Communications Lead

Position Overview

Manage, oversee, and engage a service focused team to contribute to strategy development, develop materials to support, and to execute a wide range of proactive and reactive strategic initiatives managing the organization’s reputation and public profile as a trusted voice in health care. Collaborate to manage key strategic relationships and partnerships to ensure the health needs of Manitobans are fulfilled compassionately, effectively and as close to home as possible. 

Assigned work areas may include media and government relations, communications and engagement and/or corporate communications support for operational, service delivery and administrative functions of the organization. Depending on the designated work assignment(s) the Communications Lead will:

• Act on behalf of the Strategic Communications and Stakeholder Relations Lead in liaison with executive team members as required.
• Provide support for strategic communications, crisis and change management communications, employer brand and reputation management.
• Oversee and direct work to support valued relationships with government departments, service delivery organizations, and other entities responsible for health services and contribute strategic advice to the development of organizational briefing materials and day-to-day departmental and/or media generated requests.
• Support communications and/or media training and preparation for presentations for organizational leaders.
• Act as a champion of Shared Health’s culture and a brand ambassador in articulating the organization’s employer value proposition to employees and community partners.

Experience

• 5 years of progressive experience within an enterprise-wide communications and public relations function, including:
  • 5 years of experience focused on large-scale, strategic organizational communication planning initiatives.
  • 3 years of demonstrated project management experience including developing, leading and implementing complex and integrated communications plans.
  • 3 years of experience preparing presentations and coordinating communications, engagement or media management, preparing communication plans, and developing written materials for internal or external audiences.

Education (Degree/Diploma/Certificate)

• A post-secondary degree in a communication, public relations, marketing, journalism, political science or a related discipline from an accredited educational institution.
• An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.

Certification/Licensure/Registration

• Active member in good standing of an associated regulatory body as appropriate.

Qualifications and Skills

• Leadership capabilities appropriate to middle management as illustrated by the LEADS in a Caring Environment framework.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, particularly optimized for concise, engaging and easy to understand format for presentations, public information sessions and digital media platforms.
• Demonstrated ability to create, maintain and improve professional relationships across a diverse network of stakeholders and partners.
• Previous experience in a large, publicly-funded or government environment is an asset.

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to work safely in a typical computerized office environment with frequent meetings, and to lift and carry items of up to approximately 10 kg.
• Interruptions to respond to questions from executives and government representatives are common; dedicated and focused time for planning and concentration can be scheduled.
• Travel throughout the province requiring a valid Manitoba driver’s license and use of a personal motor vehicle.