📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Marketing Specialist
🔹 Company: Canadian Blood Services
🔹 Location: Multiple locations (see below)
🔹 Job Type: Regular Full-Time
🔹 Category: Communications, Marketing and Public Affairs
🔹 Date Posted: 2025-06-03
🔹 Experience Level: 2-5 years
🔹 Remote Status: Hybrid (2 days on-site per week)
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Translating marketing strategy into exceptional and inspired marketing campaigns and activations
- Building inspired, insight-driven briefs for creative and strategy partners
- Managing relationships with creative agencies and internal stakeholders
- Ensuring local relevance and national consistency in sales and marketing delivery
ASSUMPTION: This role requires strong project management skills, creativity, and the ability to work effectively with diverse teams.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Develop and implement integrated marketing strategies and campaigns that drive awareness, engagement, and support for Canadian Blood Services’ mission and business goals
✅ Drive growth through marketing by developing and implementing integrated marketing campaigns that contribute to the execution of growth strategies
✅ Champion go-to-market (GTM) alignment by leveraging skills and experience to lead the end-to-end development and execution of campaigns aligned with the GTM framework
✅ Lead with insight and creativity to design and deliver compelling content and marketing experiences that resonate with diverse audiences across digital, social, and traditional platforms
✅ Champion brand excellence by serving as a brand ambassador, ensuring consistency, clarity, and impact in all marketing communications
✅ Provide strategic marketing counsel to internal stakeholders and leadership, guiding the development of tactical plans that align with broader organizational priorities
✅ Drive executional excellence by managing the end-to-end execution of marketing initiatives, ensuring timelines, budgets, and performance metrics are met
✅ Craft clear, compelling briefs that guide internal and external partners toward creative and strategic excellence
✅ Foster strong partnerships by managing relationships with creative agencies, consultants, and internal collaborators with care and clarity
✅ Collaborate with integrated leads across regions to ensure campaigns are both locally relevant and nationally aligned
✅ Contribute to key change initiatives by developing marketing approaches that foster understanding, alignment, engagement, and growth across internal and external audiences
ASSUMPTION: This role may require occasional travel to the head office in Ottawa for in-person team meetings.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Post-secondary education in Marketing, Communications, or a related field
Experience: 3-5 years of experience in marketing strategy, campaign development, or integrated communications
Required Skills:
- Proven ability to translate complex strategies into clear, actionable marketing plans
- Strong storytelling and content development skills across multiple platforms
- Experience leading cross-functional marketing initiatives and collaborating with diverse teams
- A proactive, detail-oriented mindset with a passion for delivering results
- Experience working with creative agencies or external partners is a strong asset
Preferred Skills:
- Experience in the non-profit sector
- Fluency in French
ASSUMPTION: While not explicitly stated, proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and familiarity with marketing software tools are likely required for this role.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: CAD 69,229 to CAD 82,145 per year
Benefits:
- 4 weeks’ vacation
- Annual performance award of up to 6%
- Comprehensive group health, dental, and vision benefits for you and your family
- Defined benefit pension plan
- Employee discounts, wellness program, professional resources
Working Hours: Monday to Friday, 37.5 hours per week
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is based on the job posting and is subject to change. Benefits may vary based on the employee's location and role.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Canadian Blood Services is a non-profit organization responsible for the collection, testing, and distribution of blood, blood products, and stem cells in Canada. It is a national, not-for-profit charitable organization established in 1998.
Company Size: Canadian Blood Services has 1,001-5,000 employees, making it a mid-sized organization.
Founded: 1998
Company Description:
- Canadian Blood Services is the sole operator of a national system that links all provincial and territorial systems, ensuring a safe, secure, and efficient blood system for all Canadians.
- The organization is committed to delivering exceptional service to its donors, patients, and healthcare professionals.
- Canadian Blood Services is dedicated to innovation, research, and quality improvement to ensure the best possible outcomes for its stakeholders.
Company Specialties:
- Blood donation
- Stem cell donation
- Cord blood donation
- Organ and tissue donation
- Plasma donation
- Platelet donations
Company Website: https://blood.ca/
ASSUMPTION: Canadian Blood Services is a national organization with a significant impact on the healthcare system in Canada. Working for this organization provides an opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: This role is at the intermediate level, requiring a combination of relevant experience and education.
Reporting Structure: The Marketing Specialist reports to the Integrated Marketing Manager within the Donor Engagement and Corporate Reputation division.
Work Arrangement: This is a hybrid role, requiring on-site presence at a Canadian Blood Services location 2 days per week (40%).
Growth Opportunities:
- Progression to a senior marketing role within the organization
- Expansion of responsibilities to include management of a team or multiple projects
- Opportunities to work on high-impact, strategic initiatives that drive organizational growth
ASSUMPTION: With its focus on innovation and growth, Canadian Blood Services offers numerous opportunities for professional development and career advancement.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Canadian Blood Services has multiple office locations across Canada.
Office Location(s): Toronto, ON; Edmonton, AB; Ottawa, ON; Brampton, ON; Saint John, NB; Calgary, AB; St. John's, NL; Vancouver, BC; Dartmouth, NS
Geographic Context:
- Toronto, ON: A major urban center with a diverse population and a thriving arts and culture scene
- Edmonton, AB: A city known for its festivals, cultural attractions, and proximity to nature
- Ottawa, ON: The capital of Canada, offering a unique blend of urban and rural living
- Brampton, ON: A city located in the Greater Toronto Area, offering a mix of urban and suburban living
- Saint John, NB: A historic city with a vibrant arts and culture scene, located on the Bay of Fundy
- Calgary, AB: A city known for its urban parks, vibrant cultural scene, and proximity to the Rocky Mountains
- St. John's, NL: The capital and largest city in Newfoundland and Labrador, offering a unique blend of urban and rural living
- Vancouver, BC: A coastal city known for its mild climate, natural beauty, and diverse cultural scene
- Dartmouth, NS: A suburban community located near Halifax, offering a mix of urban and rural living
Work Schedule: Standard work hours are Monday to Friday, 37.5 hours per week.
ASSUMPTION: The specific office location and work environment may vary based on the candidate's role and location.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application submission
- Phone or video screening
- In-person or virtual interview with the hiring manager
- Final interview with the director or another senior leader
- Background check and reference check
- Job offer
Key Assessment Areas:
- Marketing strategy and campaign development skills
- Creativity and innovation
- Collaboration and communication skills
- Problem-solving and analytical skills
- Alignment with Canadian Blood Services' mission and values
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your marketing strategy, campaign development, and integrated communications experience
- Include specific examples of your ability to translate complex strategies into clear, actionable marketing plans
- Demonstrate your understanding of Canadian Blood Services' mission and values in your cover letter
- Prepare for behavioral interview questions that focus on your problem-solving, collaboration, and communication skills
ATS Keywords: Marketing strategy, campaign development, integrated communications, marketing plan, creative brief, stakeholder management, cross-functional collaboration, detail-oriented, proactive
ASSUMPTION: Canadian Blood Services uses an Applicant Tracking System (ATS) to manage its recruitment process. Including relevant keywords in your resume and cover letter can help your application stand out.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Microsoft Office Suite
- Marketing software tools (e.g., Google Analytics, social media management platforms, CRM)
- Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello, Microsoft Project)
- Design tools (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite, Canva)
ASSUMPTION: The specific tools and technologies required may vary based on the candidate's role and location.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Patient-centered
- Excellence
- Integrity
- Innovation
- Collaboration
- Accountability
Work Style:
- Collaborative and team-oriented
- Results-driven and proactive
- Adaptable and flexible
- Detail-oriented and organized
- Creative and strategic
Self-Assessment Questions:
- Do you have a proven track record of translating complex strategies into clear, actionable marketing plans?
- Are you comfortable working in a hybrid environment, balancing on-site and off-site work?
- Do you thrive in a collaborative, team-oriented work environment?
- Are you detail-oriented and organized, with a strong ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines?
- Do you have a passion for making a meaningful difference in the lives of others?
ASSUMPTION: Canadian Blood Services values candidates who are passionate about its mission, committed to excellence, and dedicated to working collaboratively to achieve its goals.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- The hybrid work arrangement may require occasional travel to the head office in Ottawa for in-person team meetings
- The role may involve working on multiple projects simultaneously, requiring strong time management and prioritization skills
- The organization's non-profit status may result in limited resources and budget constraints for marketing initiatives
- The role may require working with sensitive and confidential information, requiring a high level of discretion and professionalism
- The organization's mission and values may require candidates to have a strong commitment to its cause and a willingness to work flexible hours as needed
ASSUMPTION: These challenges are inherent to the role and organization, and candidates should be aware of them before applying.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- Marketing Specialist (Corporate) vs. Marketing Specialist (Non-profit):
- Non-profit organizations may have limited resources and budget constraints for marketing initiatives
- Non-profit organizations may require candidates to have a strong commitment to their cause and a willingness to work flexible hours as needed
- Non-profit organizations may offer opportunities to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others
- Marketing Specialist vs. Marketing Manager:
- Marketing Specialists typically have less experience and responsibility than Marketing Managers
- Marketing Specialists may focus more on tactical execution, while Marketing Managers focus more on strategic planning and leadership
- Marketing Specialists may have opportunities to grow into Marketing Manager roles with experience and demonstrated success
- Marketing Specialist (Hybrid) vs. Marketing Specialist (Remote):
- Hybrid roles require a balance of on-site and off-site work, while remote roles do not
- Hybrid roles may offer opportunities for in-person collaboration and networking, while remote roles may offer greater flexibility and work-life balance
- Hybrid roles may require occasional travel to the head office or other locations, while remote roles do not
ASSUMPTION: Candidates should consider their personal preferences and career goals when comparing similar roles.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing and executing a national marketing campaign to increase awareness and engagement around a new product launch
- Creating and implementing a targeted digital marketing strategy to drive online donations and registrations
- Managing a cross-functional team to deliver a successful event or conference, requiring strong project management and stakeholder communication skills
- Conducting market research and analysis to inform marketing strategy and campaign development
- Developing and implementing a brand refresh or rebranding initiative to enhance brand recognition and consistency
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects are intended to illustrate the types of initiatives a Marketing Specialist at Canadian Blood Services might work on, but the specific projects may vary based on the organization's needs and priorities.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- Can you describe the typical marketing campaigns and initiatives for this role?
- How does this role collaborate with other departments and teams within the organization?
- What are the key priorities for this role in the first 30, 60, and 90 days?
- How does Canadian Blood Services support the professional development and growth of its marketing team members?
- What are the most challenging aspects of working in a hybrid environment for this role?
- How does Canadian Blood Services measure the success of its marketing campaigns and initiatives?
ASSUMPTION: These questions are intended to help candidates better understand the role, the organization, and its culture, allowing them to make an informed decision about their fit for the position.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through the linked job posting
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your marketing strategy, campaign development, and integrated communications experience
- Include specific examples of your ability to translate complex strategies into clear, actionable marketing plans
- Demonstrate your understanding of Canadian Blood Services' mission and values in your cover letter
- Prepare for behavioral interview questions that focus on your problem-solving, collaboration, and communication skills
- If invited to participate in an assessment, be prepared to demonstrate your marketing strategy, campaign development, and integrated communications skills through a case study or other exercise
- Follow up with the hiring manager one week after your interview to express your continued interest in the role
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
