Director, Communications and Community Relations

**JOIN US IN MAKING EXCELLENT CARE PERSONAL**
At Georgian Bay General Hospital (GBGH), our commitment to excellence sets us apart. We believe in making excellent care personal, and we're on a relentless journey to enhance the well-being of both our staff and patients. Are you ready to contribute to a healthcare legacy that makes a difference? We are on the lookout for individuals driven by purpose, eager to make a substantial impact on the lives of our patients, their families, and our dedicated staff.

**THE OPPORTUNITY**
Join a progressive and collaborative Executive Team as the **Director, Communications and Community Relations** at GBGH. As the successful applicant you will join GBGH in year two of an ambitious seven-year strategic plan with a purpose of We make excellent care personal. You will report to the President & CEO and sits as part of the Executive Team. You will play an integral part in positioning the growth of GBGH into the future to meet community needs.

**THE IDEAL CANDIDATE**

**KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES & RESPONSIBILITIES**
**Strategic Responsibilities**
- Develop programs and services in the area of communication, media, public relations, online presence, branding and marketing strategies
- Work closely with the CEO and the Executive Leadership Team to advance corporate priorities and manage risks
- Supporting the delivery of the strategic plan including developing and managing the approach for community, government and internal engagement

**External Relations**
- Development, implementation and evaluation of strategies for external relations
- Plan and implement advocacy initiatives to inform elected and non-elected government officials and decision-makers regarding Hospital priorities and challenges
- Prepare Board of Directors and senior leaders with relevant information to support discussions with relevant parties
- Liaison with the Board of Directors on communications and advocacy matters, including being the staff lead of the Strategic Communications Committee

**Communications**
- Management of key messaging and themes for alignment across multiple parties and groups
- Development and implementation of an internal communications plan, executive communications, corporate announcements, newsletters and other internal communications channels
- Monitoring issues, emerging trends and themes, internally and externally and providing counsel, approaches, and communication materials to manage issues and crisis communications
- Providing guidance and support for the implementation of major corporate branding activities and executive communications
- Lead and manage public events hosted at or by the Hospital in collaboration with appropriate partners such as Learning & Development, Wellness, and the Foundation
- Drive social media activity and ensure online presence is optimized
- Oversee and manage the websites and intranet
- Supporting the Foundation’s fundraising messaging, activities and events, as required in collaboration with the Foundation’s communications team
- Development, implementation and evaluation of strategies and initiatives to promote organizational programs/services and priorities in a proactive and positive manner
- Supports and informs employee, professional staff and volunteer engagement strategies, awards and recognition programs
- Collaborate with People Services to deliver on the overall People Strategy (including recognition, award and GBGH Crew event planning, recruitment and retention)
- Work collaboratively with the Volunteer Services team and the Medical Affairs/Professional Staff Association to ensure key messaging is actively shared with all relevant professional staff and volunteers
- Contribute to communications programs for community events, outreach, projects and initiatives
- Develop key messages, speeches and other media for members of the Board, senior management team and/or others as deemed appropriate

**Media Relations**
- Develop and implement comprehensive media relations plans to facilitate public communications and position GBGH positively
- Act as the primary media contact for the organization and authorized as corporate spokesperson, when required
- Enhance the Hospital's public profile and highlight the activities and work of Hospital staff, professional staff including program growth and service changes

**Other**
- Lead by example by following Hospital protocol in a safe and efficient manner
- Promote an environment that encourages and supports change using change management theory
- Partake in the Senior Management Team’s on-call rotation after three (3) months

Job Requirements:
**QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE**
- University degree plus post-graduate education in communications, public relations, marketing or a related discipline
- Minimum seven to ten (7 - 10) years of recent related experience in corporate communications or public relations
- Experience in public facing organization is strongly preferred (government, hospitals, scho