Hastings Prince Edward Public Health (HPEPH) serves the counties of Hastings and Prince Edward from four office locations including Belleville, Bancroft, Picton and Trenton. HPEPH is situated and provides services on the traditional territory of the Anishinaabe, Huron-Wendat and Haudenosaunee people. Our organization is comprised of approximately 140 multidisciplinary staff, working together to monitor the health of our local population, deliver programs and services within our communities, and help develop healthy public policies. We provide information and support in many areas to help improve the health and well-being of our residents. Together with our communities, we help people become as healthy as they can be.
POSITION SUMMARY:
Reporting to the Manager, Communications, the Communications Specialist works with the Communications Team to develop, execute, and evaluate comprehensive communication and branding strategies that support the HPEPH mission, vision, values and strategic plan and delivery of program objectives per the Ontario Public Health Standards.
This position is a key resource for the planning and implementation of both internal and external communication strategies and activities. The position supports the Management Team and program staff by contributing to a broad range of content for program and corporate initiatives and acting as a main point of contact for media relations. The incumbent will work with other communications staff to support the day-to-day management of social media channels and the corporate website, and promotional activities. The Communications Specialist offers support and guidance to all staff as required in communications planning and implementation.
Responsibilities Include:
- Contribute to the creation and implementation of strategic internal and external communications plans, policies and procedures, and advertising strategies.
- Ensure communication activities align with Ontario Public Health Standards as well as corporate policies, procedures, and priorities.
- Research, write, edit and manage content for key messages and communications for the Board of Health Chair, Medical Officer of Health, managers and program staff as required for both internal and external audiences.
- Collaborate with municipal and provincial partners and neighbouring Public Health Units to implement shared communications plans and initiatives.
- Provide crisis communication support in collaboration with community partners, in accordance with emergency response policies and procedures in the event of a Public Health emergency, outbreak or related issue.
- Support corporate community engagement initiatives.
- Support the creation of content, maintain, monitor and oversee the website and social media.
- Create media products; develop and manage media relationships; monitor for accuracy and follow up responses.
- Provide advice and oversee program advertising content; review program advertising strategies with internal teams.
- Coordinate corporate advertising strategy and oversee related products.
- Oversee corporate promotional activities and work with staff to ensure adherence to branding strategies.
- Source and support corporate and program promotional purchases.
- Coordinate production of annual report for distribution to staff, community partners and funders.
- Serve as key communication advisor to the Medical Officer of Health; advise senior management, managers, and staff on communications planning, including media relations in a highly visible government agency; train staff as required.
- Provide strategic advice and recommendations to support the development and coordination of program communication campaigns.
- Ensure materials produced by HPEPH meet standards of accessibility, corporate identity, format and style.
- Advise staff on how to leverage emerging channels of communication and new messaging techniques.
- Produce a variety of bulletins, newsletters and reports.
- Provide leadership in the implementation of internal communications strategies to engage staff on strategic directions and day-to-day matters.
- Performs other related duties as assigned.
Organizational Responsibilities:
- Establishes and cultivates positive working relationships.
- Maintains effective communication and public relations.
- Actively serves on internal and external committees, work groups, etc. for HPEPH as assigned, and participates in the development of operational plans, as requested.
- Models, supports, and endorses Ontario Public Health/HPEPH values and change initiatives.
- Demonstrates a commitment to the HPEPH mission and values and acts as an ambassador for HPEPH when in contact with the public and other agencies.
- Where appropriate, identifies risk and implements risk mitigation strategies.
- Uses good judgement, and evidence where appropriate, to make informed decisions.
- Follows all applicable HPEPH, Ontario Public Health standards, legislation, and professional standards.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Education
- A degree in Communications, Public Relations, Marketing or in a related field. An equivalent combination of education, training and experience will also be considered.
Experience
- 3 years of recent related communications experience
- Experience developing and implementing internal and external communications strategies affecting a variety of stakeholders
- Experience in a public sector setting, preferably within a municipal or health care environment
- Graphic design experience considered an asset
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Outstanding writing ability to produce a variety of communications products including communications plans, news releases, social media and web content, newsletters, promotional materials, reports and briefing notes
- Ability to provide communications support related to Public Health issues and crisis management
- Detailed understanding of social media use and technologies, practical experience moderating social media and managing web content
- Ability to meet deadlines in an environment with continuously evolving priorities
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills to work with staff, management and external partners
- Excellent, organization, planning and problem-solving skills
- Excellent computer skills including WordPress, Microsoft Office, and Adobe Acrobat Professional; experience with InDesign considered an asset
- Keen attention to detail with the ability to ensure a high degree of accuracy
- Able to act with tact and diplomacy in a political environment and with sensitive issues
- Flexible, adaptable and able to respond to changing priorities
- Excellent judgement and discretion, an ability to protect privacy and confidentiality
- Satisfactory Criminal Record & Judicial Matters Check
- Valid Driver’s license and access to a vehicle
Contract Duration:
This contract position will start in October 2024 and last up to 18 months.
Working Conditions:
May require extended periods of sitting and attention to computer; typical hours are Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm; flexibility to work outside regular business hours as required.
If you are interested in applying, we would encourage you to review our Submission Guidelines on our website.
Applications must be submitted to our careers email address.
HPEPH welcomes applications from individuals living with disabilities. To make arrangements for accommodation during the recruitment process, please contact Human Resources.
Job Types: Full-time, Fixed term contract
Contract length: 18 months
Pay: $71,613.00-$84,490.00 per year
Benefits:
- Company pension
- Employee assistance program
- On-site parking
- Paid time off
Schedule:
- Monday to Friday
Work Location: In person
Application deadline: 2024-10-09