Come work as a Communications Lead, Research with Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH)!

Reporting to the Director, Brand and Communications, the Communications Lead, Research is on the front lines of planning, coordinating, and implementing the communications plan for VCHRI including identifying issues, coaching media spokespersons, planning media events and public and communication relations, social media, production and coordination of internal and external publications, and the coordination of special events and external affairs.

When it comes to writing, the Communications Lead, Research does it all – from original storytelling in newsletter articles, video scripts, speeches and presentations, to succinct operational communication in memos, briefing notes, web copy, newsletters, social media content and more. The Communications Lead, Research thrives on implementation, executing on the myriad of communication tools and tactics necessary to engage internal and external audiences on the issues, changes, opportunities, and everyday successes happening in the world of health research.

The Communications Lead, Research also has outstanding public relations and customer service skills, with the ability to build rapport and trust with a broad group of internal and external partners, and listen closely for insight about what clients really need in order to advance audience engagement.

This work is framed within VCH’s commitments to our pillars of Indigenous Cultural Safety, Anti-Racism, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, and Planetary Health.

As a Communications Lead, Research with Vancouver Coastal Health you will:

• Be on the front lines of planning, coordinating, and implementing the communications plan for VCHRI including identifying issues, coaching media spokespersons, planning media events and public and communication relations, social media, production and coordination of internal and external publications, and the coordination of special events and external affairs.
• Have a wide range of responsibilities when it comes to writing – from original storytelling in newsletter articles, video scripts, speeches and presentations, to succinct operational communication in memos, briefing notes, web copy, newsletters, social media content and more.
• Thrive on implementation, executing on the myriad of communication tools and tactics necessary to engage internal and external audiences on the issues, changes, opportunities, and everyday successes happening in the world of health research.
• Have outstanding public relations and customer service skills, with the ability to build rapport and trust with a broad group of internal and external partners, and listen closely for insight about what clients really need in order to advance audience engagement.

This work is framed within VCH’s commitments to our pillars of Indigenous Cultural Safety, Anti-Racism, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, and Planetary Health.

Education & Experience

• A level of education, training, and experience equivalent to an undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline such as a Degree in Journalism, Public Relations or Communications, combined with at least five years of experience.

Knowledge & Abilities

• Ability to work as part of a high performance team. Superior journalistic business writing skills and the demonstrated ability to create compelling publications.
• Ability to contribute to the development, implementation and evaluation of operational and strategic communication plans.
• Ability to meet tight deadlines and work under pressure. Skill and proficiency in organizational electronic communication technology, desktop publishing and web-based technology practices. Ability to plan, organize, set, accomplish and measure objectives and results.
• Ability to set priorities and be results-oriented. Ability to remain calm, alert and high functioning under stressful situations.
• Ability to handle highly confidential and sensitive issues with skill, tact and diplomacy.
• Demonstrates flexibility and the willingness to work across individual roles to deliver collaborative communication solutions.
• Contributes to a team environment by working efficiently, professionally and in a friendly manner, and establishes and maintains a harmonious working relationship with all colleagues.
• Advanced computer skills in organizational electronic communication technology, publishing and web-based communications. Demonstrated expertise with Drupal, WordPress, Adobe, Hootsuite and MS SharePoint is desirable.
• Develops and maintains strong relationships with key internal and external partners to promote and enhance services provided with sensitivity to diversity and indigenous lens
• Practices the recognition, inclusion and support of all types and aspects of diversity at all stages of engagement, with an understanding of the issues faced by people from equity-deserving groups
• Physical ability to perform the duties of the position.
  
  

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.