Job Description

JR100635 Closing Date: February 18, 2023 Union: AMAPCEO With guidance from the Manager, Communications Services, the Media and Public Relations Advisor leads the media relations function and supports the development, coordination, and implementation of media and social media strategies to protect and enhance the reputation of PHO and promote PHO programs, expertise and services. This involves extensive coordination and liaison across the organization and engagement with multiple stakeholders related to matters of high urgency, substantial complexity, confidentiality and potential risk and high visibility. Key Responsibilities:

• With guidance from the Manager, Communications Services, leads the development and implementation of PHO\xe2\x80\x99s media relations strategy and leads the media relations function (in accordance with PHO\xe2\x80\x99s Media Relations Policy).
• Serves as PHO\xe2\x80\x99s primary media contact
• Coordinates media inquiries and outreach, assessing opportunities for PHO and proactively identifying and creating opportunities for positive reinforcement of PHO\xe2\x80\x99s profile.
• Develops written responses to media requests and key messages and Q&As for use by PHO spokespeople in interviews. This includes conducting appropriate research and coordinating review and approval, often within tight timelines.
• Provides media expertise and coaching to PHO spokespeople.
• Develops and maintains positive relationships with media representatives.
• Coordinates inter-organizational responses to media inquiries or opportunities with PHO partners, including the provincial and federal government, local public health units, health care providers, academic and research institutions, and others
• Maintains the Media Centre on PHO\xe2\x80\x99s website and related information
• Follows consistent processes for media request records management
• Leads the Communications Services team\xe2\x80\x99s ongoing intelligence gathering and environmental scanning on issues of relevance to PHO, as well as PHO\xe2\x80\x99s presence and reputation in the media and on social media.
• Collaborates with others across the organization (including senior leadership) to identify, analyze and manage issues, especially those currently arising in the media or on social media. This includes the development of strategies, messaging and resources to prepare for and manage issues.
• Develops and maintains relationships with media and communications counterparts at the Ministry of Health, Office of the Chief Medical Officer of Health, other government Ministries and agencies, as well as other key partner organizations to anticipate issues, coordinate and share information.
• Leads the planning, development, and dissemination of media releases, including advising on content, timing and approach.
• Works closely with colleagues in Communications Services and other areas of PHO to help design and implement integrated, effective internal and external communication strategies.
• Maintains strong and current knowledge of PHO programs, policies, resources and services to effectively anticipate issues, respond to inquiries and identify opportunities.
• Other duties as required.

Knowledge and Skills:

• Thorough knowledge of information gathering and dissemination techniques in order to identify, assess, and prepare responses to emerging trends and media issues with potential public health implications.
• Proven ability to work with senior leadership, collaborate with external partners and stakeholders, and develop and maintain positive relationships with the media.
• Knowledge of project management techniques, practices, and processes in order to lead or participate in various projects.
• Organizational skills to manage workload with competing priorities and tight timeframes.

Education and Experience-

• Baccalaureate degree, preferably in Public Relations, Communications or Journalism.
• Minimum five years of media relations experience in public health, government, healthcare, or the broader health sector.
• Minimum of three years of direct experience leading organizational media relations and issues management and providing spokesperson coaching.
• Experience acting as an organizational subject matter expert in media relations, bringing in-depth knowledge of the media environment, media engagement and issues management.
• Social media savvy with experience in social listening, strategy, evaluation and crisis management.
• Proficiency with a variety of computer applications including Microsoft Office, SharePoint, and media and social media monitoring systems.

Attributes and Competencies:

• Written and oral communications skills in order to develop media briefing notes, as well as to develop reference materials and background information for use by media, (e.g., press releases, resources for the Media Centre on PHO\xe2\x80\x99s website).
• Applies expert interpersonal skills in relationships with the media and other partners, to ensure positive positioning of PHO programs, education, information-sharing and research initiatives and to ensure appropriate messaging of highly sensitive and sometimes, contentious activities.
• Proactively develops and maintains positive relationships with the media.
• Advises and works closely with PHO senior leaders to plan for and respond to media on public health and organizational issues.
• Develops and maintains relationships in order to effectively collaborate effectively with partners and stakeholders, including communications and media counterparts at the Ministry of Health, Office of the Chief Medical Officer of Health, other Ministries and agencies, as well as other partners and stakeholders.
• Ability to identify, assess, and prepare responses to emerging trends and media issues with potential public health implications, in order to mitigate risks.
• Accountable for developing proactive and reactive media relations strategies to promote PHO and its experts, products and services.
• Provides leadership, working with subject matter experts in the development of media releases and responses to media inquiries or issues, including advising on messaging, content, timing, key messages.
• Accountable for providing media coaching to PHO spokespeople.
• Works closely with PHO senior leaders to provide coaching on how to plan for, and respond to media.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent Work Location: Hybrid remote in Toronto, ON