Senior Consultant, Communications

Detailed Overview

• Supporting the Vision, Values, Purpose and Commitments of Fraser Health including service delivery that is centered around patients / clients / residents and families : Provides consultation to internal stakeholders such as Executive Directors, Medical Directors and other Fraser Health (FH) leaders in the planning, development, implementation and evaluation of strategic communication strategies that support regional and Fraser Health-wide internal / external programs and initiatives;
• plans and coordinates communications-related projects, special events, proactive media publicity, advertising and external speakers;

writes / produces various internal / external communications materials; ensures overall quality, consistency and effectiveness of complex and / or confidential communication materials.

• Provides supervision and work direction to assigned staff. Responsibilities Provides consultation to internal stakeholders such as Executive Directors, Medical Directors and other Fraser Health leaders and conducts appropriate supporting communication research and analysis;
• assesses media reports and develops, implements and evaluates current communication strategies to engage internal and external audiences to facilitate an open dialogue and understanding of important issues, challenges, opportunities and strategic directions;

recommend and implements changes to communication strategies to better meet communication objectives. Collaborates with other members of the Communication & Public Affairs team to engage employees, physicians, volunteers, patients / clients / residents and the community to support cultural renewal and promote a positive corporate image.

Develops and recommends strategic communications and / or promotional plans for FH-wide and / or local programs based on effective situational analyses;

carries these plans forward from the goal-setting through to the creative solution including the implementation and evaluation stages by considering factors such as audience characteristics, corporate vision and strategy, industry best practices, available budget / technology and resources and potentially sensitive or confidential issues.

Provides supervision and work direction to assigned employees. Participates / leads in selection, hiring, orientation, performance management, and termination processes where appropriate.

Assigns, evaluates, and monitors work assignments, authorizes leaves of absences, and approves overtime as necessary where appropriate in consultation with Director, Communications.

• Coordinates and evaluates external and internal suppliers involved in communications-related projects including writing, language translation, graphic design, web design, printing, photography, video production, signage and site maps;
• oversees assigned project budget and deadlines. Selects and ensures suppliers and internal clients adhere to corporate graphical standards and other standards and requirements;

ensures overall quality, consistency and effectiveness of communication materials; provides recommendations to the Director, Corporate Communications regarding related project expenditures.

• Collaborates with other Communications team members to plan and coordinate media publicity for local and Fraser Health-wide activities, events and programs to promote a positive corporate image and organizational strategies in health service delivery;
• provides work direction to other staff, as required. Plans and coordinates regional speaking opportunities, community displays / exhibits, social media and advertising to promote a positive corporate image and organizational strategies in health service delivery;

develops community action plans including setting objectives, coordinating appropriate internal speakers and community display / exhibit opportunities and evaluating results.

Attends and participates on various regional, local and program-related committees to provide strategic communications counsel and support, as required.

Participates in the development, implementation and evaluation of departmental goals, objectives, policies and procedures.

Qualifications Education and Experience University degree in Communications, Public Relations and / or related discipline, supplemented with five to seven years' recent related experience in a communications or public affairs role in a large public sector, health care and / or similarly complex organization, or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.

Competencies LEADS Capabilities : Demonstrates the leadership practices of the Fraser Health Leadership Framework of Clear, Caring and Courageous and creates the conditions for people to succeed.

Professional / Technical Capabilities : Sound knowledge, understanding and application of communications concepts, strategies and technical skills required in the planning, execution and evaluation of communications plans.

Demonstrated ability to provide strategic counsel to others. Demonstrated ability to plan and write a broad range of copy in a variety of media.

Demonstrated knowledge of current trends in writing, graphic arts, photographic arts, display / exhibit development and electronic communications such as social media.

Ability to manage projects on budget and on deadline. Demonstrated understanding of the essence and subtleties of communication.

Demonstrated ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a team environment. Ability to plan and coordinate effective media publicity and special events.

Demonstrated ability to problem-solve and resolve conflicts. Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain rapport and effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders.

Ability to operate related equipment including applicable software applications. Physical ability to perform the duties of the position.