WEST PARRY SOUND ONTARIO HEALTH TEAM 

COMMUNICATIONS AND ENGAGEMENT LEAD

JOB POSTING: OHT 2024-03

TEMPORARY FULL-TIME – 1 YEAR CONTRACT WITH POSSIBILITY OF EXTENSION

(The OHT is open to discussing potential secondment agreements for this contract)

Located on the coast of beautiful Georgian Bay, the West Parry Sound Ontario Health Team (WPS OHT) offers the best that both nature and technology can offer. We provide services along the coast of Georgian Bay and live in one of Canada’s top outdoor adventure destinations. You can get from desk to dock in 10 minutes!

Ontario Health Teams are a Ministry-approved collaborative health service made up of provider organizations including primary care, hospice/palliative care, long term care, home and community care, mental health and addiction services, acute care, and other community-based services that are collectively dedicated to equitable improvement of population health and seeking better and more efficient ways to receive and deliver care and services.

The WPS OHT is seeking a dynamic and strategic Communications and Engagement Lead to develop and execute communication strategies that support the growth and impact of our team. This role will be key in advancing stakeholder engagement, fostering collaboration among citizens, partners, and advisory groups, and enhancing community outreach. The ideal candidate will be highly skilled in communication, stakeholder engagement, and content creation, with a strong commitment to health equity and regional collaboration.

Why Join Us?

At WPS OHT, we foster a vibrant, compassionate, and inclusive culture that emphasizes personal growth, collaboration, and achieving impactful results. Our team values innovation and transparency, encouraging each member to contribute ideas and drive meaningful improvements in integrated healthcare. Working with us means being part of a supportive environment dedicated to improving the health and well-being of the community, ensuring equitable access to services, and fostering a culture of collaboration and mutual respect. You will be integral in shaping the future of healthcare, contributing to sustainable change, and creating a positive impact on our region.

Compensation & Benefits

Competitive Compensation, Pension, and Benefits package.

Primary Responsibilities

• Stakeholder Engagement and Community Outreach: Develop and implement strategies to engage a diverse range of stakeholders, including healthcare providers, community partners, and residents. Ensure they are informed and involved in WPS OHT initiatives and services.
• Collaborative Communication: Support and lead specific projects to advance communication across stakeholders, signatory partners, affiliated partners, and advisory groups, ensuring alignment with WPS OHT’s goals and activities.
• Regional Planning and Alignment: Participate in regional planning committees to inform local approaches and facilitate the coordination of communication strategies at the regional level.
• Media Relations and Issues Management: Act as the primary media contact, managing relationships with the media, monitoring public perception, and providing strategic advice on potential issues or crises.
• Content Development: Oversee the creation and dissemination of content across various platforms, including press releases, newsletters, reports, and digital channels, ensuring consistency and accuracy in messaging.
• Policy and Standards Compliance: Ensure communication practices comply with relevant accessibility standards, legislation, and WPS OHT’s policies, reflecting our commitment to equity and inclusion.
• Health and Safety Advocacy: Promote a healthy and safe work environment, holding staff accountable for adherence to safety policies and procedures. Address hazardous conditions promptly to ensure a safe space for all.
• Leadership and Team Development:  Foster a culture of exceptional service and continuous professional development.
• Budget Management: Develop and manage the communications budget, ensuring fiscal responsibility and identifying opportunities for collaboration and new business ventures.

Position Prerequisites

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, public relations, marketing, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
• Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in communications, with a preference for experience in healthcare, public service, or community engagement.
• Demonstrated experience in stakeholder engagement, media relations, and issues management.
• Proficiency in digital communication tools, content management systems, and social media platforms.
• Demonstrated learning in Indigenous cultural safety and allyship, with a strong preference for experience working with Indigenous communities.

• Must have a valid Ontario driver's license, clean driver’s abstract, and access to a vehicle, as travel is required.
• Demonstrated satisfactory attendance levels, work performance, disciplinary history, and positive work references.

Knowledge & Skill

• Communication Skills: Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey complex information to diverse audiences.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Proven ability to engage and build relationships with diverse stakeholders and communities.
• Project Management: Ability to manage multiple priorities and execute communication projects effectively.
• Health Equity: Strong understanding of social determinants of health and health equity, with a commitment to promoting inclusive and equitable healthcare.
• Indigenous Knowledge: In-depth knowledge of the history, culture, and health needs of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities in Ontario, including governance structures.

Working Conditions

The role is primarily office-based with potential for occasional remote work upon approval. Occasional travel within the West Parry Sound region may be required. The position requires visual and motor coordination for multimedia content creation and editing, as well as mental focus in managing high-stress situations such as crisis communications.

Qualified Applicants

Please submit a resume with a cover letter by December 3, 2024, quoting OHT 2024-03 to:

West Parry Sound Ontario Health Team

humanresources@wpshc.com

705-746-4540 x2414

The West Parry Sound Ontario Health Team is committed to providing accommodations throughout the recruitment and selection process to applicants with disabilities to ensure equal participation. If selected to participate in the recruitment and selection process, please inform Human Resources of the nature of any accommodation(s) that you may require in respect of any materials or processes.

We thank all applicants who apply but advise only those to be interviewed will be contacted.