π Core Information
πΉ Job Title: Content Lead
πΉ Company: Canadian Blood Services
πΉ Location: Multiple locations across Canada
πΉ Job Type: Regular Full-Time
πΉ Category: Communications, Marketing and Public Affairs
πΉ Date Posted: 2025-07-28
πΉ Experience Level: 5-10 years
πΉ Remote Status: Hybrid (40% on-site)
π Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Strategic content creation and leadership for marketing efforts
- Cross-functional collaboration and mentorship
- Performance-driven writing and optimization
- Brand voice and tone management
- Editorial calendar development and content planning
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a balance of strategic thinking and hands-on execution, with a focus on driving performance and engagement through compelling content.
π Key Responsibilities
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Guide the voice and tone of marketing efforts, ensuring clarity, purpose, and emotional resonance in messaging
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Collaborate with subject matter experts, strategists, and cross-functional teams to distill complex ideas into accessible and engaging content
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Lead and mentor the writing team to foster a high standard of creative excellence and collaboration
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Review and approve content across diverse formats, ensuring brand voice and tone consistency
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Build strong relationships across the organization and create a supportive content hub for various needs
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Support content planning and calendar development, ensuring alignment with strategy and timely delivery
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Measure content performance through KPIs, A/B testing, and platform metrics, refining content for stronger outcomes
ASSUMPION: This role involves a mix of creative and strategic tasks, requiring strong communication, collaboration, and analytical skills.
π― Required Qualifications
Education: Completion of post-secondary education in a relevant discipline (e.g., Public Relations, Journalism, Communications, Marketing)
Experience: Minimum five (5) years of marketing communications-related experience; minimum of three (3) years in a leadership role
Required Skills:
- Exceptional copywriting skills for ads, campaigns, and long-form content
- Ability to synthesize complex ideas into clear, compelling messages
- Proficient in performance-driven writing, SEO, and conversion-focused content
- Fluency in platform-specific content and multimedia script review
- Strong knowledge of Microsoft Office apps and Adobe Acrobat
Preferred Skills:
- Healthcare and/or biopharma or agency experience
- Familiarity with Canadian Blood Services' brand platform and guidelines
ASSUMPTION: A strong background in advertising, marketing, and communications is essential for this role, with a preference for candidates with relevant industry experience.
π° Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: CAD 80,078 - 94,028 per year
Benefits:
- 4 weeks' vacation
- Annual performance award up to 8%
- Comprehensive group health, dental, and vision benefits
- Defined benefit pension plan
- Employee discounts, wellness program, and professional resources
Working Hours: Monday to Friday, 37.5 hours per week, 7.5 hours per day
ASSUMPTION: The salary range is based on industry standards for similar roles and experience levels in Canada. Benefits are comprehensive and reflect the organization's commitment to employee well-being.
π Applicant Insights
π Company Context
Industry: Non-profit Organizations, specifically focused on healthcare and blood services
Company Size: 1,001-5,000 employees
Founded: 1998, with a national presence and impact
Company Description:
- Canadian Blood Services is Canadaβs biological lifeline, responsible for a secure system of life essentials for transfusion or transplantation
- They strive to create informative and engaging communities on social media, adhering to their Community Guidelines
- The organization is nationally responsible, efficient, and performance-driven, working as one with colleagues and partners at all levels
Company Specialties:
- Health Care
- Not-for-Profit
- Blood Donation
- Stem Cell Donation
- Cord Blood Donation
- Organ and Eye/Tissue Donation
- Plasma Donation
- Platelet Donations
Company Website: blood.ca
ASSUMPTION: Canadian Blood Services is a large, national non-profit organization with a critical role in Canada's healthcare system. Their work requires a high degree of professionalism, collaboration, and attention to detail.
π Role Analysis
Career Level: Mid-level to senior, with opportunities for growth and leadership
Reporting Structure: Reports to the Manager, Creative Studio, with potential for team leadership
Work Arrangement: Hybrid, with 40% on-site presence required
Growth Opportunities:
- Potential to lead and mentor a team of writers
- Chance to grow into a more senior role within the creative or marketing department
- Opportunities to work on diverse projects and campaigns across the organization
ASSUMPTION: This role offers opportunities for professional growth and development within a large, national organization.
π Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Multiple locations across Canada, with a hybrid work arrangement
Office Location(s): Halifax, Nova Scotia; Winnipeg, Manitoba; St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador; Brampton, Ontario; Saskatoon, Saskatchewan; Toronto, Ontario; Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island; Ottawa, Ontario; Calgary, Alberta; Vancouver, British Columbia
Geographic Context:
- Halifax and Charlottetown are coastal cities with a mild climate and a strong sense of community
- Winnipeg is located in the prairie provinces, with a continental climate and a vibrant cultural scene
- St. John's is the capital of Newfoundland and Labrador, known for its unique culture and natural beauty
- Brampton is a suburban city in the Greater Toronto Area, with easy access to urban amenities
- Saskatoon is the largest city in Saskatchewan, with a diverse economy and a growing cultural scene
- Toronto is Canada's largest city, offering a wide range of cultural, recreational, and professional opportunities
- Calgary and Vancouver are major cities in Western Canada, known for their urban amenities and natural surroundings
Work Schedule: Monday to Friday, 37.5 hours per week, with flexibility for on-site and off-site work
ASSUMPTION: The hybrid work arrangement allows for a balance between on-site collaboration and off-site flexibility, with the specific mix depending on the role's requirements and the employee's needs.
πΌ Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application submission
- Phone or video screening
- In-depth behavioral and skills-based interviews
- Final round interviews with key stakeholders
- Background check and reference check
Key Assessment Areas:
- Writing and creative skills
- Strategic thinking and problem-solving
- Collaboration and communication skills
- Adaptability and flexibility
- Alignment with Canadian Blood Services' mission, values, and culture
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant skills and experiences
- Prepare examples of your writing work, demonstrating your range and versatility
- Research Canadian Blood Services' mission, values, and recent campaigns to show your enthusiasm and understanding
- Practice common interview questions and prepare thoughtful responses
ATS Keywords: Content strategy, copywriting, marketing communications, brand voice, SEO, performance-driven content, multimedia script review, editorial calendar, team leadership, collaboration, Canadian Blood Services
ASSUMPTION: The application process for Canadian Blood Services is thorough and competitive, requiring strong preparation and attention to detail.
π οΈ Tools & Technologies
- Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- Adobe Acrobat
- Content management systems (e.g., WordPress, Drupal)
- SEO tools (e.g., Google Search Console, SEMrush, Ahrefs)
- Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello, JIRA)
- Multimedia software (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite, Final Cut Pro, Avid Media Composer)
ASSUMPTION: Familiarity with industry-standard tools and software is essential for this role, with a preference for candidates with experience in relevant platforms.
π Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Curiosity: We seek out new knowledge and perspectives
- Compassion: We care deeply about the people we serve and each other
- Excellence: We strive for the highest standards in all we do
Work Style:
- Collaborative: We work together to achieve our goals
- Adaptable: We embrace change and find creative solutions
- Data-driven: We use data to inform our decisions and actions
Self-Assessment Questions:
- How do you demonstrate curiosity in your approach to work?
- Can you provide an example of a time when you showed compassion in a professional setting?
- How do you strive for excellence in your daily tasks and projects?
ASSUMPTION: Canadian Blood Services values a strong cultural fit, with an emphasis on curiosity, compassion, and excellence in all aspects of their work.
β οΈ Potential Challenges
- Managing multiple projects and deadlines in a fast-paced environment
- Balancing on-site and off-site work, requiring strong time management and self-discipline
- Working with diverse stakeholders and teams, requiring strong communication and collaboration skills
- Adapting to changes in priorities, workflows, or team structures
- Maintaining a high standard of creative excellence while meeting tight deadlines
ASSUMPTION: This role presents unique challenges that require strong organizational skills, adaptability, and a commitment to continuous learning and improvement.
π Similar Roles Comparison
- Content Manager vs. Content Lead: A Content Manager focuses on planning, coordination, and execution, while a Content Lead provides strategic direction, mentorship, and creative vision
- Marketing Specialist vs. Content Lead: A Marketing Specialist may focus on a specific channel or tactic, while a Content Lead oversees the entire content strategy and its implementation across channels
- Copywriter vs. Content Lead: A Copywriter focuses on creating compelling copy, while a Content Lead is responsible for the overall content strategy, leadership, and mentorship
ASSUMPTION: The Content Lead role at Canadian Blood Services is distinct from similar roles, requiring a unique blend of strategic, creative, and leadership skills.
π Sample Projects
- Developing a national marketing campaign to increase awareness and engagement around a new blood donation initiative
- Creating a series of blog posts and social media content to educate the public about the importance of plasma donations
- Writing and designing a multimedia script to tell the story of a patient whose life was saved through a blood transfusion
ASSUMPTION: The Content Lead role at Canadian Blood Services offers opportunities to work on diverse projects that have a real impact on people's lives.
β Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- Can you describe the team structure and dynamics within the Creative Studio?
- How does the Content Lead role collaborate with other departments, such as Marketing Strategy and Product Management?
- What are the most significant challenges facing the Content team in the next 12-24 months, and how can this role help address them?
- How does Canadian Blood Services support the professional growth and development of its employees?
- What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) used to measure the success of content initiatives, and how are they tracked and reported?
ASSUMPTION: Asking thoughtful, well-researched questions demonstrates your interest in the role and organization, and helps you make an informed decision about your fit within the team.
π Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through the provided link
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant skills and experiences
- Prepare examples of your writing work, demonstrating your range and versatility
- Research Canadian Blood Services' mission, values, and recent campaigns to show your enthusiasm and understanding
- Practice common interview questions and prepare thoughtful responses
- Follow up with the hiring manager one week after submitting your application to express your continued interest in the role
β οΈ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.