Communications Lead

Job Description

Are you a skilled and motivated communicator with a passion for crafting compelling stories that engage and inspire employees? Do you have exceptional writing skills and the ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams? Are you ready to develop key communications products and support multifaceted communications plans and strategies?

If so, take a look at this rewarding career opportunity working alongside a supportive and collaborative team. ​​​

Ontario Health at Home is looking for a highly skilled and motivated individual responsible for developing and implementing effective communication strategies and initiatives to enhance our brand presence, engage partners and support the overall objectives of our organization. This role requires exceptional communication skills, strategic thinking and the ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams.

As an experienced communications professional, the Communications Lead is well-versed in the latest tools and tactics in corporate communications and can easily see a project through strategy to tactical execution. As a solid writer, skilled in developing multifaceted communication plans, leveraging the latest social and technological innovations to effectively reach diverse audiences, enhancing communication with patients and their families, health system partners and community members across the province.

Reporting to the Manager, Communications, the Communications Lead develops key communications products, engages internal leaders and teams to provide support and advice, establishes relationships and creates robust communications strategies aligned with Ontario Health atHome’s vision, mandate and key strategic priorities.

What will you do?

• Lead the development, implementation and evaluation of communications strategies for large-scale, provincial projects independently.
• Collaborate with project teams to understand initiatives and provide effective communication solutions that align with project goals.
• Serve as a strategic advisor on communications matters to leadership and partners, ensuring alignment with provincial objectives.
• Manage complex, cross-functional projects, ensuring timely delivery of communications.
• Develop and execute comprehensive communications plans that support organizational goals and influence engagement.
• Represent the communications portfolio in high-level meetings and contribute to decision-making process regarding provincial initiatives.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with internal and external partners, ensuring effective collaboration across different levels of the organization.
• Ensure health care communications are accessible, clear and meet the needs of diverse audiences, including patients, providers and community partners.
• Work in partnerships with portfolios and relevant teams to develop and execute comprehensive communication plans and tactics, to support corporate projects and initiatives, which at times may include confidential matters about the organization or operations.
• Provide communication support/advice to human resources with sensitive matters including labour relations and confidential communication support to the communications manager and/or director, provincial communications team and executives.
• Create engaging and impactful content for various communication channels, including websites, social media platforms and internal communication platforms.
• Research and write a variety of materials that support communications plans including videos, brochures, letters, memos, bulletins, scripts/speaking points, social media postings and reports, including annual report.
• Develop storytelling briefs and create visually appealing and compelling executive presentations.
• Collaborate with other teams across the province to gather relevant information, stories and updates to promote across different communication channels.
• Work collaboratively to develop compelling, patient-focused communication.
• Ensure communications are in alignment with key organizational messages, visual identity, brand guidelines, AODA compliance and French language requirements.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues across the province on Ontario Health atHome provincial communication initiatives.
• Provide back-up communications support to the Manager, Communications.
• Support large-scale engagements, media inquiries, including key messages, Q&As, talking points and media releases.
• Support the Manager and Director of Communications on issues management related communications.
• Support crisis communications as assigned.
• Build strong, trusting, productive working relationships with communication colleagues across the province.
• Monitor, analyze and report communication metrics and results to determine effectiveness of communications initiatives.

What must you have?

• University degree in a related field (e.g. Communications, Journalism, Public Affairs, Business Administration) or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Proven experience (3 to 5 years) in communications, public relations, or a similar role, preferably within a provincial or multi-site organization.
• Demonstrated experience developing and executing integrated communications plans and strategies and providing communications advice.
• Experience with digital communications including social media outreach and content creation.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with knowledge of current communication theories, disciplines, techniques, best practices and planning methods.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality, exercise good judgement and discretion when dealing with confidential information.
• Excellent organizational skills and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to collaborate effectively with diverse partners and audiences.
• Strong collaboration skills are required to participate on projects and committees with colleagues across Ontario Health atHome.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications (including PowerPoint) and SharePoint.
• Proficient in the use of Adobe Creative Suite, including InDesign and Photoshop.
• We have a mandatory COVID-19 vaccination policy. As a condition of employment, all employees are required to submit proof of COVID-19 vaccination status prior to start date.

What would give you the edge?

• Experience in managing media relations is preferred.
• Experience leading corporate communications in a complex, fast-paced environment.
• Experience working effectively in partnership with a broad range of individuals and organizations of diverse backgrounds, preferably within the public sector including health care.
• Experience in communicating about sensitive matters including labour relations and other human resources related matters.
• A passion for storytelling and the ability to translate complex ideas and concepts into consumable copy.
• Strong relationship management and facilitation skills, including the ability to work collaboratively with all levels of staff, members of the public, health system partners, government and other diverse partners.
• Strong leadership skills to participate on/or lead internal committees.

What do we offer?

We know wellness is supported with work-life balance. In an inclusive culture committed to support your passion for continuous learning, growth and innovation, we offer: ​

• Attractive comprehensive compensation packages and benefits​
• Valuable development opportunities​
• Membership in a world class defined benefit pension plan​
• Salary: $83,297 to $99,461
• Flexible work location – this position can be located in any Ontario Health atHome office, space permitting​

Who are we?

We are Ontario Health atHome, ready to serve every person in Ontario. We partner with patients and caregivers, family physicians, hospitals, long-term care and retirement homes, and service providers to deliver responsive, accessible, integrated, patient-centred care.

Why join us?

If you’re interested in driving excellence in care and service delivery, and seeking an unparalleled opportunity to lead and learn, partner and connect, care and be cared for, this is your home.

Equity, Inclusion, Diversity and Anti-Racism Commitment

Ontario Health atHome is committed to a culture of equity, inclusion, diversity and anti-racism. We are committed to attracting, engaging and developing a workforce that reflects the diverse communities we serve. We welcome and encourage applications from all qualified applicants. Accommodations for persons with disabilities required during the recruitment process are available upon request.

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

This job posting is for an existing vacancy.