawa, Montreal, or surrounding areas. Depending on location of the incumbent, travel may be up to 30% and a valid driver’s license is required.

Application Deadline

Please submit your resume and cover letter through our careers website by August 8, 2025.

About Breakthrough T1D

Breakthrough T1D is the leading type 1 diabetes (T1D) research and advocacy non-profit organization in Canada. As we drive toward curing type 1 diabetes, we help to make every day better for the people who live with it.

Breakthrough T1D (formerly JDRF) began in Canada as a grassroots organization in 1974, when a group of dedicated parents came together with a singular goal of finding a cure for T1D. Since the discovery of insulin, Breakthrough T1D has remained at the forefront of T1D research. Breakthrough T1D is committed to investing in the most promising research, advocating for progress by working with governments to address issues that impact the T1D community, and supporting individuals living with this disease.

Breakthrough T1D has a company culture rooted in our Core Values of Respect, Understanding and Integrity; Perseverance; Collaboration; Risk Taking and Entrepreneurship; and Efficiency, Effectiveness and Accountability – if our core values are exemplified in the way that you work, we might be a great fit for each other.

Breakthrough T1D strives to foster a workplace that reflects the diversity of the community it serves and welcomes applications from all qualified candidates. Breakthrough T1D is also committed to developing an inclusive, barrier-free selection process and work environment. Please advise if you require any accommodation measures to ensure you will be interviewed in a fair and equitable manner. Information received relating to accommodation requests will be treated with confidentiality.

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Chief External Relations Officer

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