Senior Communications Manager

Let us welcome you to Optima Living.

Optima Living—founded in 2007—owns and operates innovative seniors’ living communities throughout Alberta and BC, taking an unprecedented approach to senior life. Our unique company culture is one where both residents and team members are family.

Optima Living’s North Star, Let us welcome you home, speaks to our underlying principles and the experience seniors discover in our communities. When residents are home, they feel safe, respected, and welcome. Home is where one’s voice is heard, their views matter, and they have freedom of choice.

Optima Living’s mission, vision, and values—respect, dignity, teamwork, and doing the right thing—support and build upon our North Star. Optima Living operates over 2,200 beds providing congregate living options for seniors. These options range from subsidized to luxury, Independent to Assisted Living, Long-term Care to Memory Care, and Residential Mental Health.

Summary
The Senior Communications Manager will report to the Head of Legal and is responsible for developing and executing strategic communication initiatives that increase engagement among internal stakeholders, residents and families. The Senior Communications Manager will also be responsible for outreach to investors and other external stakeholders and enhance the organization’s visibility. This role oversees internal and external communications, media relations, digital content, and collaborates with our marketing group on branding efforts to ensure consistent and compassionate messaging aligned with our mission and values.

***Please note this position accepts candidates from Vancouver and Surrey***

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Communications

• Develop and implement a comprehensive communications strategy.
• Craft messaging that reflects the organization’s mission, values, and services.
• Collaborate with leadership to support advocacy and community outreach.

• Oversee and provide leadership to our communications function.
• Recruit, select, onboard, and offboard communications talent as required.
• Provide continuous performance guidance to communications talent.

• Liaise with media as required and draft press releases, media kits, and talking points.
• Build and maintain relationships with local and regional media outlets.
• Monitor media coverage and coordinate crisis communications when needed.

• Collaborate with the Director, Marketing to manage website content, newsletters, brochures, and social media platforms.
• Create compelling stories, videos, and graphics that highlight resident life and organizational impact.
• Ensure all content is accessible and inclusive.

• Support communication with employees, residents, and families through regular updates, newsletters, and bulletins.
• Coordinate internal campaigns and events that promote staff engagement and resident well-being.

• Support communication with external stakeholders, including investors and strategic partners.
• Create external-facing communications materials that showcase Optima's growth and leadership.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, or related field.
• Master's Degree or MBA is an asset.
• 5+ years of experience in communications, preferably in healthcare or seniors housing.
• 3+ years of leadership experience in communications.
• Exceptional writing, editing, and storytelling skills.
• Proficiency in digital tools.
• Strong interpersonal skills and cultural sensitivity.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong workplace culture orientation.
• Experience working in a seniors housing or healthcare setting.
• Knowledge of accessibility standards and inclusive communication practices.

Conditions of Employment

• Clear Police Information Check
• Travel within Canada is required.