Communications and Public Affairs Officer – Communications – Temporary Full Time

Working directly with the Director, Corporate Affairs and Patient Engagement, the Communications & Public Affairs Officer is responsible for contributing to the overall positive image of SAH by coordinating, supporting and maintaining internal and external communications, promoting a positive relationship with media and stakeholders, and acting as a resource/advisor for internal stakeholders.

The Communications & Public Affairs Officer’s main responsibilities include writing and editing content for the organization’s communications materials, supporting media inquiries, and developing, implementing and evaluating strategies to help boost the hospital’s brand. The Officer will act as a liaison between hospital departments, programs and community partners to support the development, implementation, and ongoing administration of SAH’s Communication and Community Engagement Strategy.

Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Fosters positive relationships with all members of the local, regional and national media
2. Writing accurate, engaging and timely media releases and advisories, backgrounders, key messages and FAQs to support communications with the media and community
3. Manages, plans, and coordinates media events (ex., media announcements, press conferences, press tours, government funding announcements)
4. Assists in developing crisis media communications tactics and strategies to minimize negative impact on SAH brand
5. Works with leaders to develop responses and key messages for media inquiries within tight deadlines and facilitating/supporting media interviews with SAH leadership
6. Creates timely and engaging content that is optimized for media and social media conversations
7. Assists with the development of a community engagement strategy and presentations for senior leaders and Board members
8. Builds and maintains effective working relationships with all stakeholders to ensure content writing requests are fulfilled without errors or misinformation
9. Monitors the brand reputation and discussions relating to the organization in media spaces while being able to respond to audiences on time
10. Creates and publishes digital information on different platforms, including website, social media, intranet, digital TVs/sign
11. Interviewing, writing and photographing staff, physicians, volunteers, patients, families and service providers to support hospital communications across all programs
12. Writing, editing and designing the monthly employee newsletter, posters, brochures, social media posts, website material, and any other required communications materials
13. Preparing messaging and sharing communication for Recognition/Health Promotion awareness and events
14. Provides communications support for regular Employee Forums hosted by the CEO
15. Manages the SAH and national flag protocols and develops any accompanying messaging
16. Provides expert advice to inform the development, implementation and evaluation of SAH’s Communications and Community Engagement Strategy that includes media outreach, community engagement, event planning, and social media content creation
17. Researching, writing, editing, and designing communications materials such as executive messages and presentations, staff messages, Q&As, internal announcements, speeches, briefing notes, backgrounders, as well as digital content for our website and intranet
18. Identifies potential issues and opportunities involving the development, production and distribution of communications and develops strategies to address these issues
19. Supports SAH Strategic Plan projects and initiatives by joining project teams, attending project meetings, working with project managers to identify feasible work plans and creating and implementing communications plans
20. Monitoring and analyzing any benchmarks or metrics regarding the brand’s reputation and being able to make recommendations for improvement

Qualifications:

• Post-secondary degree or diploma in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, or a related field
• A minimum of 3-5 years of experience in communications, community/public/media relations

Knowledge & Skills:

• Proven experience as a strategic and creative communications professional with communication planning, theory, methods and techniques, including print, broadcast, social media and electronic communications to provide strategic advice on communications issues and plans
• Advanced writing skills to develop a wide range of communication-related products, briefing notes, plans and strategies in a concise and plain language manner
• Proven traditional media, social media and networking expertise
• Issues management skills to effectively identify and anticipate emerging issues and events that may generate public or media attention
• Strong oral communication and interpersonal skills to manage client/stakeholder relationships and form effective external partnerships
• Understanding of, and commitment to, SAH’s vision, mission and values

To apply for this exciting opportunity, please send a cover letter and resume outlining how your knowledge, experience, and personal attributes fit the requirements of this position.

Sault Area Hospital does not use artificial intelligence (AI) to screen, assess or select applicants for a position.

Reason for Job Posting: Existing Vacancy