Job Description

At Heart & Stroke our mission is to promote health, save lives and enhance recovery. We are committed to a culture that exemplifies our core values: champion health, practice humility, embrace change, drive impact, learn and grow and be heartfelt as we work together to beat heart disease and stroke.

We believe in equity, diversity and inclusion \xe2\x80\x95 it\xe2\x80\x99s embedded in our values and core mission work to support all people in Canada to lead healthier lives. We are committed to applying this principle to cultivate a welcoming environment that embraces diversity among our employees. Candidates from diverse backgrounds, including but not limited to, Indigenous peoples, racialized communities, LGBTQ2IA+ communities, women, and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

To learn more about our mission, values, commitment to EDI, and the difference Heart & Stroke makes in the lives of people in Canada at every age, please

Who we need

(Please note this is an 18-month contract and remote working role.)

A highly experienced and dynamic communications professional who is committed to providing outstanding professional communications strategy guidance and support to a variety of clients. You are a diplomat, providing excellent customer service along with firm strategic communications counsel. You are curious, a deep thinker and a problem solver, with both an eye for detail and the ability to see the big picture. The opportunity to make a positive difference to the health of Canadians excites and inspires you.

In this role you will be responsible for handling complex files and interacting with a variety of client teams and support services. It will be your job to manage and utilize the strengths of the players involved and ensure project success.

Your writing is crystal clear, your editing skills are top notch, and you can provide clear and constructive feedback on all plans and products. Ensuring messages align and are seamlessly integrated across all vehicles and channels is second nature. You can help your clients define their audiences and think any project through the constituent journey from start to finish, and understand risk communications. You are passionate about our mission at Heart & Stroke and committed to your professional practice as a communicator. A good understanding of French is an asset.

How you will make an impact every day

Plans and executes all communications activities for the assigned files

Collaboratively supports internal teams as an expert communications advisor to develop and implement communications strategies and activities that support mission programs and teams.

Develops communications plans that are integrated across Heart & Stroke channels and programs/teams.

Develops/adapts and implements communications plans and strategies in order to execute mission programs/initiatives and increase the profile of Heart & Stroke, as well as evaluates and manages risk.

Considers integration across all platforms, various audiences and languages (primarily English and French).

Works with internal stakeholders to ensure all assigned programs are aligned with Heart & Stroke brand guidelines, including image, voice and messaging and reflect Heart & Stroke values.

Develops communications assets including key messages, media releases, Qs&As, social media copy etc.

Triages and/or responds to public inquiries and ensures they are managed on a timely basis.

Public & Media Relations (proactive and reactive)

Delivers strategic public relations plans through traditional, online and social media initiatives, including: writing key messages, news releases, fact sheets, op eds, spokespersons\xe2\x80\x99 Q&As, FAQs, etc.

Acts as initial point person (not as spokesperson) for media calls to Heart & Stroke.

Responds to and redirects queries, and finds spokespeople as needed to act on opportunities, using sound judgment to determine involvement.

Works closely with the Senior Manager, Communications to handle sensitive media queries and responds to issues using protocols and issues management scripts.

Manages and stewards relationships with expert spokespeople (e.g., cardiologists, neurologists and other health professionals) and with people with lived experience to participate in media interviews and events.

Liaises with external stakeholders to leverage support and coordinate joint media activities which could include health coalitions and government.

Tracks and monitors media calls, interviews, issues-related inquiries and coverage.

What you bring

Educational Requirements

University or College degree in communications, public relations, journalism; or related technical degree and combination of equivalent extensive background with strong communications and marketing experience.

Work Experience

Minimum eight years related work experience, management experience in non-profit and/or healthcare industry preferred.

Ability to align plans and activities with organizational goals and objectives and experience in advising senior decision makers.

Experience developing social strategies and content as part of an integrated communications plan.

Understanding policy, advocacy and research.

Experience working with external suppliers, specifically PR professionals, event managers, writers, designers, print production, digital and social media.

Experience with media relations and media monitoring and track software is an asset.

Skills

Knowledge of communications strategy development and execution principles and practices.

Knowledge of communications processes, techniques and activities, including research, strategy, implementation and evaluation.

Proven success in developing and implementing communications plans and content.

Excellent organizational and project management skills, ability to multi-task and work under tight deadlines with advanced organization skills and strong attention to detail.

Excellent written communications and editorial skills in different media, with commitment to quality and strategic understanding of message positioning.

Excellent MS Office computer skills (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

Superior verbal communications and interpersonal skills, with the ability to deal with all levels of staff, volunteers and suppliers, providing impeccable customer service.

Dedicated team player possessing an unflappable positive \xe2\x80\x98can do\xe2\x80\x99 attitude, with demonstrated innovation, creativity and resourcefulness in the form of continuous improvement to internal processes, able to work independently and to collaborate.

Ability to work in both official languages is an asset.

What we offer

In addition to a competitive salary, Heart & Stroke believes that time off is integral to the personal health and wellness of our employees. We offer paid wellness days and personal days. In addition, we provide health, medical, dental and vision benefits. Furthermore, our staff enjoy flexible hybrid working arrangements and support with reimbursement for mobile phones and home office set up.

Apply now

If you want to join the fight to beat heart disease and stroke while building an engaged and giving community, apply by March 16, 2023.

To learn more about our mission, our values and the difference Heart & Stroke makes in the lives of people in Canada at every age, please .

H&S has a vaccination policy that requires all employees to be fully vaccinated unless they have a valid exemption. You can view our policy here:

We are committed to fostering an inclusive, barrier-free and accessible environment. If you have been contacted for an interview and require accommodation to participate in the recruitment and selection process, please advise and we will work with you. At this time, interviews are currently being conducted via phone or video call, so we look forward to \xe2\x80\x98virtually\xe2\x80\x99 meeting you!

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