Communications Advisor - Greater Toronto Area

Location: Toronto-661 University · Department: Communication Services · This posting is to fill a current vacancy. · The Role · To develop and implement communications plans, strategies, tools, and tactics to effectively convey and promote PHO's activities and initiatives, and to ...

Job description

Location: Toronto-661 University

Department: Communication Services

This posting is to fill a current vacancy.

The Role
To develop and implement communications plans, strategies, tools, and tactics to effectively convey and promote PHO's activities and initiatives, and to provide expertise and support to internal programs and external stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities-

• Supports the development and implementation of the PHO communications strategy to increase the profile of public health in the province and promote the role of PHO, by: identifying key stakeholders, relationships and opportunities, determining appropriate communications tactics and tools, developing and adapting key messages for chosen media, determining dissemination vehicles appropriate to audience needs, participating in tactical planning to inform and engage PHO audiences and increase awareness of PHO programs and initiatives.
• Writes, edits and formulates a wide variety of communications materials, such as intranet and internet website content, social media and blog posts, newsletter content, fact sheets, pamphlets, brochures, internal and external newsletters, reports, stakeholder scientific briefs, speeches, etc.; coordinates distribution with senior staff approval.
• Liaises with photographers, translators, illustrators, graphic designers and printers during production of PHO products to ensure accuracy of formats and content.
• Provides ongoing advice and support to PHO program area client groups to assist in promoting and communicating their initiatives, activities or other opportunities, (e.g., research studies, stakeholder interactions, events, reports), including the writing and translating of scientific information into audience appropriate language; ensures timely and appropriate delivery formats with distribution to widest possible audience where appropriate.
• Supports the development of processes and policies related to all communications activities of the Agency, (e.g. visual identity); monitors PHO communication activities to ensure corporate standards, policies and legislative directives have been adhered to; measures the success or effectiveness of communications plans, programs and services in reaching target audiences.
• Creates, promotes and maintains cooperative working relationships with contacts at the Ministry of Health other relevant government officials, media partners, public health departments and other stakeholders to coordinate activities of common interest, provide briefings, and responds to calls for information.
• Provides assistance on projects within the department and contributes to the operation of the team and Group as a whole; keeps abreast of developments and innovations in new media technology and incorporates new developments into communications programs; stays apprised of the various program activities within the Agency and at other institutions.
• Other duties as assigned.

Knowledge And Skills-

• Knowledge of the health sector and the medical communications field, in order to create, research, write, and edit communication materials.
• Knowledge of communications and information-gathering principles and techniques with expertise in developing communications tools and products for a variety of media in support of technical programs.
• Skill and ability to work effectively in a high profile environment; high degree of organizational skills in order to multi-task in a fast paced environment; skill in delivering results within required deadlines - often in urgent situations.
• Skill and ability to work effectively under pressure with minimal supervision.
• Research and analytical skills to work on projects where an understanding of legislation, policies and guidelines is required to prepare the communications plan and products.
• Ability to quickly familiarize new projects and identify salient information in order to create effective communication solutions and products under tight time constraints.
• High level of proficiency in the use of a variety of computer applications including Word, Power Point, Adobe DC for AODA remediation, social media scheduling and analytic tools, email marketing systems and desktop publishing applications.

Education And Experience-

• Baccalaureate degree or an equivalent combination of a post-secondary diploma, training, and experience in Communication, Journalism, Public Relations, or a related field.
• Three to five years of experience in writing, journalism or new media with strong copyediting and proofreading skills to improve clarity and readability of all communications products.
• Proven experience in the planning, implementation, and evaluation of digital communications
• Proven experience in leading web and graphic design projects and a solid understanding of project management techniques, practices, and processes.

Attributes and Competencies-

• Utilizes strong writing, editing and verbal skills in creating, drafting, and editing speeches, fact sheets, pamphlets, brochures, internal and external newsletters, intranet and internet websites, reports, new media, stakeholder scientific briefs, and communiqués.
• Applies interpersonal skills and expertise in interacting with clients, and interpreting medical and scientific information for a variety of audiences.
• Works closely with program areas to set communication priorities, and participate in ensuring that needed communications supports are in place.
• Creates, promotes and maintains cooperative working relationships with contacts at the Ministry of Health and other relevant government officials, media partners, public health departments and other stakeholders in order to coordinate activities of common interest, provide briefings, distribute media releases, and to respond to calls for information.
• Anticipates the needs of program areas when conducting tactical planning designed to inform and engage client group audiences and increase awareness of PHO programs and initiatives, and by developing processes and policies for effective dissemination.
• Enhances the PHO's communications through the use of new media and digital methods in order to disseminate information about PHO across broad range of channels.
• Ensures timely and appropriate delivery and distribution of communications services and products, including the writing and translating of scientific information into audience-appropriate language.
• Accountable for working closely with clients and colleagues in Knowledge Services to set communication priorities and ensure that needed supports are in place.
• Accountable for supporting the development and implementation of PHO communication strategies to increase the profile of public health and promote the role of the PHO, including: the identification of, and support for, key stakeholders, relationships and opportunities, and the development and adaptation of key messages.

Duration: Contract (Fixed Term), 11 month(s)

Hours of Work: Full time, 36.25 hours per week

Compensation Group:Association of Management, Administrative and Professional Crown Employees of Ontario

Compensation Range :$67, $95,107.00

Posting Date:

Closing Date:

Please note:
applications will be received no later than 11:59pm on the date preceding the closing date as indicated on the Job Requisition.

Note: Internal candidates will be considered first.
While we thank all applicants for their interest, only those selected to move forward in the recruitment process will be contacted. Any information obtained during the course of recruitment will be used for employment recruitment purposes only, and not for any other purpose.
PHO is committed to ensuring equity in employment. Our goal is to create a diverse, inclusive workforce that reflects the communities we serve and to ensure our services and communications are accessible to all individuals. Any candidate who requires a job posting in an alternative format may email a request to Once an applicant has been selected for an interview, they can inform PHO about any accommodations they may require at any stage of the interview process.