Director, Communications

Director, Communications

Full-time position

If you’re a creative, strategic thinker with significant experience in all areas of strategic communications, and a demonstrated knowledge of best practices and the latest research in public relations, join Niagara Health – at our St. Catharines Site – as part of the leadership team that’s delivering on our strategic plan.

Reporting to the EVP, Strategy and Communications, you will oversee the development, implementation and evaluation of Niagara Health's corporate communications plan in support of our strategic plan while enhancing our people-first culture and commitment to patient care. A seasoned communications and public relations professional, you will lead a dedicated, passionate team of professionals focused on strengthening the organizational brand and reputation while supporting public education for our patients and families, and enhancing internal communications with staff, physicians and volunteers.

Your 10+ years of leadership experience in corporate communications and in emergency and issues management, exceptional judgment and ability to work in a dynamic, complex healthcare organization will drive your success in leading our team of communications professionals, collaborating with, inspiring, engaging, and empowering the personal and professional growth of all team members.

More specifically, as Director of Communications, you will:

• Provide strategic advice and oversight on communications activities across Niagara Health.
• Provide senior-level counsel to the executive team on corporate communications matters, including strategic communications planning, media relations, public relations, and corporate reputation management.
• Serve as a trusted advisor and senior point of contact for real-time strategies to address emerging issues and crisis communications matters.
• Establish, and be accountable for meeting, key performance indicators for communications.
• Ensure high-quality, consistent internal and external communications, publications, website, media relations, and advertising tactics, including education and outreach campaigns.
• Build and maintain relationships with community partners, media organizations, and external partners.
• Provide engaging, collaborative leadership to a diverse, skilled team of communications professionals.
• Provide regular emergency on-call communications leadership and support.

To join our dynamic team as Director, Communications, you must be a savvy communications and PR professional, recognized for your team-building and writing skills, a collaborative leader whose competencies, skills and attributes include:

• A master's degree and/or professional accreditation (APR or ABC).
• A minimum of ten (10) years of progressive communications leadership experience in a large healthcare environment.
• At least seven (7) years of experience developing and implementing measurable and engaging communications strategies for internal and external partners, including strategies that support change processes.
• Demonstrated experience advising senior leadership on communications and public relations matters.
• Demonstrated experience managing complex communications issues and leading projects.
• Demonstrated experience with media relations, and social and digital media.
• Advanced writing and editing skills and a natural talent for translating complex information into clear and compelling communication materials.
• Solid interpersonal and relationship-building skills, and the ability to work in a respectful, cooperative team environment.
• Effective time management and organization skills, a service focus, and the ability to multi-task and meet tight timelines.
• Strong proficiency with computer programs such as Internet, Email, and Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint).
• Experience with graphic design and/or desktop publishing.
• Commitment to ongoing professional development.
• Commitment to our organizational values.

NOTE:

• Vaccines (COVID-19 and others) are a new hire requirement of the job, unless you have an exemption based on a medical ground or on a ground pursuant to the Ontario Human Rights Code.

Discover a team environment of Extraordinary Caring – and great quality of life

Niagara Health is a regional healthcare provider with multiple sites and a growing network of community-based and virtual services.

We believe that every person in our region deserves to live every day of their life in the best health possible. As a community-based academic centre, our focus on teaching and learning, research, innovation and partnership propels us to continually improve care and make a difference in people’s lives.

Our team is made up of more than 7,300 employees, physicians and volunteers whom we count on to deliver Extraordinary Caring. Every Person. Every Time. Our Accreditation with Exemplary Standing is a clear demonstration of the team’s commitment to the highest safety and quality standards.

We provide a full range of acute care hospital services to the 450,000 residents across the Niagara region, and we are one of the few hospitals in Ontario that own and operate a long-term care facility.

Creating a healthy community is a collaborative effort. The courage and hope demonstrated by so many during the COVID-19 pandemic inspire us to continue to work with community partners to improve the health and well-being of our region.

To join Niagara Health is to spend more time enjoying life than commuting. Nestled between Lake Ontario and Lake Erie, and best known for its tourist attractions, the area offers great geographical advantages. Our hospital sites are located in thriving communities, where affordable housing, a myriad of recreational and cultural activities, and diverse settings make both family and single living a rewarding experience.

For more information on Niagara Health, visit www.niagarahealth.on.ca. Please apply online, by Sunday, February 19, 2023, at

https://careers.niagarahealth.on.ca/erecruit/VacancyDetail.aspx?VacancyUID=000000028821

Join us on twitter @ nhscareers

We are especially interested in connecting if you…

• Value diversity, equity and inclusion;
• Are excited about being part of a respectful and hard-working team in the beautiful Region of Niagara;
• Identify as a member of one or more of the following groups: equity-seeking group, Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, persons of diverse sexual orientations and gender identities and all others who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas;
• Have a background or expertise in the healthcare environment, supporting patient care and providing extraordinary customer service.

In accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 and the Ontario Human Rights Code, Niagara Health will provide accommodations through the recruitment process to applicants with disabilities. If selected to participate in the recruitment and selection process, please inform Human Resources of the nature of any accommodation(s) that you may require in respect of any materials or processes used to ensure your equal participation.