Communications Specialist

Reporting to the Director, Communications & Stakeholder Relations, the
- **Communications Specialist** is on the front lines of developing and executing internal and external communication and engagement strategies to advance Headwaters Health Care Centre’s communication initiatives. As a member of a small team, the Communications Specialist has superior written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills and is extremely organized and detail oriented, capable of simultaneously managing multiple projects and stakeholder expectations.**Job Duties**:

- In collaboration with the team which includes the Director, Communications & Stakeholder Relations, and a Communications Specialist, the Communications Specialist develops, contributes to, and implements communications strategies in support of internal and external audience engagement around organizational projects and priorities.
- Supports the advancement of internal and external audience engagement.
- Serves as the lead on the hospital’s website day-to-day maintenance and development of Headwaters.ca including managing updates, troubleshooting and working with the contracted vendors on system upgrades.
- Acts as the lead communicator and editor of the monthly e-newsletter for staff and together, working with the Director, managing the editorial content calendar for all internal and external digital and print platforms.
- Proactively leads planning of stakeholder engagement campaigns and activities on Headwaters’ digital platforms.
- Researches, writes and distributes original content across all of Headwaters’ existing (and future) internal and external communication channels, including the e-newsletter, blogs, project bulletins, web sites, teamsites, intranets and social media networks.
- Attends project and team meetings, develop strategy, coordinate special events, conduct interviews and write original copy for numerous communication channels and liaises with colleagues to assess emerging communication priorities.
- Supports Public Affairs at Headwaters including responding to media inquiries, investigating or flagging potential good news opportunities, identifying emerging issues, drafting key messages, issues or briefing notes and providing media escorts as necessary.
- Participates in government relations and other external relations opportunities to support Headwaters as a member of the Communications and Stakeholder Relations Team.
- Demonstrates expertise with various content management systems including WordPress and MS Sharepoint, working knowledge of Hootsuite and working knowledge of graphic design and photo/video editing tools, including Adobe Creative Suite and Final Cut Pro.
- Supports leaders in the development of operational and transition communication tools, including speaking notes and presentations, memos, issues notes, surveys and bulletins.
- Supports internal audience engagement, often in partnership with other internal partners, by planning and executing all aspects of special events and forums.
- Works to establish Headwaters’ corporate brand and ensure consistent messaging and alignment with the brand.
- Works with internal partners such as the Headwaters Health Care Centre’s Foundation and Hospital Auxiliary to collaborate on joint initiatives.
- Provides crisis communication counsel and gathering information in support of issues management and proactive media opportunities that form part of Headwaters’ editorial strategy.
- Provides counsel to leaders to enhance and protect organizational reputation, including identifying and advocating adoption of fresh approaches to employee, physician and volunteer engagement, as appropriate.
- Project manages the execution of communications tactics in accordance with overall strategic plans, including monitoring costs and budgets, timelines, resources and measuring outcomes.
- Promotes an environment that encourages and supports change using change management theory
- All employees of Headwaters Health Care Centre (HHCC) are responsible to contribute to a transparent culture of patient and staff safety by adhering to and abiding by patient and staff safety policies and procedures set by HHCC.
- Is flexible and willing to perform other related duties as assigned.

**Qualifications**:

- Undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline such as Journalism, Communications, Marketing, Public Relations or related program from an accredited University
- At least three to five (3 - 5) years of professional public relations, media relations and communications experience
- Previous experience working in health care or a public sector environment, and/or an agency with clients in this environment, is desirable
- Advanced expertise with content management systems, including WordPress and Microsoft SharePoint, experience with Hootsuite for managing social media networks, and working knowledge of graphic design and photo/video editing tools, including Adobe Creative Suite and Final Cut Pro.