Manager, Communications and Public Affairs

Exceptional Care–Exceptional People

The Brant Community Healthcare System is a two site Community Hospital located in Brantford and Paris, Ontario.

• The Brantford General is an acute care hospital
• The Willett in Paris is an urgent care centre and transitional beds
  
  

By choosing to work at Brant Community Healthcare System (BCHS), you are joining an organization with more than 130 years of making a positive difference in the lives of the people we serve throughout our communities. We value Care, Accountability, Respect and Equity, and we are working together to build a healthier community!

Why Choose BCHS?

• Centralized Education Fund – opportunities for continuing education and staff development.
• Various schedules available (e.g. 4 on 5 off for full time nurses)
• HOOPP Pension Plan
• Predictable work locations
• Discounted onsite parking (no shuttles or waiting lists)
• Support 24/7 – you’re not on your own (managers on call, physicians, allied health, and support staff).
• Wellness matters – our Employee Assistance program is free and confidential to all employees and family members.
• Ongoing infection and prevention control measures, education, appropriate PPE and support available to all employees.
  
  

Position Summary

Reporting directly to the Vice President, Strategy, Quality, Risk & Communications, the Manager, Communications & Public Affairs supports the facilitation, development, implementation, and evaluation of comprehensive internal and external communications outcomes that supports the Brant Community Healthcare System in providing exceptional patient care.

The Manager works collaboratively across BCHS, partnering with all teams on communications initiatives. Leading a diverse and skilled team of Communication Advisors, the Manager delivers strategic communications planning and execution, media relations, issues management, social media, digital communications, and correspondence to both internal and external audiences.

Primary Responsibilities

• Leading a team of Communications Advisors, the Manager provides oversight of the planning and development of corporate strategic and operational communications projects within the Communications & Public Affairs Team.
• Advance the reputation of the organization through strategic communications planning and execution.
• Lead the corporate social media strategy that aligns with BCHS’s strategic vision and promotes and enhances the organization’s brand reputation.
• Oversee and manage communication vehicles including social media (Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and YouTube) and corporate websites including www.bchcys.org and www.reimaginebchs.ca.
• Lead for internal corporate communications including memos, town halls, management forums, newsletters etc.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with multiple internal stakeholders from various departments to develop and update communications and marketing collateral at the corporate and program/service level.
• Participate on various committees including wayfinding, signage, recognition and wellness.
• Work closely work partners at BCHS Foundation to maintain alignment and support shared goals.
• Lead the day-to-day media relations for the organization in collaboration with the Vice President, Strategy, Quality, Risk & Communications, including gather information, preparing responses, key messages and issuing media releases.
• Maintain positive relationships with local and national media partners.
• Provide training and support to spokespersons.
• Lead the planning and execution of crisis communications, including outbreaks, issues management, and reputation management.
• Act as the “Communications Officer” with the internal Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) incident command structure.
• Coordinate and participate in the Communications-On-Call model to ensure 24/7 access to communications support.
• Support government relations and advocacy strategies including advocacy efforts to continue along our planning pathway for a new hospital.
• Develop communications plans and materials that support various strategic organizational goals.
• Engage community partners, government agencies, local political leaders, and healthcare officials to advance our organizational goals.
• Work with third party groups as appropriate
• Lead for the planning and execution of corporate communications events. Examples include organizing and facilitating Town Halls (hybrid), events including Nursing Week, Trillium Gift of Life Network award ceremonies, facilitating Community Partner events, other events involving Senior Team, press conferences.
• Responsible for ensuring daily operations and objectives of the department(s) and tasks/processes are coordinated providing direction on how work is completed.
• Responsible for human resource leadership including recruitment, performance development and performance management.
• Manage staff attendance, sick time, return to work, vacation, overtime, on call, etc. as per corporate policies.
• Responsible monitoring budget and making recommendations to the VP related to budget development/changes.
• Responsible for ensuring staff have clear expectations of their role, provide performance development, feedback and conduct timely formal performance meetings as per corporate policy.
• Build and maintain a focused and cohesive team, based on the principles of trust, transparency and fairness, in order for the team to effectively work within the department within the hospital and with external community partners and agencies.
• Foster a healthy working environment by creating a positive atmosphere of collaboration and teamwork in alignment with our mission, vision and values.
  
  

Mandatory Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of recent and related experience is required and experience working in a health care setting is preferred.
• A bachelor’s degree in communications, Public Relations, or related discipline is required. Masters is preferred.
• Well versed in developing and implementing multi-stakeholder communications.
• Previous experience acting as the trusted communications and issues advisor to senior leaders and have a track record of demonstrated leadership skills.
• Well-versed in strategic communications, including public engagement, issues management, brand enhancement, and digital and social media.
• Relationship builder, known for strong collaboration, leadership skills, communication skills, and a service-oriented approach that enables the work of others.
  
  

Mandatory Competencies

• Safety (patient, worker & workplace) is a BCHS Corporate Priority. The successful applicant will demonstrate good stewardship in the identification, reporting and mitigation of unsafe acts or conditions.
• Reliable individual with excellent attendance record and able to work all shifts
  
  

Accommodation

The Brant Community Healthcare System (BCHS) is an equal opportunity employer, committed to employment equity and diversity in the workplace. We welcome applications from women, Indigenous persons, members of racialized groups, visible minorities, persons with disabilities, persons of all sexual orientation and persons of any gender identity or gender expression.

Brant Community Healthcare System is committed to creating an accessible and inclusive organization. We are committed to providing barrier-free and accessible employment practices in compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). Should you require Code-protected accommodation through any stage of the recruitment process, please make them known when contacted and we will work with you to meet your needs. Disability-related accommodation during the application process is available upon request.

To ensure there is equal opportunity during the recruitment and selection process, please contact your Recruiter to discuss accommodation.