Job Description

Communications Specialist, Research Communications
BC Children\xe2\x80\x99s Hospital Research Institute
Vancouver, BC

The Communications Specialist assists the Manager in planning, coordinating and implementing the annual communications plan for BCCHR including identifying issues, coaching media spokespersons, planning media events and public and communication relations, social media, production and coordination of internal and external publications, and the coordination of special events and external affairs. In addition, the Communications Specialist contributes to web site and intranet development

What you\xe2\x80\x99ll do

• Participates as a member of BCCHR\xe2\x80\x99s Communications team to ensure quality and consistency in writing, production and delivery of messages throughout BCCHR. Works collaboratively with other members of the Communications team to respond accurately and strategically to local media and community inquiries and issues.
• Researches, writes, edits and produces diverse communication materials such as articles, newsletters, bulletins, web publishing, news releases, speeches, briefing notes, brochures, pamphlets, backgrounders, special features, presentations, social media content and other materials, in collaboration with other Communication team members, on issues of importance to both internal and external stakeholders. Maintains currency of contact lists such as media and other partner organizations and stakeholder groups.
• Co-ordinates the production and distribution of external publications such as annual reports, patient information booklets and brochures through methods such as determining content in conjunction with the Manager and other Communications staff, researching, writing articles, and working with others such as designers, photographers and printers.
• Develops and maintains excellent relationships with the media. Initiates and manages pro-active media relations activities to highlight BCCHR achievements and enhance reputation with stakeholders.
• Addresses media relations issues including responding to requests for information and interviews. Addresses and triages queries from the public and other stakeholders, often acting as first point of contact for external audience members.

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.

Skills and Knowledge:

• Ability to work as part of a high performance team. Superior journalistic business writing skills and the demonstrated ability to create compelling publications.
• Ability to contribute to the development, implementation and evaluation of operational and strategic communication plans.
• Ability to meet tight deadlines and work under pressure. Skill and proficiency in organizational electronic communication technology, desktop publishing and web-based technology practices. Ability to plan, organize, set, accomplish and measure objectives and results.
• Ability to set priorities and be results-oriented. Ability to remain calm, alert and high functioning under stressful situations.
• Ability to handle highly confidential and sensitive issues with skill, tact and diplomacy.
• Awareness of and commitment to learning and understanding the Truth & Reconciliation Commission\xe2\x80\x99s 94 Calls to Action (2015), In Plain Sight Report (2020), BC\'s Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (2019), and other related reports.
• 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 and development.
• 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).
• Perks include access to fitness classes and discounts to 350 BC-wide recreational programs, travel, technology, car and bike sharing, and more.

Job Type: Temporary, Full- Time (until January 1, 2026)
Wage: $72,445 to $104,139 /year
Location: 4500 Oak Street, Vancouver, BC, V6H 2N9
Applications will be accepted until position is filled.
Hours of Work: Monday to Friday; 0830-1630
Requisition # 157169E

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

(BCCH) provides care for the most seriously ill or injured children and youth from across British Columbia.

BCCH is part of the Provincial Health Services Authority (PHSA).

The Provincial Health Services Authority ( ) 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:

PHSA and BCCH are 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.

ATTN: PHSA Employees:

To be considered as a PHSA employee (internal applicant) for this position, you must apply online via your internal profile at

Please note the internal job posting will no longer be accessible after the expiry date of December 22, 2023. If the internal job posting has expired, please contact the Internal Jobs Help Desk and advise that you would like to be considered as a late internal applicant for this position. Please do not apply for the external job posting.

If you have not registered your internal profile, a password is required to log in for the first time. To obtain your password, please contact the Internal Jobs Help Desk at 604-875-7264 or 1-855-875-7264. Please note regular business hours are Monday \xe2\x80\x93 Friday (excluding stats), 8:30am to 4:30pm. For inquiries outside of regular business hours, please email the Internal Jobs Help Desk at and a Help Desk Representative will contact you the next business day.

Labor Agreement Excluded
Requisition # 157169E-2409931
Work Site 4500 Oak Street, Vancouver BC, V6H 2N9
Job Type Temporary, Full-Time
Temporary Duration N/A
FTE 1.00
Hours of Work 0830-1630
Work Days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri
Expiry Date 13-Jan-2024

Provincial Health Services Authority