Communications Coordinator, Research Communications

 

BC Children’s Research Institute

Vancouver, BC

 

Reporting to the Manager, Communications, BCCHR, the Communications Coordinator serves as a key member of the Communications team responsible for providing communications services to BCCHR. The Communications Coordinator supports development and implementation of internal and external communications for BCCHR, ensuring that communications are high quality, consistent and facilitate change while maintaining relationships among internal and external stakeholders. The Communications Coordinator provides support and/or guidance to colleagues and clients in writing, editing and producing consistent and quality communication materials and messages (including online and digital) for BCCHR.

What you’ll do

• Liaise with internal stakeholders to implement communication plans and activities, and with external stakeholders to respond to requests for information, collaborate on joint initiatives and events, and to coordinate communication activities.
• Research, write, and produce diverse communications. Coordinate the development, production and distribution of internal and external communications products. Determine content in conjunction with subject matter experts under direction of the Manager, Communications, BCCHR. Create action plans, detailing the necessary steps to implement changes or enhancements. Prepare required information for senior staff and leadership, such as issues notes or briefing notes with appropriate key message and other relevant information to share with staff.
• Liaise with internal and external stakeholders to develop a broad understanding of important issues, challenges and strategic direction being undertaken and to foster open dialogue between key stakeholders. In collaboration with the Communications team, support the development of plans and communicates messages to promote awareness of initiatives and contribute to a positive reputation for BCCHR and PHSA. Recommend and implement internal and external communications plans and activities that could include internal and external e-newsletters, digital communications, information sessions, and special events for internal and external audiences.
• Conduct interviews with internal and external audiences. Write, edit, and coordinate production of a variety of content and material for internal and external publications, digital and print communication channels. Coordinate and produce content for the BCCHR website and intranet and the C&W/PHSA website and intranet where appropriate. Work collaboratively with members of the BCCHR and PHSA Communications teams on communications plans and initiatives, and to respond to media and community inquiries and issues.
• Research, write and assist in the management of proactive media releases under the direction of the Manager, Communications, BCCHR. Provide media support, including serving as a media escort and obtaining patient consent for media interviews when required. Develop and maintain relationships with media and professional bloggers. Support proactive media relations activities to highlight BCCHR achievements. Support the Manager in addressing media relations including responding to requests for information and interviews.
• Provide issues management support and communications advice to BCCHR and PHSA as assigned.
• Provide reporting metrics and analytics to BCCHR, and prepare reports as required.
• Plan, organize and deliver special events including news conferences, Town Hall meetings, specials forums/meetings, receptions and other events as required.
• Work with appropriate vendors such as designers, programmers. Provide work direction to photographers contracted by BCCHR. Process requests for photo use, coordinates use of stock images as required, coordinates updating and record-keeping with attention to consent, photo credit, licensing and copyright concerns. Under the direction of the Manager, Communications, BCCHR, coordinate implementation of visual identity guidelines and graphics standards, including providing direction to staff and external suppliers on usage as required.
• Review overall quality, consistency, factual accuracy, and effectiveness of complex communication materials. Edit and proofread publications for accuracy and to ensure PHSA’s policies and style standards are maintained. Participate on implementing 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 quality standards. Share knowledge with team members and others internal and external to BCCHR for the purposes of communication, high performance teamwork and continuous quality improvement to support an innovative culture and a learning organization.
• Coordinate and deliver special projects as assigned and performs other duties as required.

What you bring

 

Qualifications

• A level of education, training and experience equivalent to a Bachelor’s Degree in Communications, Marketing, Journalism or a related discipline and at least three (3) years of recent, related 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 BC Children’s Research Institute 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

• Excellent interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills.
• Solid journalistic writing and editing skills.
• Knowledge of media production methods.
• The ability to handle highly confidential and sensitive issues with skill, tact and diplomacy is important as is excellent decision-making skills
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Flexibility to reprioritize quickly to meet changing priorities and deliver required results on deadline.
• Demonstrated initiative and understanding of internal and external communication issues.
• Physical ability to perform the duties of the position.
• Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office, Adobe Acrobat, dataset and web-based programs. Understanding of SEO, website information architecture, and intranet/web analytics is advantageous, as is knowledge of Photoshop.
• 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: Temporary, Full-Time (until February 1^st, 2027)
Salary Range: $62,239 - $89,469/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.
Location: 4500 Oak Street, Vancouver BC, V6H 2N9
Hours of Work: Monday – Friday, 0900 - 1700
Requisition # 193373E

 

What we do

 

BC Children’s Hospital (BCCH) provides care for the most seriously ill or injured children and youth from across British Columbia.

 

BCCH is part of the Provincial Health Services Authority (PHSA).

 

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 and BCCH are 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 indigenous.employment@phsa.ca.

 

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 January 15^th, 2026 and will no longer be accessible. If the internal job posting has expired, please e-mail internaljobshelpu@phsa.ca 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 internaljobshelpu@phsa.ca 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 careers@phsa.ca.