Job Description

Communications Officer, Media Relations and Issues Management


PHSA Corporate
Vancouver, BC


About our team
We are a valued team of storytellers who are a driving force in creating the best possible experience for patients, clients and families. Our communications officers are integral to our organization. You will work alongside health care providers and research leaders known around the world for treatment, innovation and care. Being a trusted advisor regarding highly complex issues and projects will keep you busy and engaged.

About you
We are looking for a team member who will be:

• A savvy member of a large, complex organization \xe2\x80\x93 skilled in working in a matrix environment, collaborative in building relationships, and smart in knowing how to prioritize competing interests and requests.
• A self-starter who takes initiative to creatively identify and execute media opportunities, respond quickly to issues, and recommend effective messages, versus awaiting direction.
• A supportive \xe2\x80\x9cteam player\xe2\x80\x9d who views their role as helping and enabling their colleagues\xe2\x80\x99 success, as much as securing support for their own.
• An effective storyteller who can put our best foot forward in identifying stories and managing issues.
• An approachable teammate, comfortable working directly with media, senior leaders and government communications, engaging in challenging conversations, and supporting team members to accomplish their goals.

Role Summary
Reporting to the Director, Media Relations and Issues Management, you are responsible for coordinating media requests across PHSA, and supporting the broader Communications & Engagement team with media requests and issues, with a particular focus on the work BC Cancer is doing in the execution of the provincial 10-year cancer care plan. You will: create news releases, issues notes and key messages for interviews; provide expertise and guidance to peers regarding media relations, writing, editing and producing consistent and quality communications materials; develop and maintain strong relationships with internal and external partners; and develop communication and event plans. You also have experience with media and issues management utilizing social media.


What you\xe2\x80\x99ll do

• Liaise with media, representatives from other Health Authorities, the Ministries of Health and Mental Health & Addictions, provincial and federal agencies, healthcare organizations, research institutions, universities, affiliated professional organizations and groups, and the general public to respond to requests for information, as well as to collaborate on joint initiatives and events.
• Act as primary contact for media enquiries
• Write, edit and distribute effective media releases, key messages and issue notes, as well as some on-line media contributions and events plans
• Collect and maintain data for the media relations database, maintain contact list and generate reports.
• Ensure overall quality, consistency and effectiveness of complex and communication materials.
• Promote awareness of initiatives and contribute to a positive reputation for the PHSA.
• Support the media relations team in media training of spokespeople.
• Participate in an after-hours roster to provide support for urgent media/public issues.

What you bring
Qualifications

• A level of education, training and experience equivalent to an undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline such as a degree in Journalism, Public Relations or Communications, combined with at least five years of experience in a communications, public relations, journalism or government relations role.
• Demonstrated excellent writing, editing and proofreading skills, with exemplary attention to detail.
• Excellent interpersonal and communications skills (verbal and written)
• Government relations and issues management experience is an asset.
• The ability to handle highly confidential and sensitive issues with tact and diplomacy.
• Experience in proactive public relations, and identifying and executing story opportunities.
• Proficiency in social media, including digital content creation, posting and distribution, and monitoring of online discussions and trends related to organizational reputation.
• Ability to deal with multiple tasks and deliver required results on deadline.
• Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office suite of products and Adobe Acrobat.
• Recent training/experience related to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and Cultural Safety is a strong asset for this role.

Skills & Knowledge

• Commitment to upholding the shared responsibility of creating lasting and meaningful reconciliation in Canada as per TRC (2015) and BC\'s Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (2019).
• As a strong asset for consideration, we are looking for our successful candidate to have: Knowledge of social, economic, political and historical realities impacting indigenous communities and familiarity with Indigenous Cultural Safety and anti-racism and accompanying reports (BC DRIPA, TRC, etc.).

What we bring


Every PHSA employee enables the best possible patient care for our patients and their families. Whether you are providing direct care, conducting research, or making it possible for others to do their work, you impact the lives of British Columbians today and in the future. That\xe2\x80\x99s why we\xe2\x80\x99re focused on your care too \xe2\x80\x93 offering health, wellness, development programs to support you \xe2\x80\x93 at work and at home.

• Join one of BC\xe2\x80\x99s largest employers with province-wide programs, services and operations \xe2\x80\x93 offering vast opportunities for growth, development, and recognition programs that honour the commitment and contribution of all employees.
• Access to professional development opportunities through our in-house training programs, including +2,000 courses, such as our San\xe2\x80\x99yas Indigenous Cultural Safety Training course, or Core Linx for Leadership roles.
• Enjoy a comprehensive benefits package, including municipal pension plan, and psychological health & safety programs and holistic wellness resources.
• Annual statutory holidays (13) with generous vacation entitlement and accruement.
• PHSA is a remote work friendly employer, welcoming flexible work options to support our people (eligibility may vary, depending on position).
• Access to WorkPerks, a premium discount program offering a wide range of local and national discounts on electronics, entertainment, dining, travel, wellness, apparel, and more.

Job Type: Regular Full-time
Salary Range: $86,398 - $124,197 /year. The starting salary for this position would be determined with consideration of the successful candidate\xe2\x80\x99s relevant education and experience, and would be in alignment with the provincial compensation reference plan. Salary will be prorated accordingly for part time roles.
Location: 1333 W Broadway, Vancouver, BC V6H 1G9
Closing date: Applications accepted until position is filled
Hours of Work: 0900-1600 (Monday to Friday)
Requisition # 156516E


As per the current Public Health Order, full vaccination against COVID-19 is a condition of employment with PHSA as of October 26, 2021.


What we do


The Provincial Health Services Authority (PHSA) plans, manages and evaluates specialized health services with the BC health authorities to provide equitable and cost-effective health care for people throughout the province. Our values reflect our commitment to excellence and include: Respect people \xe2\x80\x93 Be compassionate \xe2\x80\x93 Dare to innovate \xe2\x80\x93 Cultivate partnerships \xe2\x80\x93 Serve with purpose.


Learn more about PHSA and our programs: jobs.phsa.ca/programs-and-services


PHSA is committed to employment equity, encouraging all qualified individuals to apply. We recognize that our ability to provide the best care for our diverse patient populations relies on a rich diversity of skills, knowledge, background and experience, and value a safe, inclusive and welcoming environment.


Reconciliation is an ongoing process and a shared responsibility for all of us. The BC Governments\xe2\x80\x99 unanimous passage of the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act was a significant step forward in this journey\xe2\x80\x94one that all health authorities are expected to support as we work in cooperation with Indigenous Peoples to establish a clear and sustainable path to lasting reconciliation. True reconciliation will take time and ongoing commitment to work with Indigenous Peoples as they move toward self-determination. Guiding these efforts Crown agencies must remain focused on creating opportunities that implement the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Mandate.