Come work as a Communications Leader with Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH)!

Reporting to the Manager, Corporate Communications, the Communications Leader is accountable for developing, planning and implementing strategic communications on behalf of Vancouver Coastal Health for the sites and departments based in our coastal community of care, which includes Lions Gate Hospital, Squamish, Whistler, Pemberton, and Bella Bella and Bella Coola among others. This portfolio involves both rural and remote and urban sites, and some travel to sites will be required. 

The position provides leadership and consultation in all aspects of communications to advance organizational strategic priorities while maintaining and strengthening the health authority’s reputation with both internal and external stakeholders. This complex but rewarding role is responsible for providing communications leadership for planning and decision-making within the coastal community of care, while also supporting numerous corporate initiatives. This role manages the day-to-day work of a communications specialist. 

As a Communications Leader with Vancouver Coastal Health you will:

• Provide strategic communications consultation, planning and evaluation for senior leaders to proactively achieve strategic priorities, manage reputation risks, support change and transition initiatives, and positively impact corporate operations and employee engagement.
• Advise senior leaders and physicians on best use of communication tools and practices to achieve operational and strategic priorities.
• Ensure employees and physicians are aware and understand corporate goals and objectives through strategic use of established and emerging communications channels
• Provide advice and guidance and communications direction both internally and externally to ensure the successful implementation of communications strategies.
• Identify and respond to incidents and emerging issues with background information and messaging and develops strategic external communications with various stakeholders including news media, government, foundations, community stakeholders and other publics.
• Provide overall leadership and direction to designated team members using effective management techniques (e.g. coaching, mentoring, skills and leadership development, performance management).
• Conduct research and evaluations, including surveys and focus groups, to benchmark and measure the effectiveness of the organization’s communications strategies.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant degree, particularly communications, marketing or journalism, plus seven to ten (7 to 10) years of progressive experience in public relations and change leadership, or an equivalent combination of experience and education. Industry-recognized accreditation preferred.
• Past experience in organizational or corporate communications is a must and experience with change management and engagement would be an asset.

Knowledge & Abilities

• 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 VCH goals and objectives to deliver strategic communications.
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience with change management.
• Applies and shares strategic knowledge about organizational culture and operational priorities to build partnerships, understanding and advance quality improvement.
• Uses broad knowledge of the 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 corporate culture, executive communications, 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.
• 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.