Salary Range: $90,770-$130,481/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:

 

This is a full-time, temporary role, until approximately March 2029. While all applications will be considered, preference will be given to applicants in Prince George. As per alignment with Section 42 of the human rights code, preference may be given to Indigenous (First Nations, Metis, Inuit/Inuk) applicants.

 

PHSA is seeking a creative, compassionate and all-round outstanding communicator to serve as a communications officer BC Mental Health and Substance Use Services (BCMHSUS supporting the) expansion project in Prince George.

 

Working as a key team member with PHSA Communications & Engagement, and the expansion project team, this role offers the opportunity to provide internal and external communications support on a major project that will expand mental health and substance use care in Northern BC. This successful candidate will work with a variety of subject matter experts, Indigenous organizations, regional health authority partners, community organizations, and others.

 

The successful candidate will possess empathy and dedication, and have strong relationship-building skills. They will also demonstrate exceptional judgement in the management of sensitive projects. If you are a strong writer and storyteller with a passion for health communications, who is looking to expand your skills and expertise as part of a high-performing communications team, then keep reading.

 

Role Summary

 

In accordance with the Mission, Vision, Values and Coast Salish Teachings gifted to the Provincial Health Services Authority (PHSA), the communications officer is a strategic, compassionate communicator who – using an anti-racist, inclusive, and equitable lens – serves with purpose while upholding his/her shared responsibility for ensuring the highest standards of patient and employee safety and contributing to continuous quality improvement in all aspects of the position.

 

Reporting to the manager, Communications & Engagement supporting BCMHSUS, the communications officer supports the development and implementation of strategic and tactical communication plans and priorities as determined by their manager in collaboration with senior leadership and staff at the program/site level and communications department level focusing primarily on the communications needs associated with the expansion project. The communications officer establishes strong rapport and provides timely advice, support, and expertise to clinical program leads, staff and partners on related matters under their respective mandates.

 

Working with both internal and external partners and facilitating key relationships, including with Indigenous nations in Prince George and Northern BC, the communications officer brings storytelling expertise to their role to produce content that is high-quality, consistent, and in alignment with the strategic priorities for PHSA and BCMHSUS. Additionally, working closely with the project team and key partners, you will help ensure timely, accurate, and effective communication, while supporting project planning and execution, tracking deliverables, and contributing to key project milestones and communications initiatives.

 

In keeping with our culture of collaboration and teamwork, the officer participates in the PHSA media on-call roster.

 

 

What you’ll do

• As a fully contributing member of a high-performing team, this role is responsible for the provision of consistent and high-quality communication materials to support the Prince George Mental Health and Substance Use expansion project.
• Works collaboratively with broader PHSA communications team members to contribute to centralized, coordinated and proactive editorial planning across all internal and external communication platforms.
• Liaises with all levels of PHSA staff and leaders to research and write materials such as media releases, backgrounders, fact sheets, Q&A documents, issues notes, and other communications materials to support brand reputation management.
• Develops, writes and edits a broad range of communication materials, including intranet and web materials, newsletter articles, brochures, displays, speeches, memos, social media content, and presentations.
• Liaises with communications counterparts from other health authorities, community organizations, provincial agencies, and other key partners to facilitate requests for information and to collaborate with partners on joint initiatives and events.
• Participates in the PHSA after-hours on-call roster. Acts as initial contact for media inquiries and provides support as required for media and other events, where 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 in a communications role.

Skills & Knowledge

• Some background in project management, or in communications supporting project management, is an asset for this role.
• Excellent interpersonal and communications skills (verbal and written); solid business and feature story writing; skill and proficiency in organizational communication, including communication planning and evaluation and digital engagement practices are required.
• Recent training/experience related to DEI and Cultural Safety is a strong asset for this role.
• 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; and flexibility to reprioritize quickly to meet changing priorities.
• Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office suite of products, Adobe Acrobat, database and web-based programs.