Job Description

Position: Programs and Communications Officer
Organization: Cassie + Friends Society (cassieandfriends.ca)
Location: Vancouver (Head Office) or Canada-Wide (Remote)

Start Date: ASAP
Application Deadline: February 28, 2025

About Cassie + Friends:
At Cassie + Friends, we believe in a pain-free future for the 24,000 Canadian kids and youth living with Juvenile Arthritis (JA) and childhood rheumatic diseases. That's why we are making significant investments to find better treatments, improve care, and one day, discover a cure.

Despite being one of the leading causes of chronic disability in children, Juvenile Arthritis and childhood rheumatic diseases remain drastically underfunded and often overlooked. As Canada's only charity 100% dedicated to advancing research, care, connection, and support for children and families affected by JA, we know the urgent need for change. With the help of our dedicated staff team, healthcare partners, and volunteers, we raise awareness and funds through our annual Team Cassie + Friends run/walks, corporate and foundation partnerships, individual donors, and an emerging community of major supporters. Building strong families and resilient youth in the face of chronic disease is at the heart of everything we do. Join us!

About the Role

Cassie + Friends is looking for a smart, driven and detail-oriented individual who is excited about the opportunity to help transform kids' lives and improve health outcomes in this dynamic, fast-paced national role!

The Programs and Communications Officer will be instrumental in supporting the Director of Programs + Partnerships in advancing Cassie + Friends' mission and 2025-2027 strategic plan. This role will help execute, strengthen and expand our suite of youth and family programs, including our Family Navigator and Youth Mentorship Programs, Cassie Cares Equipment Cupboards, Injection Support Kits, Team Cassie + Friends run/walks and educational events. You will also effectively communicate patient/family/community experiences through compelling storytelling and by demonstrating the impact of our work through data-driven strategies. Key Responsibilities:

Program Administration, Implementation and Delivery:

• Support the seamless execution, promotion, and measurement of key programs and initiatives outlined in our strategic plan, as well as programs yet to be developed.
• Identify and implement efficiencies in program operations, tracking, and impact reporting.
• Engage, support, and recognize program volunteers, ensuring they are delivering programs according to C+F training, protocols, and standards.
• Work closely with the Family Engagement Coordinator to align program delivery with the needs of families and communities.
• Solicit feedback from volunteers, families, youth, healthcare professionals, and other community partners to enhance program effectiveness and authenticity.
• Coordinate technical aspects of events, including speaker needs, rehearsals, and logistics.
• Carefully manage and track purchasing, program supply and collateral inventory and distribution, vendor coordination, and budgets for program-related expenses.
• Work with the Director, Programs + Partnerships to identify new partners/ vendors and coordinate product shipments.

Content Development:

• Create and promote multimedia content including social media and website graphics, written copy, videos, newsletters, posters, and handouts while ensuring alignment with C+F branding guidelines.
• Work with the Knowledge Mobilization Manager to develop social media campaigns that highlight programs, resources, and community stories and drive engagement.
• Collaborate with clinics, youth, families, and community members to capture impact stories that enhance program storytelling and engagement.
• Strengthen program awareness and growth by equipping community partners with the resources and materials needed to promote C+F's support.
• Work closely with the Director, Programs + Partnerships and the Knowledge Mobilization Manager to highlight program benefits and impact through strategic digital campaigns.

Community Engagement:

• Strategically engage with the community through personalized outreach, fostering positive relationships with key stakeholders.
• Strengthen partnerships with healthcare professionals and community organizations to maintain and expand the Cassie Cares Equipment Cupboard and Injection Support programs.
• Cultivate long-lasting, impactful relationships within the regional and national Pediatric Rheumatology sector to increase awareness and engagement.
• Engage with diverse communities to learn about key needs and challenges facing the childhood rheumatic disease community across regions (including remote and rural), diverse backgrounds and cultural communities, and socioeconomic statuses.
• Support key initiatives and events by participating in task forces, working groups, and committees, including Family Day Education and Connection Conferences.
• Represent Cassie + Friends at virtual and in-person events, conferences, and community gatherings, delivering program-related presentations as needed.

Data Management and Program/Communications Impact Reporting:

• Maintain and update all program information, including the tracking of community contacts and touchpoints in Salesforce, along with other program-related data needed to drive evidence-based decision-making and reporting
• Enter donor and stakeholder interactions into Salesforce, ensuring accurate and timely record-keeping and building our community database
• Ensure quality and impact standards of programs and initiatives are measured and met and utilize findings for continuous program evolution.

To be successful in this role, you will:

• Have the ability to work both independently and synergistically in a fast-paced environment.
• Be a self-starter and multi-tasker who is comfortable taking initiative.
• Be a strategic thinker with a high level of professionalism and a positive attitude.
• Be passionate about our mission and driven to share it with others.
• Have a keen attention to detail and excellent time management skills.

Here's what we're looking for:

• A Bachelor's degree in a related field (or equivalent experience).
• 2-3 years of proven experience in supporting the delivery of impactful programs, logistics or event planning, and/or program communications. Non-profit, charity or healthcare experience preferred.
• Strong data management and analytical skills.
• Excellent public speaking and communication skills.
• Experience using digital platforms such as WordPress, Canva/Photoshop, Social Media, MailChimp, Survey Monkey, CVENT, Google Drive, Zoom, Salesforce, or other CRM systems.
• Experience managing multiple projects at the same time in a fast-paced organization.
• Ability to easily communicate ideas and plans and get people excited about them.
• Valid driver's license and access to a vehicle is an asset.
• Flexibility to travel and to attend evening and weekend events when required.

Why Join Us?

• Be part of a growing national movement to improve the lives of children living with Juvenile Arthritis and other rheumatic diseases.
• Work with a passionate and dedicated team that values collaboration, impact, and innovation .
• Opportunity to develop and play a major role in program delivery strategies that will directly impact children and families across Canada.
• Significant opportunities for advancement and career development .
• Competitive salary of $55,000-65,000/year, dependent on experience .
• Comprehensive health and dental benefits .
• 4 weeks paid vacation + paid winter break .
• Flexible, remote work environment, with access to our Vancouver head office with great amenities for local staff.

How to Apply

Interested candidates are invited to submit a resume and cover letter outlining their relevant experience and tangible, related achievements to Brittany Barnes, Director, Programs + Partnerships, at brittany@cassieandfriends.ca .

Applications that do not include a cover letter will not be considered. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. We aim to have the successful candidate start in March 2025, early applications are strongly encouraged.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: $55,000.00-$65,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental care
• Extended health care
• Paid time off

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday
• Weekends as needed

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Vancouver, BC V5T 1R5