Communications Specialist

Reporting to the Director, Governance, Planning, Communications & Engagement (Director), the Communications Specialist (Specialist) is responsible for supporting the Communication and Engagement Team's (Team) achievement of relevant strategic and operational goals. Specifically, the Specialist is responsible for developing and executing primarily internal communication strategies that foster a positive organization culture, enhance employee engagement, and ensure effective information dissemination across the HFHT. The Specialist will develop and maintain relationships with the HFHT's management and staff team and provide guidance and support on communication and engagement activities. The Specialist will support the Lead, Corporate Communications and Storytelling.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Communications:

• Acting as communications point person for HFHT Leadership and Staff Team, including writing messages, developing presentations, and creating visuals.
• Developing internal communications including but not limited to:
  changes in policies/procedures, engagement, news and announcements.
• Leading the development and execution of the HFHT newsletter and email blasts using Constant Contact.
• Acting as the first point of contact for communications requests (HFHT Communications inbox). This includes but is not limited to:
  resolving requests for print/digital assets, managing Constant Contact distribution lists, diverting other requests to appropriate departments for resolution.
• Graphic design using Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator or Canva.
• Video capture, editing and captioning for accessibility using Adobe Premier and/or Canva primarily for internal communications purposes but occasionally for external purposes.
• Website content maintenance and routine content audits.
• Internal Staff Sharepoint content maintenance and routine content audits.
• Supporting the Team with editing and copywriting content for a variety of HFHT purposes including but not limited to:
  social media, blog/website content, email blasts, newsletters, media relations, presentations and digital/print designs.
• Tracking and reporting on the effectiveness of internal communication initiatives, using metrics and surveys.

Engagement:

• Supporting internal and external relations through:
  
• Creating presentations, writing speaking notes, and supporting the Leadership Team when presenting to partner organizations and/or special events.
• Assisting in the creation and execution of communications plans for special projects.
• Building relationships with key internal stakeholders, (i.e. Groups, Eva Rothwell Centre).
• With the Team, managing, organizing and supporting events, (i.e. Town Halls (virtual and in person).
• Event planning, photography / videography
• Managing the content, scheduling and deployment of digital signage (Pi Signage (formerly Spectrio)).

Project Management:

• Manages and oversees assigned projects, (i.e. annual report).
• Monitors project progress against established goals; identifies / manages issues and risks and with the Team develops mitigation strategies.
• Reports on project status to Team.

Leadership:

• Supports and role models the mission, vision, and values of the HFHT.
• Champions an inclusive, diverse, and psychologically safe work environment.
• Cultivates a positive, supportive, and rewarding work culture.

• The above responsibilities are not to be considered all-inclusive.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Post secondary degree/education in Communications, Journalism, Marketing, or other relevant combination of education and experience.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills and a proven ability to develop and maintain relationships with colleagues.
• Ability to think critically on the various channels / tools for communications to ensure the many levels of the organization are informed (Executive Leadership Team, Staff, Public, Patients, Affiliated Family Physicians and Practice Teams).
• Strong copywriting skills with a keen eye for detail and accuracy.
• Understanding of marketing concepts and tools.
• Highly skilled in WordPress, Microsoft Office - specifically SharePoint
• Knowledge of Pi Signage or digital signage platforms an asset.
• Understanding of the healthcare landscape is an asset.

Location(s):

This home base for the position will be at Hamilton Family Health Team, 123 James Street North, Hamilton, Ontario L8R 2K8. Travel to other HFHT locations is required from time-to-time.

Classification:
Non-union

Primary Location:
Hamilton; Hybrid work

Schedule:
Monday-Friday

Employee Class:
Temporary Full-Time (12 Months)

Date Available:
ASAP

Salary:
$72,069.56 - 80,076.00

Application Instructions:

Interested applicants please submit résumé and cover letter as one document using naming convention:
Last name, First name_Position by email:
***

Note:

If successful in receiving a job offer with the Hamilton Family Health Team, new hires may be required to provide proof of full COVID-19 vaccination prior to start date as a condition of their employment. If successful candidates are unable to get their COVID-19 vaccination as a result of a medical exemption, they may be required to submit supporting documentation to establish that they are exempt from this requirement.

We thank all applicants for their interest, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

The HFHT is committed to building a respectful, caring, equitable, and inclusive workplace where staff reflect the diversity of the communities that we serve. As such, we welcome applications from all qualified individuals including all equity-deserving groups. In addition, we are committed to accessibility and creating a barrier free hiring process in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code, and the AODA (Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005). Accommodation is available upon request at any point in the selection process by notifying the recruitment staff.