Reporting directly to the Chief Strategy, Governance and Risk Officer, the Executive Director of Strategic Communications & Stakeholder Relations leads Health PEI's internal and external communications, public affairs and media relations, and system-wide stakeholder engagement and partner relations functions. The ED is responsible for developing and leading the health authority's comprehensive communications strategy and navigating the complex political and social environment of Prince Edward Island's healthcare system. The ED ensures that Health PEI's strategic direction, service changes, and operational initiatives are communicated with transparency, cultural sensitivity, and legislative alignment, safeguarding public trust and advancing the "One Island, One Health System" vision. The ED provides strategic communications advice to the Chief Strategy, Governance and Risk Officer, CEO, and Board of Directors, while maintaining effective partnerships with the Department of Health and Wellness, other government departments, and community organizations. ED fosters a collaborative and innovative environment, champions best practices, and ensures the sustainability and effectiveness of the communications function and its contribution to the broader health workforce and system
Duties:
- Maintain a comprehensive understanding of system-wide priorities and actively contribute to initiatives beyond the immediate divisional scope, ensuring that communications leadership efforts are cohesive, strategic, and in service of the broader mandate of Health PEI.
- Promote Health PEI's vision and strategic direction by collaborating with the CEO, ELT, Senior Operations Team (SOT), and Board of Directors, translating high-level goals into actionable objectives and system standards.
- Provide executive-level leadership and oversight for the communications and stakeholder relations division, ensuring alignment with strategic priorities and operational objectives.
- Offer expert advice to the Chief Strategy, Governance and Risk Officer, ELT, Board of Directors, and other EDs on strategic and operational planning, ensuring that public expectation, community risk, and stakeholder dynamics are factored into the organization's long-term vision and strategy, based on data, legislation, policy, and best practice.
- Translate complex health system changes, service decisions, and organizational priorities into clear, accurate, and compelling narratives that effectively champion Health PEI's vision and strategic priorities to the public, government, and staff.
- Lead efforts to uphold Health PEI's public reputation and service excellence, ensuring high standards of communications delivery and continuous quality improvement.
- Formulate risk-mitigation communications frameworks that support clinical operations during sudden capacity changes, managing public expectations regarding access to services.
- Define and audit organizational standards and quality metrics for public disclosure, patient communication, and health information delivery in keeping with evidence-informed practices.
- Ensure all communications activities comply with relevant legislation including the Health Services Act and freedom of information requirements.
- Lead and coordinate Health PEI's communications response to inquests, ombudsman investigations, public inquiries, and judicial reviews, working with Legal Counsel and executive leadership to ensure accurate, timely, and legally compliant information is provided to the public and media.
- Ensure all communications activities comply with relevant legislation including the Health Services Act and freedom of information requirements.
- Align divisional goals with Health PEI’s strategic priorities and contribute to system-wide planning.
- Monitor, analyze, and evaluate the shifting public, political, and clinical environments to identify emerging vulnerabilities, delivering rapid executive briefings and mitigation options to the CEO and Board.
- Provide advice to executives on communication on the impact of long-range planning, new programs, and regulatory changes on quality, safety, and patient experience
- Build and maintain strategic partnerships with internal and external stakeholders, including operational, clinical, and medical leaders, the Board of Directors, union partners, community organizations, volunteer patient and family partners, and provincial and federal departments—to support Health PEI’s strategic vision and divisional goals.
- Collaborate with Chiefs and EDs on workforce planning, recruitment, retention, and succession strategies.
- Ensure the efficient use of trained staff and equitable workload distribution across the division
Minimum Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in health-related field, healthcare administration, Business Administration, Public Administration, or Communications.
- Master’s degree in healthcare administration, Public Administration, Business, or a related field is highly desired asset.
- Demonstrated equivalencies may be considered
- Extensive senior leadership experience (5 + years) in complex public or Not For Profit healthcare systems or service delivery organizations.
- Considerable experience (3-5 years) experience supporting, advising, and enabling executive leadership within a complex, multi-site health system or public sector matrix.
- Considerable experience (3-5 years) in corporate and system literacy, with a demonstrated ability to navigate HPEI institutional history, cultural nuances, and the operational interconnectedness, is highly desired.
- Considerable experience (3-5 years) in strategic planning, development, implementation, and execution.
- Strong understanding of healthcare regulations, policies, and best practices, or relevant experience in a highly regulated, 24/7 environment within a complex, multi-site organization.
- Considerable experience (3-5 years) representing the organization in provincial and national settings, including media, forums, and legislative appearances.
- Considerable experience (3-5 years) in Board-governed organizations, supporting Boards and Board committees.
- Considerable experience (3-5 years) in managing strategic initiatives and delivering services or programs to clients and/or the public, with a preference for experience in health or social program delivery.
- Considerable experience (3-5 years) collaborating with government and non-government agencies, professional groups, unions, and other stakeholders.
- Demonstrated ability to manage budgets and financial performance.
- Demonstrated skill in establishing relationships and partnerships with key internal and external stakeholders.
- Exceptional organizational, communication (written and verbal), interpersonal, leadership, conflict resolution, and collaborative skills, with the ability to plan and think strategically.
- Proficiency in various computer programs (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.) and clinical information systems.
Other Qualifications:
- Demonstrated leadership abilities, including managing diverse teams, driving organizational change, and leading cross-functional groups.
- Strong decision making, problem solving, and conflict resolution skills.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Ability to manage relationships with key stakeholders, including government, HPEI Board, union partners, auditors, postsecondary institutions, and media outlets.
- Ability to act as a spokesperson for the organization with local and national media outlets.
- Commitment to continuous improvement.
Important Notes:
Please ensure the application clearly demonstrates how you meet the noted qualifications as applicants will be screened based on the information provided. We would like to thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those who are selected for an interview will be contacted.
This competition may be used to fill future job vacancies.
Salary Range: $53.46 - $65.96 per hour (Level 23)
Bi-Weekly Hours: 75 Hours Bi-Weekly / Mon - Fri
Posting ID: 174667-0826GSPE
Closing Date: Wednesday September 2, 2026 at 4:00pm
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Pay: $53.46-$65.96 per hour
Benefits:
- Company pension
- Relocation assistance
Ability to commute/relocate:
- Charlottetown, PE C1A 6A5: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Education:
- Bachelor's Degree (required)
Work Location: In person
