Senior Communications Advisor

Senior Communications Advisor

Location:

Toronto-661 University Department:
Communication Services

This posting is to fill a current vacancy.

The Role:

To develop and implement high-quality, timely, measurable communication plans, strategies, tactics and products to effectively convey and promote PHO’s activities and initiatives, and to provide expertise and support to internal programs and external stakeholders.

• Develops communication strategies and related plans, tactics, products and materials to support the specific communications needs of internal and external stakeholders related to specific initiatives of significant importance to PHO’s mandate; identifies and assesses communications‑related risks to inform decision‑making and mitigate potential issues; measures the success or effectiveness of communications plans.
• Supports the development and implementation of the communications strategies to increase the profile of public health in the province and promote the role of PHO, by: identifying key stakeholders, relationships and opportunities, assessing reputational and communications risks, determining appropriate communications tactics and tools, developing and adapting key messages for chosen media, determining dissemination vehicles appropriate to audience needs, participating in tactical planning to inform and engage PHO audiences and increase awareness of PHO programs and initiatives.
• Writes, edits and formulates a wide variety of communications materials, such as key messages, news posts, speeches, fact sheets, media responses, internal and external newsletters, intranet and website content, social media, coordinates distribution with senior staff approval.
• Supports the development of processes and policies related to communications activities of; monitors PHO communication activities to ensure corporate standards, policies and legislative directives have been adhered to; supports the development and facilitation of communications‑related professional development programs (e.g., clear communications, visual identity, spokesperson training).
• Provides ongoing strategic advice and support to PHO program areas to assist in promoting and communicating their initiatives, activities or other opportunities (e.g., research studies, stakeholder interactions, events, reports) including the writing and translating of scientific information into audience appropriate language; coordinates approvals; ensures timely and appropriate delivery formats with distribution to widest possible audience where appropriate.
• Creates, promotes and maintains cooperative working relationships with contacts at the Ministry of Health and other relevant government officials, media partners, public health departments and other stakeholders to coordinate activities of common interest, provides briefings, distributes media releases, and responds to calls for information.
• Helps on projects within the department and contributes to the operation of the team and group as a whole; keeps abreast of developments and innovations in communications, media, social media and technology and incorporates new developments into communications programs; stays apprised of the various program activities within PHO and at other institutions.
• Other duties as assigned.

Knowledge and Skills
- Deep knowledge of the health system in Ontario to support the development and implementation of communications strategies to increase the profile of public health in the province and promote the role of PHO. Knowledge of information gathering and dissemination techniques with expertise in developing communications tools and products for a variety of media in support of technical programs. Knowledge of project management techniques, practices, and processes to lead or participate in various projects.

Interpersonal, team building and relationship building skills to interact well with all stakeholders, maintain effective linkages with all levels of contacts; proven ability to work as a collaborative team member with a track record in developing professional networks/partnerships; skills and ability to conceptualize ideas and translate them into…