Communications Lead

Job Description

Are you a strategic thinker and skilled communicator with a passion for crafting compelling stories that engage and inspire employees? Do you thrive on developing innovative communication strategies that enhance engagement and elevate brand presence across broad and diverse platforms? Are you ready to independently lead communication strategies for large-scale provincial projects, ensuring alignment with organizational priorities and delivering measurable impact?

If so, take a look at this rewarding career opportunity working alongside a supportive and collaborative communications team! We are amid a momentous time for health care in Ontario as we move to a more connected health care system through the Ontario Health Teams model of care.The Communications Lead is a highly skilled and motivated individual responsible for developing and implementing effective communication strategies and initiatives to enhance our brand presence, engage partners and support the overall objectives of our organization. This role requires exceptional communication skills, strategic thinking and the ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams.

Reporting to the Manager, Communications, the Communications Lead develops key communications products, engages internal leaders and teams to provide support and advice, establishes relationships and creates robust communications strategies aligned with Ontario Health atHome’s vision, mandate and key strategic priorities.

While this Lead role will support the needs of the organization as required, the focus will be supporting the Human Resources, Organizational Development and Equity (HRODE) portfolio, ensuring communication strategies uphold and promote talent engagement, employee experience, organizational culture, labour relations and drive organizational change for Human Resources.

What do we offer?

We know wellness is supported with work-life balance.In an inclusive culture committed to support your passion for continuouslearning, growth and innovation, we offer:

• Attractive comprehensive compensation packages and benefits
• Valuable development opportunities
• Membership in a world class defined benefit pension plan
• Hybrid work model (subject to change)
• Flexible work location - this position can be located at any of the Ontario Health atHome offices
• Salary: $79,285to $94,671

What will you do?

• Lead the development, implementation and evaluation of communications strategies for large-scale, provincial projects independently.
• Support the organization’s People Strategy, ensuring consistent messaging and engagement around key initiatives.
• Collaborate with project teams to understand initiatives and provide effective communication solutions that align with project goals.
• Serve as a strategic advisor on communications matters to leadership and partners, ensuring alignment with provincial objectives.
• Manage complex, cross-functional projects, ensuring timely delivery of communications.
• Provide mentorship and guidance to Communications Specialists and other team members, fostering their professional growth.
• Work in partnership with portfolios and relevant teams to develop and execute comprehensive communication plans and tactics, to support corporate projects and initiatives, which at times may include confidential matters about the organization or operations.
• Create engaging and impactful content for various communication channels, including websites, social media platforms and internal communication platforms.
• Ensure communications are in alignment with key organizational messages, visual identity, brand guidelines, AODA compliance and French language requirements.
• Build strong, trusting, productive working relationships with communication colleagues across the province.
• Exemplify, embrace and intentionally promote an inclusive work environment where all are meant to feel they belong.
• Continually demonstrate a commitment to create a positive culture of equity, inclusion, diversity and anti-racism.
• Embody Ontario Health atHome’s mission, vision and values and apply the quadruple aim (enhancing patient experience, enhancing provider/staff experience, improving value and improving populations health) to support continuous quality improvement in daily work.

What must you have?

Educational Qualifications

• University degree in a related field (e.g. Communications, Journalism, Public Affairs), or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Experience

• 3-5 years in communications, public relations, or a similar role preferably within a provincial or multi-site organization.
• Demonstrated experience developing and executing integrated communications plans and strategies and providing communications advice.
• Experience in communicating about sensitive matters including labour relations and other human resources related matters.
• Experience with digital communications including social media outreach and content creation.
• Excellent organizational skills and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.

Knowledge and Skills

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with knowledge of current communication theories, disciplines, techniques, best practices and planning methods.
• Strong understanding of the organization and ability to anticipate evolving business needs, proactively adapting communication strategies accordingly.
• Demonstrates initiative by developing multiple strategic options for consideration, rather than relying on a single approach.
• Exceptional attention to detail ensuring accuracy and quality across all communications.
• Strong prioritizing skills in a multi-task environment.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications (including PowerPoint) and SharePoint.

Communication and Interpersonal Skills

• Strong leadership skills to participate on/or lead internal committees.
• Excellent written, oral communication and interpersonal skills providing constructive, meaningful and timely interaction with employees at all levels.
• Strong collaboration skills are required to participate on projects and committees with colleagues across Ontario Health atHome.
• Listens effectively and encourages open communication and facilitates an open exchange of ideas and fosters an atmosphere of open communication.
• Considers and responds appropriately to the needs, feelings, and capabilities of others in different situations; is tactful, compassionate and sensitive, and treats others with respect.

What would give you the edge?

• Experience working effectively in partnership with a broad range of individuals and organizations of diverse backgrounds, preferably within the public sector including health care.
• Experience in developing and executing communications strategies within HRODE portfolios.
• Expertise in translating complex information into clear, accessible messaging for diverse audiences, ensuring alignment with organizational values and goals.
• Experience managing multiple, large projects or facilitating complex discussions that involve stakeholders from across the health care sector who have varying interests/goals.
• Proficient in the use of Adobe Creative Suite, including InDesign and Photoshop.
• Passion for helping everyone to be healthier at home through connected, accessible, patient-centred care.

Who are we?

We are Ontario Health atHome, ready to serve every person in Ontario.We partner with patients and caregivers, family physicians, hospitals, long-term care and retirement homes, service providers and Ontario Health Teams, to deliver responsive, accessible, integrated, patient-centred care.

Why join us?

If you’re interested in driving excellence in care and service delivery, and seeking an unparalleled opportunity to lead and learn, partner and connect, care and be cared for, this is your home.

Equity, Inclusion, Diversity and Anti-Racism Commitment

Ontario Health atHome is committed to a culture of equity, inclusion, diversity and anti-racism. We are committed to attracting, engaging and developing a workforce that reflects the diverse communities we serve. We welcome and encourage applications from all qualified applicants. Accommodations for persons with disabilities required during the recruitment process are available upon request.

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

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