Public Affairs Lead

Position: Public Affairs Lead

Work Type: Full Time, Permanent - Hybrid Work Schedule

Location: WRHN Across all sites

This position is being advertised to fill an existing vacancy. {Include on all external postings]

Home to seven regional programs and comprehensive health-care services, Waterloo Regional Health Network (WRHN, pronounced wren) is committed to meeting the current and emerging needs in Waterloo-Wellington and beyond.

WRHN is redefining the health-care experience through collaboration and innovation, addressing barriers to access, advancing care delivery, and setting new standards in compassionate, empowered community-driven health care.

At WRHN, every patient is at the centre of everything we do as we strive to improve lives, inspire healing, and build healthier, stronger communities. By listening to patients and partners, we strive to connect communities to the right care, at the right place, and at the right time.

Position Summary:

The Public Affairs Lead at WRHN is a strategic and influential role responsible for leading government relations, media relations, and community engagement to support and advance WRHN’s strategic directions with key partners across our teams, government, media and the communities we serve.

Guided by WRHN’s core values, Put People First, Find a Way, Be Our Best and Thrive Together, the Public Affairs Lead ensures that all communications, engagements and partnerships reflect our shared commitment to outstanding care that’s personal, seamless and reimagined.

Reporting directly to the Director, Strategic Communications, this role will proactively lead the development and implementation of public affairs strategies that enhance WRHN’s visibility, reputation, and influence. This role will navigate complex political and healthcare landscapes, advocating for WRHN’s priorities, and managing sensitive issues discretion and clarity.

Are you a seasoned communicator with a deep understanding of provincial and local politics, healthcare systems, and public policy? Do you have proven experience in both proactive and reactive media engagements, strategic advisory, and crisis communication? If you have a collaborative mindset and a passion for community care, we invite you to apply to the Public Affairs Lead position, where you will help us build stronger connections, greater awareness, and lasting impact in the communities we serve.

Responsibilities at a Glance:

Government Relations

• Build and manage relationships with federal, provincial and local elected officials, policymakers, and other relevant audiences.
• Advocate for hospital priorities within provincial and local government frameworks, aligning initiatives with broader healthcare policy goals.
• Provide strategic advice on government policies, regulations, and funding opportunities that impact hospital operations.
• Develop briefing materials, position papers, and recommendations for hospital leadership.
• Organize and participate in government advocacy events and meetings to foster positive relations and influence policy decisions.

• Media Relations

  • Develop and execute media strategies that align with WRHN’s key priorities and enhance its reputation in the community.
  • Serve as the primary point of contact for media inquiries and maintain positive relationships with media outlets and journalists.
  • Write media releases, media statements, op-eds, and other communications materials.

  Community and Partner Engagement

  • Create opportunities for collaboration with key partners to promote WRHN initiatives.
  • Support hospital-led initiatives to build community awareness and engagement around healthcare services and programs.
  • Engage with local stakeholders to identify and address healthcare needs within the community.
  • Develop and implement public-facing campaigns to promote hospital services, achievements, and milestones.

  Crisis Management

  • Support hospital leadership in crisis communications, manage reputational risks, and respond to media inquiries in sensitive situations.
  • Develop and implement crisis communication plans for high-stakes situations.
  • Coordinate with internal teams, external stakeholders, and media to ensure consistent messaging during emergencies or incidents.
  • Provide strategic guidance and timely communications to protect WRHN’s brand and public perception.

  Position Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Political Science, Public Relations, or a related professional field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in strategic government relations, media relations, or public affairs, with a strong focus on healthcare.
• Proven experience working in the healthcare sector, particularly in a large hospital or similar healthcare organization.
• In-depth knowledge of provincial and local politics, including policy-making processes, key political figures, and government operations.
• Experience in crisis communications, handling complex and sensitive media situations.
• Proficiency with Microsoft 365.

• Skill Requirements:

• Exceptional Communicator: Strong writing, research, and editing abilities and verbal communication skills, with the ability to craft clear, concise, and persuasive messages.
• Diplomatic: Skilled in navigating sensitive political and media environments with tact and professionalism.
• Organized: Managing multiple projects or events simultaneously requires strong organizational skills.
• Strategic Thinker: Ability to analyze issues and anticipate future challenges and opportunities.
• Proactive: A self-starter who anticipates needs, identifies opportunities for engagement, and takes initiative in building relationships.
• Adaptable: Able to thrive in a dynamic environment and respond quickly to changing needs and priorities.
• Collaborative: A strong team player who works cross-functionally with different departments to achieve hospital-wide goals.
• Knowledgeable in the Healthcare Landscape: Strong understanding of the healthcare landscape, including funding models, regulatory frameworks, and provincial health policy.

• APPLICATIONS WILL BE RECEIVED UNTIL THE POSTING IS CLOSED.

  Please Note: New employees must provide documentation/proof of COVID-19 vaccination status, a 2-step TB test, as well as proof of immunity to measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella (chickenpox) prior to their start date at Waterloo Regional Health Network (WRHN). New Employees will require clearance from Employee Health, Safety and Wellness before they are able to begin any position within WRHN.

  WRHN is committed to fair and equitable employment and in our recruitment and selection practices. We strongly believe in inclusion and diversity within our organization, and welcome all applicants including, but not limited to racialized communities, all religions and ethnicities, persons with disabilities, LGBTQ2S+ persons, Indigenous people, and all others who may contribute to the further diversification of our Hospital community. We are committed to providing and fostering a respectful workplace for all employees, free from violence and harassment.

  Accommodations are available during all stages of the recruitment process in accordance with the Human Rights Code. WRHN is committed to complying with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) to provide an inclusive, barrier free workplace. We will accommodate the accessibility needs of individuals with disabilities to support participation in all aspects of the recruitment process. Should you require this accommodation, please contact Human Resources.

  International Applicants

  If you are seeking employment on a temporary work or study permit, we recommend reviewing work permit restrictions as it applies to healthcare organizations in Canada. Individuals holding a work or study permit seeking employment in the healthcare sector may be required to complete additional steps in the process. This may also apply to current employees seeking renewal of their work permits.

  It is the accountability of the applicant and/or employee to ensure they are adhering to their specific work permit restrictions.

  WRHN does not use artificial intelligence (AI) to screen, assess, or make hiring decisions regarding applicants during our recruitment and selection process.