Communications Specialist
BCCH Research
Vancouver, BC
In accordance with the Purpose, Vision, Values and Coast Salish Teachings, and strategic directions of PHSA, safety, including both patient and employee safety, is a priority and a responsibility shared by everyone at PHSA. As such, the requirement to continuously improve quality and safety is inherent in all aspects of this position.
The Communications Specialist assists the Manager/designate in planning, coordinating and implementing the annual communications plan for BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute (BCCHR) / Women’s Health Research Institute (WHRI) including identifying issues, coaching media spokespersons, planning media events and public and communication relations, social media, production and coordination of internal and external publications, and the coordination of special events and external affairs. In addition, the Communications Specialist contributes to web site and intranet development.
What you’ll do
- Participate as a member of WHRI’s Communications team to ensure quality and consistency in writing, production and delivery of messages throughout WHRI. Work collaboratively with other members of the Communications team to respond accurately and strategically to local media and community inquiries and issues.
- Research, write, edit and produce diverse communication materials such as articles, newsletters, bulletins, web publishing, news releases, speeches, briefing notes, brochures, pamphlets, backgrounders, special features, presentations, social media content and other materials, in collaboration with other Communication team members, on issues of importance to both internal and external stakeholders. Maintain currency of contact lists such as media and other partner organizations and stakeholder groups.
- Co-ordinate the production and distribution of external publications such as annual reports, patient information booklets and brochures through methods such as determining content in conjunction with the Manager and other Communications staff, researching, writing articles, and working with others such as designers, photographers and printers.
- Develop and maintain excellent relationships with the media. Initiate and manage pro-active media relations activities to highlight WHRI achievements and enhance reputation with stakeholders.
- Address media relations issues including responding to requests for information and interviews. Address and triages queries from the public and other stakeholders, often acting as first point of contact for external audience members.
- Monitor and collect news coverage items about WHRI and its related concerns. Distribute news coverage items to various audiences, identify potential areas of issues or crisis management and alert the appropriate parties.
- Develop and maintain a database of media inquiries and key spokespeople, and prepare regular reports such as activity reports.
- Provide media training for WHRI spokespersons.
- Contribute to the development and content management of WHRI’s web site and social media accounts.
- Co-organize and manage events such as campaigns, conferences, and lecture series.
- Write and present public speaking engagements to external stakeholders, as requested.
- Liaise with stakeholders, including management team members, directors, managers, physicians and other experts within WHRI to develop a broad understanding of important issues, challenges and strategic directions being undertaken. Foster open dialogue between key stakeholders and communicates messages clearly and concisely to promote awareness of initiatives and contribute to a positive reputation for WHRI and PHSA.
- Participate as a member of various committees throughout WHRI and PHSA to provide and collect information regarding communication issues.
- Share knowledge with fellow team members and others internal and external to WHRI for the purposes of communication, high performance teamwork and continual quality improvement to support an innovative culture and a learning organization.
- Participate in the implementation of quality improvement programs to ensure services are provided in the most efficient and effective manner by ensuring standards are aligned with the organization’s mission and strategic plan and the standards set by the Canadian Council on Health Services Accreditation (CCHSA).
- Maintain an awareness of new developments and trends in corporate communications through literature review, contact with peers at other organizations, industry advisor groups, professional associations and attendance at seminars, workshops and education programs.
- Perform other related duties as assigned.
What you bring
Qualifications
- A level of 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 knowledge of the historic and ongoing impacts of settler colonialism on Indigenous Peoples in social and health contexts, including supported by significant knowledge of Indigenous-specific mandates, including clear understanding of and commitment to eradicate Indigenous-specific racism and discrimination and embed Indigenous Cultural Safety and Humility.
- Demonstrate comprehensive knowledge of the historic and ongoing impacts of settler colonialism and systemic racism on Indigenous Peoples within social and health contexts. This includes understanding how these factors contribute to current health disparities and barriers to care. Show a clear commitment to identifying, challenging, and eradicating Indigenous-specific racism and all forms of discrimination impacting equity-deserving groups within health care settings. This involves familiarity and understanding Indigenous Cultural Safety and Humility recognizing personal biases, institutional barriers, engaging in anti-racism education and training and advocating for systemic change.
- Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of legislative obligations and provincial commitments within BCCH Research contexts found in the foundational documents including Truth & Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action (2015), In Plain Sight (2020), BC's Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (2019), United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), Reclaiming Power and Place Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women & Girls Calls for Justice (2019), the Declaration Act Action Plan and Remembering Keegan: A First Nations Case Study - BC Human Rights Code, BC Anti-racism Act and how they intersect across the health care system.
Core Competencies
- Brings an understanding of the Indigenous specific racism and the broader systemic racism that exists in the colonial health care structure, and has demonstrated initiatives in breaking down barriers and ensuring a safe environment ensuring a sense of belonging to all and informed by Indigenous Cultural Safety.
- Awareness of social, economic, political and historical realities of settler colonialism on Indigenous Peoples and familiarity with addressing Indigenous-specific anti-racism, anti-racism and Indigenous Cultural Safety and foundational documents and legislative commitments (the Declaration Act, the Declaration Action Plan, TRC, IPS, Remembering Keegan, etc.).
Skills & Knowledge
- Ability to work as part of a high-performance team.
- Superior journalistic business writing skills and the demonstrated ability to create compelling publications.
- Ability to contribute to the development, implementation and evaluation of operational and strategic communication plans.
- Ability to meet tight deadlines and work under pressure.
- Skill and proficiency in organizational electronic communication technology, desktop publishing and web-based technology practices.
- Ability to plan, organize, set, accomplish and measure objectives and results.
- Ability to set priorities and be results-oriented.
- Ability to remain calm, alert and high functioning under stressful situations.
- Ability to handle highly confidential and sensitive issues with skill, tact and diplomacy.
- Ability to establish good working relationships with internal and external partners in routine and controversial situations.
- Ability to carry out the duties of the position with a high degree of ethical and professional behaviour.
- Physical ability to carry out the duties of the position.
- Demonstrates a commitment to beginning and/or continuing their personal learning journey related to Indigenous-specific racism and dismantling systems of oppression, as well as addressing racism more broadly. Shows willingness to articulate and share their learning experiences to contribute to a culture of motivation and inspiration among peers.
- Demonstrates foundational knowledge of the social, economic, and political realities of settler-colonialism and its impacts on Indigenous peoples and equity-deserving groups within social and health contexts. Understands the impact of social determinants of health-on-health outcomes. Shows a commitment to learning about and upholding legislative obligations and provincial commitments outlined in foundational documents such as the Truth & Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action (2015), In Plain Sight (2020), BC's Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (2019), United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), Reclaiming Power and Place: Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women & Girls Calls for Justice (2019), the Declaration Act Action Plan, Remembering Keegan: A First Nations Case Study, the BC Human Rights Code, Anti-Racism Data Act, and the Distinctions Based Approach.
What we bring
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, development, and recognition programs that honour the commitment and contribution of all employees.
- Access to professional development opportunities through our in-house training programs, including +2,000 courses, such as our San’yas Indigenous Cultural Safety Training course, or Core Linx for Leadership roles.
- Enjoy a comprehensive benefits package, including municipal pension plan, and psychological health & safety programs and holistic wellness resources.
- Annual statutory holidays (13) with generous vacation entitlement and accruement.
- PHSA is a remote work friendly employer, welcoming flexible work options to support our people (eligibility may vary, depending on position).
- Access to WorkPerks, a premium discount program offering a wide range of local and national discounts on electronics, entertainment, dining, travel, wellness, apparel, and more.
Job Type: Regular, Full-Time
Salary Range: $76,111 - $109,409. The starting salary for this position would be determined with consideration of the successful candidate’s relevant education and experience and would be in alignment with the provincial compensation reference plan. Salary will be prorated accordingly for part time roles.
Location: 4500 Oak St, Vancouver, BC V6H 3N1
Closing Date: Applications accepted until position is filled
Hours of Work: 09:00-17:00 (Monday-Friday)
Requisition #: 200764E
What we do
The Provincial Health Services Authority (PHSA) plans, manages 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 – Create equity – Be courageous.
Learn more about PHSA and our programs: jobs.phsa.ca/programs-and-services
PHSA is committed to anti-racism and equity in our hiring and employment practices. With learning and compassion, we are addressing existing inequities and barriers throughout our systems. PHSA is seeking to create a diverse workforce and to establish an inclusive and culturally safe environment. We invite applications and enquiries from all people, particularly those belonging to the historically, systemically, and/or persistently excluded groups identified under the B.C. Human Rights Code.
One of PHSA’s North Star priorities is to eradicate Indigenous-specific racism, which includes ongoing commitments to Indigenous recruitment and employee experience as well as dismantling barriers to health care employment at every level. We welcome Indigenous individuals to apply and/or contact the Sanya’k̓ula Team (Indigenous Recruitment & Employee Experience) for support at [email protected].
Indigenous-specific anti-racism initiatives are rooted in addressing the unique forms of discrimination, historical and ongoing injustices, and exclusion faced by Indigenous peoples. These initiatives align with an Indigenous rights-based approach, recognizing the inherent rights and title of BC First Nations and self-determination of all First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities. PHSA is mandated to uphold legislative obligations and provincial commitments found in the foundational documents including the Truth & Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action (2015), In Plain Sight (2020), BC's Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (2019), United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), Reclaiming Power and Place Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women & Girls Calls for Justice (2019), the Declaration Act Action Plan and Remembering Keegan: A First Nations Case Study.
Attention current employees of PHSA:
You must apply via your internal profile at http://internaljobs.phsa.ca.
The internal job posting expires on July 3, 2026 and will no longer be accessible. If the internal job posting has expired, please e-mail [email protected] with the six-digit job requisition number and your PHSA employee ID number to be considered as a late internal applicant. Please do not apply for the external job posting.
If you have not yet set up an internal profile, please e-mail [email protected] with your PHSA employee ID number to obtain your temporary password. Our business hours are Monday-Friday 8:30am-4:30pm, excluding Statutory Holidays and a Help Desk Representative will respond to you with 1-2 business days.
If you are not a current employee of PHSA and require assistance with your application, please contact the External Careers team at [email protected].
