Communications Specialist-public Relations

**Work Type: Full Time**
- St. Mary’s General Hospital’s renewed vision of ‘Inspiring excellence. Healthier Together’ lays out a plan for growth, and innovation that will keep pace with the community and region that it serves. It also reflects our strong culture and values of compassion, respect, inclusion, integrity, collaboration and innovation that we bring to each interaction with patients and each other within the hospital and extends that commitment to how we will work with our partners across the health system. When you join St. Mary’s, your contribution will make a positive impact to the quality of life for patients and families. You will contribute to our mission: Living the legacy - Compassion. Faith. Discovery. _

New employees must provide documentation/proof of full COVID-19 vaccination status, a 2-step TB screening, as well as proof of immunity to measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella (chickenpox) prior to their start date at St. Mary’s General Hospital. Staff will require clearance from Employee Health and Wellness before they are able to begin any position within SMGH.

**Position Summary**:
Reporting to the Manager of Communications, the Communications Specialist is responsible for developing, delivering and measuring innovative and effective communication plans that support the strategic priorities of St. Mary’s General Hospital.

The Communications Specialist is a creative, self-starter with superior writing, verbal, problem-solving and strategic communication skills, as well as an ability to thrive under pressure in a dynamic healthcare environment. The Specialist collaborates with multiple internal and external stakeholders, and has a passion for producing written, photographic, video and social media communications and marketing content that engages a wide variety of audiences through various vehicles and tactics.

**Position Responsibilities**:

- Utilize strong storytelling, design, photography, video and digital media skills to increase engagement with internal and external audiences and enhance the Hospital’s profile.
- Develop, support, execute and measure creative communications plans, consistent with the strategic direction, mission and vision of the Hospital.
- Write and create content for key communications deliverables including presentations, newsletters, memos, videos, infographics, social media and web content, key messages, advertisements and reports as required.
- Film and edit video for internal and external use.
- Research and draft external news releases and maintain positive relationships with media representatives.
- Play a lead role in a refresh currently underway of the hospital’s external and internal websites.
- Support the implementation of St. Mary’s new strategic plan and master planning initiatives.
- Grow staff, physician and volunteer engagement through creative and interactive communications tactics, including virtual town halls and other platforms.
- Use strong interpersonal, collaborative and relationship-building skills to engage and support internal and external stakeholders.
- Maintain internal and external websites and find creative ways to expand the use of social media to increase community engagement.
- Identify issues of concern and initiate proactive communication strategies.
- Be nimble and responsive in times of crisis and challenge.
- Provide communications support and advice to hospital leaders as requested.
- Plan, promote and execute hospital events.
- Manage multiple initiatives, as well as shifting priorities and deadlines.
- Demonstrate values and a commitment to foster a healthy, supportive work environment, dedicated to delivering a high-quality care experience through compassion, innovation and respect.
- Other duties as assigned.

**Requirements**:

- **A Communications, Journalism or related diploma/degree.**:

- **Minimum three-to-five years’ experience in public relations/communications, including media relations, employee communications, issues management, public affairs, website and social media management, and event planning, or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.**:

- **A writer first and foremost, with superior oral and written communications skills and demonstrated experience writing highly engaging content for internal and external audiences.**:

- **A creative and innovative thinker with demonstrated knowledge, skill and experience in developing, supporting, executing and measuring strategic communication plans.**:

- **Demonstrated ability to shoot and edit compelling videos and photos.**:

- **Proven experience managing internal and external websites and working knowledge of the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA).**:

- **Strong interpersonal, collaborative and relationship-building skills.**:

- **A problem solver who thrives on tackling challenges and finding creative solutions.**:

- **Highly org