- Job Title: Communications Advisor, VCA Canada Support Office
- Company: VCA Animal Hospitals
- Location: Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Job Type: Full-Time, 14-Month Contract
- Category: Communications, Public Relations
- Date Posted: April 4, 2025
- Experience Level: Intermediate (5+ years of experience)
- Remote Status: Hybrid (3 days in office)
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Supporting strategic communication efforts for proactive and responsive public relations initiatives
- Providing expert advice to key shared service departments such as IT, Medical Operations, Finance, and HR
- Developing communications materials for internal and external audiences
- Building strong relationships with internal stakeholders
*ASSUMPTION:* This role requires a balance of strategic thinking, strong writing skills, and the ability to work collaboratively with various departments to ensure effective communication solutions.
📋 Key Responsibilities
- Provide internal and external communications advice to support various departments
- Help deliver key messaging through events such as conferences, community events, and town halls
- Build strong relationships with internal stakeholders
- Provide writing support for all internal and external communications
- Create consistency and effective communications with clear messaging
- Evaluate communications from parent companies for relevancy and awareness for audiences
- Lead and participate in organizational, hospital, or department projects
- Media monitoring, management, and messaging support as required for hospitals and support offices
- Other special projects as required
*ASSUMPTION:* This role involves a mix of strategic planning, project management, and hands-on content creation to ensure effective communication across the organization.
🎯 Required Qualifications
- Education: Bachelor’s degree in Public Relations, Communications, or a related field
- Experience: 5+ years of communications experience (internal, external communications, public relations)
- Required Skills:
- Exceptional writing, editing, and consulting skills
- Project management experience
- Experience working with regulated industries
- Strong communications, leadership, and teamwork skills
- Preferred Skills:
- Spoken and written knowledge of French
- Membership in a recognized communications association (IABC, CPRS)
*ASSUMPTION:* Candidates with a strong background in communications, excellent writing skills, and experience working with regulated industries are likely to be successful in this role.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
- Salary Range: CAD 70,000 - 90,000 per year (based on industry standards for intermediate communications roles in Calgary)
- Benefits:
- Employer match (5%) group RRSP plan
- Hybrid remote/in-office work arrangement
- Continuing education: leadership/professional development
- Paid wellness days, sick days, and vacation time
- Employee assistance program
- Exceptional career development opportunities
- Referral bonus rewards
- E-tools for meditation, better sleep, exercise, and focus
- Virtual health care (telemedicine)
- Opportunities to give back in your community through VCA initiatives
- Generous personal pet care discounts
- Shopping discounts and wellness apps
*ASSUMPTION:* The salary range is estimated based on market research for intermediate communications roles in Calgary. Benefits are comprehensive and reflect the company's commitment to employee well-being and growth.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
- Industry: Veterinary Services
- Company Size: 10,001+ employees
- Founded: 1986
- Company Description: VCA Animal Hospitals is committed to taking care of the future of veterinary medicine. They provide world-class medicine and hometown care to more than four million pets each year, investing in cutting-edge tools, training, and technology to enable Associates across their national network of hospitals to lead the industry today and into tomorrow.
- Company Specialties: Veterinary medical services, veterinary diagnostic laboratories, veterinary digital imaging, and veterinary practice marketing solutions
*ASSUMPTION:* VCA Animal Hospitals is a large, established company with a strong focus on innovation and growth within the veterinary services industry.
📊 Role Analysis
- Career Level: Intermediate
- Reporting Structure: Reports directly to the Vice President of Marketing and Communications
- Work Arrangement: Hybrid (3 days in office)
- Growth Opportunities:
- Potential to grow within the Communications and Marketing team or explore other departments within the organization
- Opportunities to work on diverse projects and initiatives
*ASSUMPTION:* This role offers opportunities for professional growth and development within a large, dynamic organization.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
- Office Type: Hybrid (3 days in office)
- Office Location: Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Geographic Context: Calgary is the largest city in Alberta, offering a mix of urban and outdoor lifestyle opportunities. The office is located in the AVC Administration AB building.
- Work Schedule: Full-time, 40 hours per week
*ASSUMPTION:* The hybrid work arrangement offers a balance between in-office collaboration and remote work flexibility.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
- Typical Process: Online application, phone or video screen, in-person interviews, and background check
- Key Assessment Areas: Writing and editing skills, communication and interpersonal skills, strategic thinking, and cultural fit
- Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant communications experience and skills
- Prepare examples of your writing and project management work to discuss during the interview
- Research VCA Animal Hospitals and the veterinary services industry to demonstrate your enthusiasm and understanding of the role
*ASSUMPTION:* The interview process will focus on assessing your communications skills, strategic thinking, and cultural fit within the organization.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello)
- Communications and collaboration tools (e.g., Slack, Microsoft Teams)
- Media monitoring tools (e.g., Mention, Brand24)
*ASSUMPTION:* Candidates should be comfortable using common office software, project management tools, and communications platforms.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
- Company Values: Taking care of pets, people, and communities; delivering world-class medicine and hometown care; investing in innovation and growth; fostering a culture of wellness and appreciation
- Work Style: Collaborative, innovative, and results-driven; a focus on continuous learning and improvement; a commitment to work-life balance
*ASSUMPTION:* Candidates who align with VCA Animal Hospitals' values and work style will be well-suited to this role and the organization's culture.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Balancing multiple projects and priorities
- Working with diverse stakeholders and managing expectations
- Adapting to a hybrid work environment and maintaining strong communication with remote team members
*ASSUMPTION:* Successful candidates will be organized, adaptable, and effective communicators, able to manage multiple priorities and work collaboratively with diverse teams.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- Communications Specialist (VCA Animal Hospitals)
- Focuses more on day-to-day communications tasks and less on strategic planning
- Public Relations Manager (Petco)
- Responsible for external communications and media relations, with less focus on internal communications
- Communications Coordinator (Banfield Pet Hospital)
- Entry-level role with a focus on content creation and distribution, less strategic planning
*ASSUMPTION:* This role offers a unique blend of strategic planning, project management, and content creation, making it distinct from similar roles in the industry.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing and implementing a communications plan for a new hospital opening
- Creating internal communications materials to announce a company-wide initiative
- Managing media relations for a crisis or emergency situation
- Coordinating a company-wide event or conference
*ASSUMPTION:* Sample projects should demonstrate the candidate's ability to manage complex communications projects, work collaboratively with stakeholders, and adapt to various situations.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- Can you describe the team structure and how this role fits within the Communications and Marketing department?
- What are the most significant challenges facing the Communications and Marketing team currently, and how can this role help address them?
- How does VCA Animal Hospitals support the professional growth and development of its employees?
- What is the company's approach to work-life balance, and how is this reflected in the hybrid work arrangement?
- How does the company ensure effective communication and collaboration among its diverse teams and locations?
*ASSUMPTION:* Asking thoughtful, insightful questions demonstrates your interest in the role and the organization, and helps you make an informed decision about your potential fit within the team.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through [this link](https://vca.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/Careers/job/Calgary-Alberta/Communications-Advisor--VCA-Canada-Support-Office_R-199827-1)
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant communications experience and skills
- Prepare examples of your writing and project management work to discuss during the interview
- Research VCA Animal Hospitals and the veterinary services industry to demonstrate your enthusiasm and understanding of the role
- Follow up with a thank-you note after your interview, reiterating your interest in the position and the company
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
