Communications Specialist

Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre is seeking a dynamic communications professional who has superior writing skills, thrives in a fast-paced team environment, can navigate the ever-changing world of social media, and wants to be part of a team that is helping to invent the future of health care.

Summary Of Duties

As a member of Sunnybrook’s Strategic Communications team, the Communications Specialist will help share the Sunnybrook story while building connections with Team Sunnybrook and the patients, families and communities we care for. This includes contributing to and executing integrated communications strategies that help drive our vision, while helping to steward the brand and reputation. Reporting to the Manager, Public Affairs, the successful individual will support the implementation of a range of communications activities with key internal and external audiences across numerous communication channels including social media, sunnybrook.ca, the intranet, newsletters, media outlets, and special events.

Primary Responsibilities

• Working in a team environment, develop and implement communications initiatives that support strategic priorities including supporting the organization in developing high performing teams, research and education, integrated models of care and exceptional care.
• Support external communications needs through the planning and development of web and blog articles, social media content, and newsletters (both physical and digital).
• Assist the communications team with proactive media relations by writing media releases, articles and pitching stories
• Support reactive media relations, working with clinical teams and program leadership to coordinate interviews and develop written responses
• Support the planning, development and posting of content for Sunnybrook’s social media accounts.
• Assist the Strategic Communications team with the tracking, measurement and analysis of media relations and social media efforts.
• Ensure all communication efforts are aligned with the Sunnybrook brand and strategic priorities.
• Complete regular updates to the website, blog and intranet including creating and editing content for clinical departments, research, education and corporate departments.
• Work collaboratively with members of the communications, graphics, web and photography teams to create compelling content in a variety of digital formats, including social media videos, infographics, written news stories, and Q&As.
  
  

Qualifications And Skills

• Post-secondary education in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, or another related field.
• Three to five years in a communications or marketing role in a fast-paced environment.
• Exceptional written English communication skills, with experience translating complex concepts into plain language.
• Strong knowledge of effective social media (X, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram), digital content strategies, and emerging trends and platforms.
• Knowledge and experience with social media community management tools (e.g. Sprout Social).
• Knowledge and experience with email service providers (e.g. Mailchimp), content management systems (e.g. WordPress), and design tools (e.g. Canva, Adobe Creative Suite). An understanding of HTML is an asset.
• Detail-oriented with strong analytical, planning and project-management ability.
• Understanding of all facets of communication principles and best practices.
• Team player and self-starter with ability to prioritize and work efficiently under pressure.
• Sound judgment, a professional demeanor and strong interpersonal skills to interact successfully with stakeholders and staff at all levels.
• Previous experience in a health care, government or academic environment considered an asset.