The Provincial Health Services Authority (PHSA) is on the lookout for an exceptional communications specialist to advance the BC Centre for Disease Control’s public health strategies. You’ll help plan and execute internal and external communication and engagement strategies to promote and protect health, prevent harms and prepare for threats. Bring your creativity and passion for creating compelling content and contribute to something bigger – the opportunity to tell the stories and influence public understanding of the role of public health in our lives every day.
Role Summary
Reporting to the Communications Officer, BCCDC, the Communications Specialist helps plan and execute internal and external communication and engagement strategies to advance BCCDC priorities and initiatives, with a particular focus on online content (web and social media).
As a member of the PHSA Communications team, and reporting to the Communications Officer, BCCDC, the Communications Specialist works closely with BCCDC leadership and key program areas to ensure that the BCCDC website and social media channels are aligned with BCCDC’s strategic directions, using digital channels to increase public understanding of the importance of public health measures. Primary responsibilities include coordinating content for general and targeted populations, implementing and evaluating digital initiatives, reporting and acting on evaluation results, monitoring and evaluating the BCCDC’s website content and usage and for on-going support for web authors and editors. The Specialist has superior written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills and is extremely detail-oriented, capable of simultaneously managing multiple projects and client expectations.
What you'll do
Participates as a member of PHSA’s Communications team to ensure quality and consistency in writing, production, branding and delivery of content across digital channels.
Researches, writes, edits and produces content, in collaboration with Communications team members and BCCDC content and knowledge translation experts, to engage internal and external audiences on the issues, changes, opportunities and everyday successes in population health and wellness. This includes content for online channels such as web and social media, newsletter articles, organizational bulletins, intranet updates, speeches, video scripts, presentations and more.
Provides ongoing guidance to internal website contributors (editors and authors) regarding the organization, editing and publishing of website content. Develops training materials in conjunction with PHSA Web Strategies, and conducts regular training sessions for all BCCDC website editors and authors.
Coordinates and implements a thorough strategic social media strategy and website framework for the BCCDC as a whole, for individual programs, service lines and divisions.
Frequently serves as the first point of contact, via the web, for a variety of audiences including the general public. Collaborates with BCCDC teams to respond to queries and feedback.
The Specialist is the first point of contact for staff for web and social media content. Supports and advocates for best practices in online communications, counsels clients and facilitates the application of tested usability standards.
Solicits and monitors internal and external feedback related to the BCCDC’s website and recommends solutions, or forwards the request to the appropriate partner. Monitors web traffic and gathers usage statistics and prepares quarterly presentations for web authors and senior leadership, to inform continuous development and improvement.
Provides outstanding customer service, with the ability to build rapport and trust with a broad group of internal and external stakeholders, and listen closely for insight about what clients need in order to advance stakeholder engagement.
Participates as a member of various project and team meetings throughout BCCDC to provide and collect information regarding communication issues.
Shares knowledge with fellow team members and others internal and external to BCCDC for the purposes of communication, high performance teamwork and continual quality improvement to support an innovative culture and a learning organization.
Maintains an awareness of new developments and trends in corporate and digital communications through contact with peers at other organizations, industry advisor groups, professional associations and attendance at seminars, workshops and education programs.
Participates in an after-hours roster to provide web support for urgent media/public issues.
What you bring
Education, training and experience equivalent to an undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline such as a Degree in Journalism, Public Relations or Communications, combined with at least five years of experience.
Demonstrated excellent writing, editing and proofreading skills, with exemplary attention to detail.
Proven record in planning and creating compelling content and campaigns.
Skills in graphic design, presentations and Adobe Creative Suite.
Ability to contribute to the implementation and evaluation of strategic communication plans.
Demonstrated project management skills and ability to work well under pressure to meet tight deadlines.
Skill and proficiency in digital communication and content management systems.
Experience establishing new social media accounts to create meaningful communication channels with new audiences.
Experience with social media analytics and strategy, including Hootsuite.
Demonstrated experience with video production and photography is an asset.
Ability to plan, organize, set, accomplish and measure objectives and results.
Ability to handle highly confidential and sensitive issues with skill, tact and diplomacy.
Ability to establish good working relationships with internal and external stakeholder groups and partners in routine and controversial situations.
Ability to work as part of a high performance team and with a high degree of ethical and professional behaviour.
Physical ability to carry out the duties of the position.
What’s in it for you?
Every PHSA employee enables the best possible patient care for our patients and their families. Whether you are providing direct care, conducting research, or making it possible for others to do their work, you impact the lives of British Columbians today and in the future. That’s why we’re focused on your care too – offering health, wellness, development programs to support you – at work and at home.
Join one of BC’s largest employers with province-wide programs, services and operations – offering vast opportunities for growth and development.
Access to more than 2,000 in-house training programs.
Enjoy a comprehensive benefits package, including municipal pension plan.
12 annual statutory holidays with generous vacation entitlement and accruement.
Perks include onsite fitness classes and discounts to 350 BC-wide recreational programs, travel, technology, car and bike sharing, and more.
Job type: Regular Full Time
Location: 655 W 12th Ave, Vancouver
Hours/ Days: 0830-1630, Monday through Friday
Closing Date: Monday March 1st by 4:30PM
Reference number:104266E
What we do
The Provincial Health Services Authority (PHSA) plans, coordinates and evaluates specialized health services with the BC health authorities to provide equitable and cost-effective health care for people throughout the province. Our values reflect our commitment to excellence and include: Respect people – Be compassionate – Dare to innovate – Cultivate partnerships – Serve with purpose. Learn more about PHSA and our programs: jobs.phsa.ca/programs-and-services
PHSA is committed to employment equity and hires on the basis of merit, encouraging all qualified individuals to apply. We recognize that our ability to provide the best care for our diverse patient populations relies on a rich diversity of skills, knowledge, backgrounds and experiences, and value a safe, inclusive and welcoming environment.