Come work as an Communications Leader, Indigenous Health with Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH)!

Vancouver Coastal Health is looking for an Communications Leader, Indigenous Health to join our Communications team, and partner with our Indigenous Health team. You will use your communications expertise to develop praoctive communications plans and initiatives to promote the work and message of our Indigneous Health team. 

Vancouver Coastal Health is committed to improving the health and access to culturally safe healthcare of the Indigenous people in our region, and we recognize that we all have a contribution to make in reconciliation and healing. VCH’s Indigenous Health team works with staff and physicians across all programs and departments to provide strategic leadership, partner collaboration and community engagement to assist VCH to become a more culturally competent and safe organization.

As an Communications Leader, Indigenous Health with Vancouver Coastal Health you will: 

• Report to the  Director, Corporate Communications.
• Be accountable for developing, planning and implementing strategic communications on behalf of the Indigenous Health Department within Vancouver Coastal Health.
• Provide leadership and consultation in all aspects of communications to advance organizational strategic priorities while maintaining and strengthening the Indigenous Health Department and health authority’s reputation with both internal and external stakeholders.
• Be responsible for providing communications leadership for planning and decision-making for the Indigenous Health program across Vancouver Coastal Health and within specific Communities of Care as required, regional networks and numerous corporate initiatives
• Develop and strengthen core Indigenous Health communications competencies among VCH leaders.

Education & Experience

• A level of education, training and experience equivalent to a Bachelor’s Degree in Communications supplemented with industry-recognized accreditation
• 7-10 years of progressive related public relations and change leadership experience, or equivalent combination of experience and education.

• In-depth understanding and knowledge of Indigenous Cultural Safety and Indigenous cultures within Vancouver Coastal Health’s service region. Preference given to candidates identifying as Indigenous including First Nations, Metis and Inuit.

• These experiences will include a minimum of two (2) years working for an Indigenous organization/program that includes interacting and developing relationships with Indigenous people and Indigenous communities as well as government agencies and ministries along with extensive understanding and knowledge of Indigenous culture and specifically Vancouver Coastal Health region’s First Nation’s cultures.
• Valid BC Driver’s license as local area travel requires the use of a personal vehicle.

Knowledge & Abilities

• Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of Indigenous Culture and History in BC and Canada.
• Uses an understanding of the many diverse audiences and unique challenges faced by the department and health authority to communicate across diverse sites and audiences.
• Demonstrated highly specialized skills in assessing and managing conflict and communication in often cross cultural, emotionally charged, and complex learning environments.
• Demonstrated ability to work in Indigenous communities and build positive and mutually beneficial relationships.
• Makes independent decisions using analytical and problem solving skills while remaining calm, alert and high-functioning in stressful situations.
• Maintains a comprehensive knowledge of complex health care operations, and departments goals and objectives to deliver strategic communications.
• Applies and shares strategic knowledge about Indigenous culture and priorities to build partnerships, understanding and advance quality improvement.
• Uses broad knowledge of the Indigenous community’s social, political and economic environment in the provision of strategic advice to stakeholders across VCH relating to government, community and media communications.
• Applies solid knowledge of best practice business methods to help advance Indigenous culture, executive communications, and executive engagement with frontline staff, corporate business practices and online and in-person communications.
• Uses advanced skills and experience in journalistic and business writing, as well as the skill to develop compelling written and multimedia presentations to target and engage a variety of external and internal stakeholders.
• Uses well-developed research abilities to write articles, profiles and verify information.
• Uses advanced computer skills in a variety of software applications and web-based technologies including content management, to develop culturally appropriate and attractive communications materials.

The hours of work including days off and work area may be subject to change consistent with operational requirements and the provision of the Collective Agreement and applicable statutes. Successful applicants may be required to complete a Criminal Records Review Check.

As per the current Public Health Orders, as of October 5, 2023, all employees working for Vancouver Coastal Health must be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 or have received a single dose of the most-recent, updated COVID-19 vaccine. Proof of vaccination status will be required.

WHY JOIN VANCOUVER COASTAL HEALTH?

VCH is a world class innovator in medical care, research and teaching, delivering service to more than one million BC residents. At VCH, we embrace thinking boldly, taking smart risks, and 'going first' when we believe it will lead to the best possible outcomes for patients and their families. We invite you to join us in creating healthy lives in healthy communities by showcasing our passion for care, connection to the communities we serve and our culture of teamwork that makes VCH a great place to work.

• Comprehensive health benefits package, including MSP, extended health and dental and municipal pension plan
• Grow your career with employer-paid training and leadership development opportunities
• Wellness supports, including counselling, critical incident and innovative wellness services are available to employees and their immediate families
• Award-winning recognition programs to honour staff, medical staff and volunteers
• Access to exclusive discount offers and deals for VCH staff

Equity, diversity, and inclusion are essential to our goals of creating a great place to work and delivering exceptional care. We acknowledge and accommodate unique differences and ensure special measures are in place so that all prospective and current employees are given an opportunity to succeed.

We are committed to building a representative workforce and encourage applications reflecting diversity of sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, racialization or ancestry, disability, political belief, religion, marital or family status, age, and/or status as a First Nation, Metis, Inuit, or Indigenous person.

Vancouver Coastal Health is proud to be recognized as one of Canada's Top 100 Employers in 2024.

Only short-listed applicants will be contacted for this posting.


***Employees of VCH must apply online via the Internal Career Portal on CareerHub, you are currently viewing the External Career Portal. Refer to the https://my.vch.ca/working-here/job-postings site for instructions on how to view internal job postings and how to apply as an employee. Current VCH employees who apply to this posting using this external site will be considered as an external candidate. Seniority will not apply.***

Thank you for your interest in Vancouver Coastal Health.