Salary Range: $106,026-$152,413/year. 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.

Job Summary:

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.

Reporting to the Director, Communications & Media Relations and working in close collaboration with the PHSA Communications leadership team and matrix reporting to the BCEHS Senior Director, Communications & Engagement, the Manager, Communications & Media Relations develops, implements and evaluates communication strategies and initiatives focused on issues management and reputation to promote a strong positive profile for PHSA and BCEHS and the overall health care system. The Manager, Communications & Media Relations provides counsel to senior and executive staff on issues-related communication planning and facilitation; works closely with program communications teams and BCEHS and PHSA program/services leadership to proactively identify and track potential issues or areas of concern and respond quickly to sensitive issues; prepares accurate, fact-based briefing materials and issues notes; and supports comprehensive communications and partner relations planning for strategic initiatives and government priorities related to the PHSA mandate.

Supported by the Director, Communications & Media Relations, the Manager, Communications & Media Relations acts as the organization’s central contact for its government partners and outside agencies to manage and track significant issues. Works closely with other members of the BCEHS and PHSA communications teams, all levels of staff within programs and services, regional health authority partners and members of the Government Communications & Public Engagement (GCPE) team, to research issues, develop succinct media statements, fact sheets and backgrounders, and manage potentially sensitive and controversial issues.

The Manager, Communications & Media Relations contributes to the overall dynamic and compassionate leadership of the Media Relations team in partnership with other senior communications staff. Uses a coaching approach to lead team members and/or consultants and support the larger team to achieve quality outcomes and superior customer service for clients and partners.

The Manager, Communications & Media Relations works closely and collaboratively with the PHSA Director, Communications & Media Relations to support media relations on issues and high-profile projects. Participates in the media on-call roster, which occasionally requires acting as initial contact with media and responding to media inquiries after hours. The Manager, Communications & Media Relations may also be required to attend media events and significant partner events.

Duties/Accountabilities:

•    Contributes to the overall leadership of the communication function as a key member of the communications team in development and implementation of communications and issues management strategies.
•    Advises senior and executive leadership on issues-related communication planning and facilitation, including sensitive and controversial issues. Liaises with all levels of PHSA and BCEHS staff, including executives and senior leaders, program and service staff, as well as the PHSA Director, Communications & Media Relations, Ministry staff and other health partners, to research and write issues notes and briefing materials and facilitate approvals.
•    Leads, develops, evaluates and advises on communication strategies and initiatives in alignment with government priorities related to the PHSA mandate. Anticipates and tracks issues or areas of partner concern and leads significant proactive and reactive issues management activity, including researching and writing media statements, backgrounders, fact sheets, Q&A documents, and other communications materials.
•    Serves as a central point of contact for issues management and tracking for the Ministry of Health, and other Ministries, as required.
•    Provides government relations support for activities such as the Legislative Session, including Question Period and Estimates
•    Supports the development and implementation of consistent and high-quality communication materials.
•    Provides support as required for media and other events, including providing advice and suggestions and writing communications and issues management documents, and acts as an initial contact for media, responds to media inquiries, and attends media and partner events as required.
•    Monitors a budget for communications for assigned projects. Responsibilities include monitoring budget performance, planning and adjusting operations to meet projections and annual targets, approving expenditures, and preparing summaries for fiscal reporting. Approval for budget items comes from the Director, Communications & Media Relations.
•    Provides leadership to other communications staff through coaching, guiding and modeling key behaviours/strategies, encouraging dialogue, and providing guidance and advice to facilitate resolutions to work issues. Supports team to achieve quality outcomes and superior customer service for clients and partners.

Qualifications:

A level of education, training, and experience equivalent to a Bachelor’s degree in communications, political science, journalism or a related field supplemented by ten (10) years of experience in a large, multi-site unionized and/or public sector environment. Recent training/experience related to DEI and Indigenous Cultural Safety is a requirement for this role.

•    Demonstrated knowledge of labour relations is an asset, as is understanding of legislative policy development and processes of various levels of government.
•    Demonstrated leadership and managerial skills.
•    Demonstrated ability to meet tight deadlines, work under pressure, and handle highly confidential and sensitive issues with tact and diplomacy.
•    Demonstrated ability to research and write responses to manage issues and strategic projects.
•    Demonstrated ability to create and execute strategic communication plans and respond to the needs of partners in sensitive situations supported by acute awareness of the impact of actions.
•    Possess outstanding interpersonal communication skills, enabling one to build positive relationships and leverage these to access, interpret and convey complex information quickly, succinctly and accurately.