Job Description

JOIN US IN MAKING EXCELLENT CARE PERSONAL!
At Georgian Bay General Hospital (GBGH), our commitment to excellence sets us apart. We believe in making excellent care personal, and we\'re on a relentless journey to enhance the well-being of both our staff and patients. Are you ready to contribute to a healthcare legacy that makes a difference? We are on the lookout for individuals driven by purpose, eager to make a substantial impact on the lives of our patients, their families, and our dedicated staff.THE OPPORTUNITY
Join a progressive and collaborative Executive Team as the Director, Communications and Community Relations at GBGH. As the successful applicant you will join GBGH in year two of an ambitious seven-year strategic plan with a purpose of We make excellent care personal. You will report to the President & CEO and sits as part of the Executive Team. You will play an integral part in positioning the growth of GBGH into the future to meet community needs.THE IDEAL CANDIDATE
As the ideal candidate you are passionate about the success of GBGH and meeting the needs of the growing community we are privileged to serve. You will be responsible for the organization\'s enterprise-wide communications and public engagement strategy aligned to the Hospital\'s values, purpose statement and strategic priorities. Be responsible for community engagement, government, public, partner and media relations, as well for proactive communication and engagement of the internal Hospital community including staff, professional staff and volunteers. You will also works with the Hospital\'s Foundation to ensure alignment in messaging throughout internal and external communications. As the Director, you are responsible for the performance of the Hospital\'s strategic communications program.Depending on the candidate, this role may also be responsible for French Language Services, as well as other administrative areas of the organization.KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
Strategic Responsibilities

• Develop programs and services in the area of communication, media, public relations, online presence, branding and marketing strategies
• Work closely with the CEO and the Executive Leadership Team to advance corporate priorities and manage risks
• Supporting the delivery of the strategic plan including developing and managing the approach for community, government and internal engagement

External Relations

• Development, implementation and evaluation of strategies for external relations
• Plan and implement advocacy initiatives to inform elected and non-elected government officials and decision-makers regarding Hospital priorities and challenges
• Prepare Board of Directors and senior leaders with relevant information to support discussions with relevant parties
• Liaison with the Board of Directors on communications and advocacy matters, including being the staff lead of the Strategic Communications Committee

Communications

• Management of key messaging and themes for alignment across multiple parties and groups
• Development and implementation of an internal communications plan, executive communications, corporate announcements, newsletters and other internal communications channels
• Monitoring issues, emerging trends and themes, internally and externally and providing counsel, approaches, and communication materials to manage issues and crisis communications
• Providing guidance and support for the implementation of major corporate branding activities and executive communications
• Lead and manage public events hosted at or by the Hospital in collaboration with appropriate partners such as Learning & Development, Wellness, and the Foundation
• Drive social media activity and ensure online presence is optimized
• Oversee and manage the websites and intranet
• Supporting the Foundation\'s fundraising messaging, activities and events, as required in collaboration with the Foundation\'s communications team
• Implementation of effective policies and procedures, tools, and best practices and active collaboration with subject matter experts
• Development, implementation and evaluation of strategies and initiatives to promote organizational programs/services and priorities in a proactive and positive manner
• Supports and informs employee, professional staff and volunteer engagement strategies, awards and recognition programs
• Collaborate with People Services to deliver on the overall People Strategy (including recognition, award and GBGH Crew event planning, recruitment and retention)
• Work collaboratively with the Volunteer Services team and the Medical Affairs/Professional Staff Association to ensure key messaging is actively shared with all relevant professional staff and volunteers
• Contribute to communications programs for community events, outreach, projects and initiatives
• Develop key messages, speeches and other media for members of the Board, senior management team and/or others as deemed appropriate

Media Relations

• Develop and implement comprehensive media relations plans to facilitate public communications and position GBGH positively
• Act as the primary media contact for the organization and authorized as corporate spokesperson, when required
• Enhance the Hospital\'s public profile and highlight the activities and work of Hospital staff, professional staff including program growth and service changes

Other

• Lead by example by following Hospital protocol in a safe and efficient manner
• Promote an environment that encourages and supports change using change management theory
• Partake in the Senior Management Team\'s on-call rotation after three (3) months

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE
The ideal candidate, you possess the following key competencies, record of experience and academic preparation:

• University degree plus post-graduate education in communications, public relations, marketing or a related discipline
• Minimum seven to ten (7 - 10) years of recent related experience in corporate communications or public relations
• Experience in public facing organization is strongly preferred (government, hospitals, school board, college, university, other charitable public service organizations)
• As a partially designated French language services organization, French language skills an asset
• Expert level knowledge in marketing, social media, media and public relations practices, strategy and techniques
• Understanding of government relations, with experience in a public facing organization (preference for those with experience in health/hospital organizations)
• Strong writing skills, including an excellent ability to comprehend and translate medical and technical terminology into appropriate language suitable for multiple audiences
• Superior strategic and critical thinking skills, sound judgement, problem-solving skills focused on translating challenges into solutions and opportunities
• Big picture thinking with the ability to evaluate potential risks and anticipate opportunities for the organization
• Experience at forging partnerships with partners from across the spectrum of healthcare
• Excellent interpersonal and client service skills, as well as the ability to work effectively with a variety of stakeholders with diplomacy, including influencing senior internal clients (professionals and leadership)
• Ability to handle confidential and sensitive information with skill, tact and diplomacy
• Advanced project management and research skills to support a broad scope of projects
• Experience at forging partnerships from across the spectrum of healthcare, education and all levels of government
• Demonstrated ability to effectively engage at all levels of the organization and understand the importance of effective engagement
• A leadership and management style that is positive, collaborative, consultative, honest, participatory, respectful and empowering
• Commitment to GBGH Values and Purpose Statement

HEALTH, SAFETY & WELLNESS
Join us in a culture where your well-being is a top priority. Health and safety are of utmost importance at GBGH. We\'re dedicated to providing a safe workplace and encourage active participation from all team members.At GBGH, we prioritize work-life balance, valuing our employees\' well-being. Where possible can provide flexibility in working hours to accommodate a variety of schedules and support individual life commitments.BENEFITS & PERKS
When you choose to be a part of GBGH, you\'re choosing a workplace that prioritizes your growth and well-being. We invest in your professional development, fostering an environment that values continuous learning and growth, ensuring your career thrives.

• An annual salary ranging from $132,136 to $145,443, along with a generous vacation package
• Eligible for a 4% performance-based pay, prorated for the 2024/2025 fiscal year
• Personal Spending Account of $2,025 annually
• We provide a comprehensive benefits package that includes employer-paid extended health and dental coverage, along with life insurance, paid sick days, and short-term disability income protection
• Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan (HOOPP), one of Canada\'s largest defined benefit pension plans
• Education Fund Opportunities, Career Development and Education Sessions
• Access to Family & Employee Assistance Program
• The successful applicant will be compensated for their time in the interview process

THE HOSPITAL
Discover a rewarding career at GBGH, a dynamic 113-bed facility nestled in the heart of Midland, Ontario. Our dedicated team serves a diverse catchment area, including Midland, Penetanguishene, Township of Tiny, Township of Tay, Christian Island, Georgian Bay Township, and Springwater Township. With a population base of 55,000, surging to over 150,000 during the peak season, GBGH stands as a healthcare cornerstone for our vibrant community.With an annual budget of approximately $80 million, a robust staff of 800 professionals, and a network of over 100 active professional staff alongside 70 regional affiliates and consulting physicians, GBGH is a vital healthcare hub. Our services span acute care, rehabilitation, complex continuing care, and Level 3 intensive care unit, with exciting plans on the horizon. We are in the early stages of expanding our capabilities, including a 2,500 sq ft expansion to our diagnostic imaging department to add MRI services for our community, a 50,000 sq ft expansion off our emergency department to offer 24 inpatient mental health beds and planning for a new state-of-the-art hospital facility. Explore the latest developments and initiatives at GBGH by visiting our website: [Link available when viewing the job].HOW TO APPLY
If you\'re ready to take the next step in your career with GBGH, we encourage you to apply. Join us in making excellent care personal and contribute to an executive team shaping the future of healthcare in our community. Please submit your application via GBGH Career Opportunities, addressed to Ms. Lisa Thomason, Manager, People Experience & Workforce Analytics.We thank all applicants for their interest in this opportunity, but please note that only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. Selection will be based on the skill, ability, experience, and qualifications. The Hospital reserves the right to conduct a formal interview or other applicable testing where required.GBGH is committed to providing accessible employment practices that are in compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (\'AODA\'). If you require accommodation for disability during any stage of the recruitment process, please advise the Human Resources Department. We encourage all qualified individuals to apply including visible minorities, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, LGBTQ2s+ persons, and anyone else who will contribute to a diverse workplace.

Georgian Bay General Hospital