Communications Specialist

JOB POSTING - #546-25

POSITION TITLE: COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST

DEPARTMENT: ADMINISTRATION

LOCATION: OWEN SOUND

UNION: NON-UNION

STATUS: FULL-TIME

CLOSING DATE: DECEMBER 5, 2025

POSITION SUMMARY

Brightshores Health System is undergoing an exciting evolution as a leading regional healthcare provider. As we enhance care delivery and deepen our impact across the communities of Grey Bruce, we're building a forward-thinking communications team to elevate our voice and strengthen relationships. This team will drive strategic priorities through people-centred communication that supports awareness, education and connection.

The Communications Specialist is a newly created, multi-faceted role designed for a versatile professional who thrives in dynamic environments. This position blends broad communications capabilities with digital fluency—supporting everything from social media strategy and website management to photography, videography and brand stewardship. In addition to digital expertise, the Communications Specialist contributes across a wide spectrum of internal and external communications activities, media relations, event planning and crisis response. Success in this role requires the ability to navigate multiple platforms, audiences and formats with clarity, consistency and creativity.

The ideal candidate is a strategic thinker and collaborative team player with 3-5 years of experience in healthcare, non-profit, or similarly complex settings. They are solutions-focused, contribute effectively both independently and as part of a team, and are driven by continuous learning and growth. Comfortable working with individuals across all levels of the hospital, they thrive in a fast-paced environment, where no two days are the same and strategic communication makes a meaningful difference.

This is an on-site position based at the Owen Sound Hospital, with travel required to other hospital locations across the region.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Degree or Diploma in Public Relations, Communications, Journalism or a related field
• 3-5 years of progressive communications experience, with a strong foundation in digital media, social media management and graphic design – ideally within a healthcare or non-profit setting
• Proven ability to develop and implement strategic, measurable communication strategies for internal and external audiences
• Exceptional writing and editing skills, with an ability to tailor messages across diverse channels and audiences
• Experience managing websites and intranet content, user experience and CMS platforms
• Advanced graphic design skills using Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign) and Canva, with a portolio of print and digital materials.
• Proficiency in photography and videography, including editing and multimedia production
• Solid understanding of media relations, with experience across print, broadcast, and digital platforms
• Skilled in planning and delivering special events, forums and public engagements
• Experience advising senior leaders and contributing to government relations initiatives
• Demonstrated experience in crisis and emergency communications
• Strategic thinker with the ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment
• Excellent interpersonal skills and proven ability to build and sustain relationships with diverse stakeholders
• Knowledge of web accessibility requirements (Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act – AODA), SEO best practices and digital analytics tools such as Google Analytics
• Strong commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion in all communication practices
• Effective project management and organizational skills, with keen attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced setting
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Valid Ontario Class "G" Driver's License and access to a personal vehicle; willingness to travel throughout Grey and Bruce Counties
• Recent satisfactory performance and attendance records
• Adherence to Brightshores 'CARE' Behaviours (Collaboration, Accountability, Respect, Excellence) and 'LEAD' Competencies (Lead by example, Empower, Achieve results, Develop others) and a commitment to a safe workplace free of violence and harassment
• Advocates and supports a culture of patient safety and demonstrates an understanding of how the department service and assigned responsibilities contribute to overall patient safety at Brightshores through patient safety knowledge, skills and attitudes

Welcome to Brightshores Health System.

We operate six hospitals in the Grey Bruce region. Our mission is to build healthier communities one patient at a time. We have 2,100 dedicated and compassionate staff and over 250 physicians who work together delivering excellent patient care to residents and visitors across Grey Bruce. Our Regional Hospital in Owen Sound is the largest of our sites, and offers a full range of specialty services, including complex surgeries, total joint replacements, cancer surgeries, MRI and CT diagnostic services. Across the six hospitals, we have more than 100,000 patient visits per year. Our rural hospitals in Lion's Head, Markdale, Meaford, Southampton and Wiarton offer a wide range of primary and ambulatory care services and all have 24/7 Emergency departments, lab and x-ray.