Communications Specialist

**Job Description**:
In accordance with the Vision, Purpose, and Values, and strategic direction of the Vancouver Island Health Authority (Island Health), patient and staff safety is a priority and a responsibility shared by everyone; as such, the requirement to continuously improve quality and safety is inherent in all aspects of this position.

Island Health has made a formal commitment to reconciliation through the provision of care and workplaces that have a foundation of cultural safety and humility. Island Health is committed to working with Indigenous communities and partners to plan and deliver culturally safe health-care services and to deliver on its goal of excellent health and care for everyone, everywhere, every time. When organizational communications reflect our commitment, they support Island Health to address the ongoing impacts of Indigenous specific racism and colonialism. Reporting to the Executive Director, Indigenous Health and working closely with the Communications Department, the Communications Specialist provides consultation, guidance and content to internal stakeholders and leadership regarding cultural safety and Indigenous populations' experiences, perspectives and healthcare needs in order to support effective communications via a variety of modes, mediums and materials.

Supporting the organization to provide culturally safe care in a racism-free healthcare system, this role leads the planning, development, implementation and evaluation of communication strategies, campaigns and events for the Indigenous Health department, working in close collaboration with the Island Health Communications Department. This includes planning and coordinating communications-related projects; liaising with Patient and Public Engagement on proactive media opportunities and media requests; determining and consulting on the most effective mode and means of communications for target audiences; developing advertising campaigns and materials; writing and producing various internal and external communication materials; ensuring overall quality, consistency and effectiveness of complex and/or confidential communication materials for a broad range of stakeholders.

**QUALIFICATIONS**:
**Education, Training And Experience**:
**Skills And Abilities**:

- Ability to lead with cultural safety and humility at all times.
- Knowledge of the historical and ongoing impacts of colonialism and Indigenous specific racism on Indigenous Peoples and health care systems.
- Ability to engage and influence other staff to embrace and share key communications
- Demonstrated ability to provide strategic communications advice.
- Demonstrated ability to plan and write a broad range of copy for a variety of media and audiences.
- Ability to identify ways that the organization can further support cultural safety and humility through the implementation of communications and communications strategies.
- Ability to monitor and action current trends in writing, graphic arts, photographic arts, display/exhibit development and electronic communications such as social media.
- Ability to understand the essence and subtleties of communication from a broad stakeholder group.
- Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
- Ability to plan and coordinate effective media publicity, cultural and special events.
- Demonstrated ability to problem-solve and resolve conflicts.
- Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain rapport and effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
- Physical ability to perform the duties of the position.

**Job Requirements**: