At Lilly, we unite caring with discovery to make life better for people around the world. We are a global healthcare leader headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana. Our employees around the world work to discover and bring life-changing medicines to those who need them, improve the understanding and management of disease, and give back to our communities through philanthropy and volunteerism. We give our best effort to our work, and we put people first. We’re looking for people who are determined to make life better for people around the world.
The Public Relations & Communications Specialist plays a critical role in shaping and protecting Lilly Canada’s reputation across a complex and highly regulated healthcare environment. This role supports the development and execution of integrated communications strategies that enhance Lilly’s corporate profile, support brand initiatives, and advance innovation readiness across therapeutic areas. Working within a fast-paced, cross-functional environment, the Specialist will deliver high-quality communications and media engagement while collaborating closely with internal teams and external stakeholders, including media, patient organizations, healthcare professionals, and policymakers. The ideal candidate brings strong experience within the Canadian pharmaceutical or healthcare sector, combined with excellent writing, project management, and media relations expertise, and a proven ability to execute with precision under pressure.
This is a hybrid role – onsite presence at our Toronto office will be 10 days or more per month (or at least 50% of the time), determined in collaboration with your manager and based on business needs.
At Lilly Canada, we have two levels for this position based on the candidate’s experience, background, and qualifications. The expected compensation is:
Manager: $91,500 - $132,200
Sr Manager: $111,750 - $163,900
This role is eligible for additional forms of compensation, such as participation in the Lilly Bonus Program.
This posting is for an existing vacancy.
Key responsibilities:
Communications Strategy & Execution
Support the development and execution of comprehensive communications plans aligned with corporate, brand, and therapeutic area priorities.
Contribute to integrated campaigns that engage key audiences and strengthen Lilly’s reputation and brand presence.
Adapt global communications strategies for the Canadian market and ensure local relevance and compliance.
Ensure all communications activities align with business objectives, regulatory requirements, and corporate standards.
2. Media Relations & External Communications
Act as a key contact for media relations, supporting proactive and reactive engagement with journalists and media outlets.
Draft and manage a full range of communications materials, including:
Press releases
Media statements and Q&A
Backgrounders and fact sheets
Executive speaking materials
Identify and secure earned media opportunities tied to data, regulatory milestones, and corporate initiatives.
Support issues management and media preparedness, ensuring timely and consistent messaging.
3. Stakeholder Engagement
Support engagement strategies with external stakeholders, including:
Patient organizations and advocacy groups
Healthcare professionals and professional associations
Government and policy stakeholders
Community partners
Build and maintain strong working relationships with key external audiences to support strategic objectives.
Contribute to stakeholder mapping and engagement planning to identify opportunities and mitigate risks.
4. Cross-Functional Collaboration
Partner closely with internal functions including:
Marketing and Brand Teams
Medical Affairs
Regulatory and Legal
Market Access and Patient Access
Provide communications counsel and executional support to cross-functional project teams.
Ensure alignment and consistency across all communications initiatives and stakeholder interactions.
5. Project Management & Execution Excellence
Manage multiple communications initiatives concurrently, ensuring deadlines, quality standards, and compliance requirements are met.
Develop detailed project plans and timelines, proactively identifying risks and mitigation strategies.
Demonstrate strong attention to detail and accountability in execution across all deliverables.
Support tracking, reporting, and measurement of communications activities and outcomes.
6. Content Development & Writing
Produce high-quality, compelling written materials tailored to diverse audiences and channels.
Translate complex scientific and clinical information into clear, accessible messaging.
Ensure consistency of voice, tone, and messaging across all external and internal communications.
Apply a variety of writing styles depending on context (media, stakeholder, digital, executive).
7. Issues Management & Compliance
Support issues preparedness and crisis communications planning.
Ensure all materials comply with internal approval processes and external regulatory requirements (e.g., PAAB, Health Canada).
Collaborate with Legal, Regulatory, and Medical teams to ensure accuracy and compliance of communications materials.
Lilly is dedicated to helping individuals with disabilities to actively engage in the workforce, ensuring equal opportunities when vying for positions. If you require accommodation to submit a resume for a position at Lilly, please complete the accommodation request form (https://careers.lilly.com/us/en/workplace-accommodation) for further assistance. Please note this is for individuals to request an accommodation as part of the application process and any other correspondence will not receive a response.
Lilly does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, protected veteran status, disability or any other legally protected status.
Actual compensation will depend on a candidate’s education, experience, skills, and geographic location. The anticipated wage for this position is
$91,500 - $163,900
Full-time equivalent employees may also be eligible for a company bonus (depending, in part, on company and individual performance). In addition, Lilly offers a comprehensive benefit program to eligible employees, including eligibility to participate in a pension plan; vacation benefits; eligibility for healthcare benefits; flexible benefits (if applicable) life insurance and death benefits; certain time off and leave of absence benefits; and well-being benefits (e.g., employee assistance program, fitness benefits, and employee clubs and activities). Lilly reserves the right to amend, modify, or terminate its compensation and benefit programs in its sole discretion and Lilly’s compensation practices and guidelines will apply regarding the details of any promotion or transfer of Lilly employees.
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