Lead, Communications and Strategic Initiatives

**_Data. Discovery. Better Health._**

**_ ICES is a world-leading health research and analytics institute. With a wealth of data and analytic expertise, we create trusted evidence that has changed health policy and practice and helps ensure better health for all._**

**_ Ready to discover more with us? Join our outstanding, collaborative team where your skills, knowledge and curiosity are valued and can change the future of health care._**

**At ICES, we recognize what matters most to our employees. Some of the great benefits of working at ICES include**:

- Flexible remote work arrangements anywhere in Ontario
- Competitive Compensation
- Comprehensive Benefits Program
- HOOPP Pension Plan (Defined Pension)
- Employee Assistance Program and Dialogue Well Being Program
- Generous vacation, float and caregiver days for all employees
- Education Fund and Dedicated Education Days
- Holiday Closure
- Perkopolis Employee Discount Program

**Introduction**:
The Lead, Communications and Strategic Initiatives will lead and manage the Institute’s communications portfolio and provide project management and support to a range of Institute strategic initiatives, including the Health System Impact Program. The Lead, Communications and Strategic Initiatives will develop, implement and evaluate the effectiveness of communications vehicles (newsletter, e-bulletins, social media, website), provide communications leadership and support to the Institute’s strategic initiatives and funding programs, provide event coordination and administrative support, and provide project management leadership to a range of Institute strategic activities and initiatives. Project management, strategic communications advice and expertise, and stakeholder engagement are integral components of the role.

The Lead, Communications and Strategic Initiatives will have the opportunity to work with a wide array of stakeholders including researchers, decision-makers, healthcare providers, patients and communities, executives and knowledge mobilization specialists, all dedicated to improving the health of Canadians.

**Responsibilities of the position include, but may not be limited to**:

- Manage the Health System Impact Program (HSIP), including the launch of annual funding opportunities, building new and maintaining positive existing partnerships, maintaining the HSIP website, liaising with and providing support to the National Cohort Training Platform (NCTP), providing support to the HSIP cohort and managing the day-to-day HSIP activities, ensuring continuous program improvement, and working closely with the Associate Scientific Directors throughout;
- Act as the Institute lead or co-lead on major strategic initiatives including providing strategic advice and insight, project management support, developing and maintaining positive relationships with partners and stakeholders, working to support the overall success of the initiative, and updating and engaging the Associate Scientific Directors on a regular basis;
- Support coordination and collaboration on major strategic initiatives, as required;
- Lead the development and implementation of communications plans, products and activities that advance IHSPR’s mandate and strategic directions;
- Research, write, edit and proof-read communications and knowledge mobilization products, tailored to specific audiences as needed, such as research impact stories, casebooks, newsletters, news releases, backgrounders, speeches, presentations, website content, tweets and e-blasts;
- Provide communications expertise, advice, support and act as the single point of contact for all communications activities at IHSPR;
- Develop and maintain positive relationships with CIHR central communications staff;
- Lead and/or assist with the design, planning and implementation of events, including announcements, receptions, community forums, workshops, stakeholder consultations, Institute advisory board meetings and conferences;
- Manage the Institute website (e.g., content, web submissions, translation requests) and social media presence, and implement tools for maximum effectiveness and performance indicators to track success;
- Manage with the portfolio of Institute Community Support programs
- Assist the Associate Scientific Directors in the development of Institute annual reports, funding opportunities and other projects and initiatives
- Participate in peer and relevance review/validation of Institute funding awards;
- Maintain positive relationships and effective communications with counterparts in partner organizations;
- Other communications and community-engagement initiatives that may arise
- Other duties as may be assigned within the scope of this position

**Knowledge, skills and abilities required**:

- A graduate degree in health services and policy research or equivalent training/experiential expertise
- Minimum of 3 years of related experience;
- Extensive knowledge of health services and policy research