Senior Communication Specialist

Position Overview

Corporate communications preserves and enhances the reputation of the organization and supports programs and service areas in meeting the needs of their patients, clients, partners and other key stakeholders.

Under the general direction of the Director, Corporate Communications, the Senior Communications Specialist will:

• Support the day-to-day communication needs of Shared Health corporate, clinical and provincial programs and services.
• Responsible for the development of thorough communications plans and detailed implementation plans including patient/client/resident communications and provider/healthcare worker communications.
• Develop clear, concise and easy to understand communications materials appropriate for varied audiences.
• Maintain and update program and service level information for a variety of audiences to support easy access through both staff focused intranet content and patient/client/resident and public website content.
• Identify emerging issues and develop advice and materials on sensitive and sometimes contentious issues, in collaboration with the strategic communications team.

Experience

• 5 years experience in a corporate communications position, preferably in a corporate, government and/or healthcare setting.
• 5 years of progressive experience developing and leading communications projects, including demonstrated ability to distill complex concepts and ideas into clear and easy-to-understand communications, preferably in a healthcare or other public sector setting.
• 3 years of demonstrated project management experience and knowledge of business principles.
• Demonstrated political acumen, adaptability and issues management expertise to develop and implement corporate level initiatives and to respond to health system issues which can be public, urgent and sensitive.

Education (Degree/Diploma/Certificate)

• Post-secondary degree in communications, business administration, human resources, public relations or related discipline from an accredited educational institution required.
• An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.

Certification/Licensure/Registration

• The position holder must have a valid Manitoba driver’s license and use of a personal motor vehicle for regular travel within the province where public transport is not available.

Qualifications and Skills

• Superior oral and written communications skills, with the ability to communicate clearly and effectively in a fast-paced environment.
• Superior skills in writing and editing.
• Confident presentation skills and experience delivering materials to senior management and executive-level leaders.
• Proven ability to distill complex and detailed information into high-level plain language messaging.
• Ability to integrate communications and business management principles.
• Skilled at negotiating and influencing best practice communications to a varied audience.
• Demonstrated ability to work well independently, including proven time-management skills.
• Ability to collaborate as part of a team and able to work effectively with staff at all levels within the organization.
• Proven track record of integrity and trust, with the ability to deal with confidential and sensitive information.
• Demonstrated comprehensive front-line leadership capabilities. The provincial health system in Manitoba has adopted the LEADS in a Caring Environment framework.

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 25 pounds.
• Prolonged periods of desk work and meetings, within a largely virtual office environment in line with COVID-19 physical distancing and public health requirements.
• This position will involve periods where being accessible in irregular or off hours is required.