Job Description

Article Flag: Mandatory Vaccination Please Note: As per the current Public Health Orders (Long Term Care/Seniors Assisted Living Provincial Health Order and the Health Sector Order), as of October 26, 2021, all employees working for Providence Health Care must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Proof of vaccination status will be required. Summary:
In accordance with the Mission, Vision and Values, and strategic directions of Providence Health Care and within the context of a client and family centered model of care, the person promotes a safe, respectful and civil working and learning environment for students, patients, residents, families, visitors and staff.

The Communications and Engagement Specialist, Major Capital Projects reports to the Project Director Major Capital Projects, PHC, with a dotted line reporting relationship to the PHC Vice President of Public Affairs, Communications & Stakeholder Engagement, and works collaboratively with the PHC Communications and Public Affairs department.

This position supports PHC\xe2\x80\x99s Major Capital Projects department by developing, implementing and evaluating a range of project communications and engagement strategies, plans and materials that create awareness of, and promote a strong positive profile for, capital projects PHC is leading. Working closely with the Communications Team supporting capital projects, including the New St. Paul\'s Hospital Project, the Clinical Support and Research Centre (CSRC) project and the St. Vincent\xe2\x80\x99s: Heather Long Term Care Project, the Communications Specialist will develop, write, design and edit materials such as newsletter/community stories, website content, presentations, surveys, memos, reports, speaking notes, social media messaging and video to various internal and external target audiences. This role supports public engagement using best practices in health service planning and decision-making; facilitates partnerships for developing innovative solutions to address emerging issues, and strengthens Providence\xe2\x80\x99s relationships with the communities it serves. Proactively promotes and increases awareness, understanding and support for projects among key internal and external audiences and interested parties such as staff, physicians and researchers, various levels of government, BC health authorities and organizations, community service groups and other constituents. Coordinates various meetings and working groups to facilitate the ongoing exchange of information to and from role holders and interested parties, addressing topics such project objectives, initiatives, progress, and partner/community member/decision-maker/patient/staff feedback, concerns and questions.

Supports issues management by researching and developing a broad understanding of important issues. Works with the Project Director, the VP of Public Affairs/Communications and the PHC Communications and Public Affairs department to keep the parties apprised of day-to-day project communications, and concerns and issues raised by stakeholders and interested parties, and with PHC Communications and Public Affairs team, PHC program/services staff to identify and develop proactive content. In partnership with the PHC Communications and Public Affairs team, the position supports issues and crisis management relating to assigned capital projects. Qualifications / Skills and Education:
Bachelor\xe2\x80\x99s Degree in Journalism, Communications or a degree in a relevant discipline such as Marketing, English or Digital Communications, plus three (3) to five (5) years\xe2\x80\x99 of experience in progressive communications role is required.

Candidates with experience in the following areas will be given preference:

• Development of communications and engagement strategies targeting multi-disciplinary internal and external role holders, especially related to capital infrastructure projects in a municipal or provincial government, Crown Corporation or health authority environment; and
• Experience with large, complex projects and related issues.

Experience in public affairs, community relations or stakeholder engagement leadership roles, is also desirable. A certificate in Foundations in Public Participation from the International Association for Public Participation or similar would be considered an asset.

Skills and Abilities

• Superior journalistic and business writing/communication skills, especially the ability to write, edit and proofread creative and compelling copy for a variety of applications such as electronic newsletters, print publications, and social media.
• Proven experience in developing and executing strategic and tactical communications plans.
• A proven storyteller who can plan, create, and implement a broad range of digital and non-digital communications tactics to support and promote project goals.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a project-based environment, handle multiple and concurrent priorities and regularly report on project status.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office. Experience with Adobe Creative Suite an asset.
• Possesses a collaborative, team-focused working style. Self-sufficient and self-motivated.
• Able to translate technical or complex information into easily understood messaging.
• Experience with issues management in recognizing emerging issues and opportunities, developing responses, and handling confidential and sensitive issues with tact, diplomacy and composure.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with others at all levels both internal and external to the organization.
• Effective organizational, project management and time management skills including the ability to organize, prioritize, multi-task and work effectively under pressure to meet multiple deadlines.
• Demonstrated ability to work with accuracy and attention to detail.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and effectively with minimal supervision.
• Demonstrated ability to remain calm, alert and high functioning under stressful situations.
• Demonstrated computer skills using standard desktop applications, internet applications and relevant databases. Working knowledge of online applications that assist public discussions of complex topics.
• Skill and proficiency with social media tools and in organizational electronic communication and social media technology, desktop publishing, and web-based technology practices.

Duties and Responsibilities:
1. As a key member of the project management team, this position develops, manages and implements positive and proactive internal and external Project Communications and Engagement Strategies to help meet project strategic objectives, in conjunction with the Project Director, the VP of Public Affairs/Communications and the PHC Communications and Public Affairs department.
2. Develops communications and engagement goals, objectives, guidelines, strategies, and key messaging for the project ensuring quality, consistency, and incorporation of best practices. Tracks project milestones and evaluates the impact of communications and engagement strategies against measurable objectives; adjusts tactics to maximize impact.
3. Researches, oversees, develops, produces and disseminates a broad range of project communications products and tools (such as web and social media content, brochures, posters, presentations, backgrounders, fact sheets, speeches, briefing notes, FAQs, advertisements, and other communications materials) to streamline the delivery of communications and related processes to various target audiences, such as internal and external stakeholders, staff, government, interested parties, and special interest groups. Coordinates the development and production of communications and consultation materials. Ensures overall quality, consistency and effectiveness of complex communications materials.
4. Works with PHC Communications and Public Affairs team members (and through them the Ministry of Health and Vancouver Coastal Health) to highlight project accomplishments, share information, and to ensure adequate risk assessment, reputation management, and that any project communication strategies and initiatives are aligned with the overall PHC communications direction, policies and strategies.
5. Supports engagement and consultation with key internal/external stakeholders using a variety of best practice engagement techniques, such as forums, workshops, open houses, online consultation, charrettes, advisory groups, and other methods.
6. Coordinates, attends and participates in public information, community and stakeholder meetings, and related events, including event planning, facilitation, notetaking, event set-up, and follow-up with stakeholders, as required.
7. Oversees the summary of input received through various engagement mechanisms at various stages of engagement processes, analyzes feedback, develops consultation summary reports, and manages the dissemination of key findings and reports with key groups.
8. Promotes and increases awareness, understanding and support among key internal and external audiences and interested parties, such as various levels of government, other health authorities, Indigenous communities, community service groups and other constituents.
9. Liaises with internal and external audiences to develop a broad understanding of important issues, challenges and strategic directions being undertaken; to foster open dialogue between key groups; and to communicate key messages clearly and concisely to promote awareness and foster support for the project.
10. Regularly keeps the Project Director, the VP of Public Affairs/Communications and PHC Communications and Public Affairs apprised of the concerns and issues raised through the various engagement mechanisms.
11. Facilitates the ongoing exchange of often-sensitive information to and from key groups, addressing topics such as project objectives, initiatives, progress, performance and interested parties\xe2\x80\x99 feedback, concerns, issues and questions. Supports public and staff inquiries concerning project communications by tracking and responding to project inquiries, concerns, and responses.
12. Works cross-functionally with the PHC Communications & Public Affairs team, key leaders, and content experts across the organization to monitor, identify, and manage issues. Assesses areas of potential conflict and/or controversy, prepares the appropriate strategies and responses to manage issues and enhance project reputation, and determines the content and method of delivering the information. Responds to and/or develops action plans for crisis situations in keeping with the overall PHC Communications and Public Affairs department policies, procedures, standards, and practices and in consultation with the Project Director, VP of Public Affairs/Communications and the PHC Communications and Public Affairs department. Effectively communicates and manages project issues through print, electronic, social media, verbal communications and face-to-face meetings.
13. Refers all media inquiries to the PHC VP of Public Affairs/Communications and provides background and support for proactive media relations events, initiatives and video/conference/meeting presentations. Also provides support for reactive media inquiries related to the project.
14. Helps create and manage social media and digital strategies for capital projects in alignment with PHC\xe2\x80\x99s comprehensive digital media strategy. Works in partnership with PHC Communications & Public Affairs to manage social media and website channels for the project that target multiple constituents and stakeholders.
15. Works with the PHC Communications and Public Affairs department to update capital project websites. Ensures websites are up-to-date, informative and serve as key information access points for internal and external stakeholders.
16. Works closely with the St. Paul\xe2\x80\x99s Foundation to support and promote fundraising activities.
17. Maintains an awareness of new developments and trends in communications and public engagement through literature review, contact with peers at other organizations, industry advisor groups, professional associations and attendance at seminars, workshops and education programs as required by the employer.
18. Shares knowledge with fellow team members and others internal and external to the organization for the purposes of communication, high performance teamwork and continual quality improvement to support an innovative culture and a learning organization.
19. Performs other related duties as required.