The Saskatchewan Medical Association (SMA) serves as a voluntary professional body representing physicians across Saskatchewan, with membership comprising over 90 percent of the province’s physicians. The SMA also offers membership for medical students and residents undertaking their training within Saskatchewan.
As the unified voice of the medical profession in the province, the SMA advocates on behalf of its members and engages in negotiations for physicians operating under fee-for-service, salaried, and alternative payment models. We have an exciting opportunity for a full-time, permanent Communications, Specialist, Media Relations to join our growing team!
We have an exciting opportunity, for a full-time, permanent Communications Specialist, Media Relations to join our growing team!
The Communications Specialist, Media Relations, helps shape and amplify the voice of Saskatchewan’s physicians. This role leads the development of clear, credible and timely communications that support media engagement, member communications, public understanding, and advocacy priorities.
Working in a fast-paced, issues-driven environment, the Specialist develops key messages, supports spokespersons, and responds to emerging issues with sound judgment and a strong understanding of the health system.
This position is based on-site at our office in Saskatoon, SK, with a voluntary hybrid work option allowing remote work from home up to 2 out of 5 days per week subject to approval under our Hybrid Work Arrangement policy.
Key responsibilities include:
1. Media Relations & Issues Management
- Respond to media inquiries in a timely manner, coordinating interviews and follow-up
- Write and produce media materials including releases, statements, backgrounders and advisories
- Develop clear, concise key messages, Q&As and briefing notes for SMA leadership
- Prepare and support SMA spokespersons (including the President) for media interviews
- Provide basic media coaching and contribute to formal training sessions
- Monitor media coverage and emerging issues; flag risks and opportunities
2. Member Communications
- Develop and deliver clear, timely and relevant communications for SMA members (physicians) aligned with organizational priorities and key messages
- Write and edit content for member audiences across channels, including email, website and publications
3. Writing & Advocacy Support
- Write and edit advocacy materials, reports, briefing documents and web content
- Develop speeches, speaking notes and presentations for SMA leadership
- Translate complex health system issues into clear, public-facing language
- Support development of campaigns and issue-based communications initiatives
4. Email and Direct Communications
- Develop, format and distribute high-volume email communications using email marketing platforms, ensuring accuracy, clarity and alignment with organizational priorities
- Manage distribution lists and audience segmentation to support targeted and effective communication
- Monitor email performance metrics and apply insights to improve engagement
5. Content Development
- Develop and produce stories and profiles highlighting physicians and system issues
- Contribute to newsletters, website content and organizational publications
- Identify opportunities to proactively communicate key issues, stories and priorities
6. Digital & Web Support
- Update and maintain website content to ensure accuracy and timeliness
- Support digital and social media content aligned with media activities and campaigns
7. Stakeholder Collaboration
- Work with internal teams and physician leaders to gather information and develop messaging
- Build constructive working relationships with media contacts
8. Other
- Other duties as assigned by the Manager, Communications
Qualifications:
- Degree or diploma in communications, journalism, public relations or related field
- >3 years of relevant experience (media relations, journalism, public affairs or similar)
- Strong writing and editing skills
- Experience dealing with media or in a newsroom is a strong asset
- Understanding of public affairs or health care issues is an asset
Salary: $70,298 - $95,109 per annum commensurate with experience.
Perks & Benefits:
- Defined Benefit Pension Plan
- Group Benefits Plan including Health, Dental, Disability, and Life Insurance
- Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP)
- $600 Annual Employee Wellness Program
- On-Site Gym Work/Life Balance – 35 hour work week
- Optional Earned Days Off program in addition to annual Vacation Entitlement
Are you interested in joining our team? Apply today!
Applications including cover letter and resume can be sent via email directly to [email protected] by June 22, 2026.
The SMA is an equal opportunity employer, and we encourage all qualified applicants to apply.
We thank all interested candidates in advance for their interest; only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.
Pay: $70,298.00-$95,109.00 per year
Benefits:
- Company events
- Company pension
- Dental care
- Disability insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Extended health care
- Life insurance
- On-site gym
- On-site parking
- Paid time off
- Vision care
- Wellness program
- Work from home
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Saskatoon, SK S7L 6M6
