Communications Advisor

Communications Advisor

Public Health Ontario is seeking a Communications Advisor to join their Communication Services department in Toronto. This role is crucial in developing and implementing communications plans, strategies, tools, and tactics to effectively promote PHO’s activities and initiatives, while providing expert support to internal programs and external stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

• Supports the development and implementation of the PHO communications strategy to increase the profile of public health and promote PHO's role by identifying key stakeholders, relationships, and opportunities.
• Determines appropriate communications tactics and tools, develops and adapts key messages for chosen media, and identifies dissemination vehicles suitable for audience needs.
• Writes, edits, and formulates a wide variety of communications materials including website content, social media posts, newsletters, fact sheets, pamphlets, brochures, reports, stakeholder briefs, and speeches, coordinating distribution with senior staff approval.
• Liaises with photographers, translators, illustrators, graphic designers, and printers during the production of PHO products to ensure accuracy of formats and content.
• Provides ongoing advice and support to PHO program area client groups, assisting them in promoting and communicating their initiatives, activities, or opportunities.
• Translates scientific information into audience-appropriate language and ensures timely and appropriate delivery formats for the widest possible audience.
• Supports the development of processes and policies related to communications activities, monitors adherence to corporate standards, and measures the effectiveness of communications plans and services.
• Creates, promotes, and maintains cooperative working relationships with contacts at the Ministry of Health, other government officials, media partners, and public health departments to coordinate activities and respond to information requests.
• Keeps abreast of developments and innovations in new media technology and incorporates them into communications programs.
• Contributes to the operation of the team and Group as a whole, assisting on projects and staying apprised of program activities within the Agency and at other institutions.
• Other duties as assigned.

Knowledge and Skills

• Knowledge of the health sector and medical communications field for creating, researching, writing, and editing materials.
• Expertise in communications and information-gathering principles and techniques, developing tools and products for various media supporting technical programs.
• Ability to work effectively in a high-profile environment with strong organizational skills for multi-tasking in a fast-paced setting, delivering results within deadlines, often in urgent situations.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure with minimal supervision.
• Research and analytical skills to prepare communications plans and products requiring an understanding of legislation, policies, and guidelines.
• Ability to quickly familiarize with new projects and identify salient information to create effective communication solutions under tight time constraints.
• High proficiency in computer applications including Word, PowerPoint, Adobe DC (for AODA remediation), social media scheduling and analytics tools, email marketing systems, and desktop publishing applications.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree or an equivalent combination of post-secondary diploma, training, and experience in Communication, Journalism, Public Relations, or a related field.
• Three to five years of experience in writing, journalism, or new media with strong copyediting and proofreading skills.
• Proven experience in the planning, implementation, and evaluation of digital communications.
• Proven experience in leading web and graphic design projects, with a solid understanding of project management techniques.

Attributes and Competencies

• Strong writing, editing, and verbal skills for speeches, fact sheets, pamphlets, brochures, newsletters, website content, reports, and communiqués.
• Interpersonal skills and expertise in interacting with clients and interpreting medical and scientific information for diverse audiences.
• Ability to collaborate with program areas to set communication priorities and ensure necessary support.
• Skill in building cooperative working relationships with government officials, media partners, and other stakeholders.
• Proactive in anticipating program area needs for tactical planning to engage audiences and increase awareness.
• Enhances PHO’s communications through new media and digital methods across a broad range of channels.
• Ensures timely and appropriate delivery of communications services and products.
• Accountable for supporting the development and implementation of PHO communication strategies to enhance public health profiles.

Key skills/competency

• Communications Strategy
• Content Creation
• Digital Communications
• Project Management
• Stakeholder Engagement
• Public Health
• Writing and Editing
• Media Relations
• Content Management
• Adobe Creative Suite