Communications Specialist #25-105 (Job opportunity)
Full-time Permanent – Recruitment #25-105 (Non-union)
Division: Knowledge and Strategic Services
Location: Main Office – 1300 Paris St., Sudbury
Current Work Location Arrangement: Partial Onsite: The position requires a combination of regular on-site and remote work. Reasons and schedules can vary, but worker attends on-site regularly (i.e., each week).
Salary: $44.07 – $50.38/hour
Position Summary:
We are currently seeking a highly motivated health professional to contribute to our organizational mission of working with our local communities to promote and protect health and to prevent disease for everyone.
Reporting to the Manager, Communications, the Communications Specialist is responsible for performing a variety of communications functions in accordance with the requirements of the Ontario Public Health Standards and the agency’s policies. Key functions relate to issue management, emergency preparedness, public relations, risk communication, and assisting with the development and recommendation of effective public health communication strategies and resources. Ideal candidates will possess an understanding of and have experience with developing communication strategies touching on behaviour change, social marketing, population health, and the social determinants of health.
Responsibilities:
- Supports the Manager, Communications, by carrying out communications, media relations, marketing and social marketing, and social media activities.
- Contributes to the development and implementation of a corporate communication plan and Communications team workplan.
- Plans, implements, and evaluates assigned projects in consultation with the Manager, Communications, and other team members.
- Contributes to the development and production of corporate promotional resources.
- Supervises corporate communication projects from conception to dissemination.
- Stays up to date with public health issues and media and social media interests, proactively identifies related communication needs and strategies, and monitors media and social media to gauge trends and issues.
- Participates in risk communication initiatives and emergency preparedness and response.
- Coordinates the agency’s media requests and works with staff to prepare them for media interviews. This includes assisting with the development of key messages and the overall tone and content of the interview.
- Works with staff to research, write, proofread or edit various communication resources for specific audiences (for example, media and community). Resources include, for example, news releases, media advisories, backgrounders, frequently asked questions, public service announcements, reports, letters, brochures, flyers, speaking notes, proposals, posters, and presentations, as well as content for social media and websites.
- Works with staff to plan and host news conferences, technical briefings, and special events.
- Liaises with community groups to help plan and implement media events.
- Supports the implementation of the agency’s comprehensive social media strategy and coordinates the development of content for the agency’s social media channels across public health topic areas.
- Receives and responds publicly to requests and comments related to the agency’s social media accounts as well as on third party social media sites with input from program divisions or following established approaches using discretion.
- Provides advice to senior management on communication strategies related to the agency’s programs, services, and administrative matters, during emergencies and normal operations.
- Deals with sensitive and confidential information.
- Works closely and cooperatively with all staff to ensure the development of effective strategies to communicate with the community about the agency’s programs, services, and administrative matters, during emergencies and normal operations. This includes, for example, assessing strategic communication options and ensure alignment with effective public health practices.
- Contributes to the development and maintenance of the agency’s digital presence (for example, website, social media).
- Provides learning experiences for staff, students, and volunteers.
- Participates in divisional management meetings, as required.
- Provides backup related to day-to-day issues as well as emergency management in the absence of the Manager, Communications, as required.
- Contributes to the orientation of staff, students, and volunteers.
Requirements:
- An undergraduate degree in communication, health communication, health promotion, public relations, journalism, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Minimum five years’ experience in communication, health communication, public relations, or journalism.
- Demonstrated project management, and interpersonal and administrative skills, including the ability to set priorities, establish timeframes, and organize resources.
- Strong strategic, analytical, negotiation, and problem-solving skills.
- Experience in developing and supporting collaborative relationships with different groups.
- Advanced oral and written proficiency in English is essential.
- Advanced oral and written proficiency in French is an asset.
- Strong writing and presentation skills are essential.
- Experience across all media platforms (especially social media).
- Dedication to customer service.
- A solution-focused mindset and approach to managing crises and sensitive issues.
- Ability to handle sensitive issues diplomatically and confidentially.
- Ability to work independently and as an integral team member.
- Experience with word processing, presentation software, email, Internet, intranets, spreadsheets.
- Maintains a current Ontario driver’s license and has access to a reliable vehicle to fulfill position requirements.
Send resumés with cover letter to:
Human Resources, Corporate Services Division
Public Health Sudbury & Districts
1300 Paris Street, Sudbury, ON P3E 3A3
Email: recruitment@phsd.ca
Please include the recruitment number in the subject line.
Please include cover letter and resumé in one PDF or Word document.
Tel: 705.522.9200, ext. 570
Fax: 705.522.5182
Application Deadline:
Friday, February 28, 2025, at 4:30 p.m.
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This item was last modified on February 11, 2025