Reporting to the Vice President, Strategy, Communications and Stakeholder Relations, the Director of Engagement plays a pivotal role in advancing the RVH’s strategic goals. This role combines expertise in government relations, public affairs, and corporate communications to effectively engage with internal and external partners, as well as government decision-makers, to enhance RVH’s reputation, achieve strategic outcomes, and ensure clear and transparent communication.

This strategic individual will lead a team that develops all relevant advocacy, communication plans, tools, tactics and products, while engaging a variety of partners, including patients and their families, TEAM RVH, volunteers, donors, communities, government, partners, Foundation and the media. This includes the development and deployment of strategies and tactics to rapidly advance RVH’s major capital expansion plans, internal and external communications, crisis and issues management, media relations, special projects, event management, and social / digital media.

The Director will act as delegate in the Vice President’s absence, providing support and counsel to the president & CEO and Senior Leadership Team.

Education :

o University degree in Communications, Public Relations, Political Science, Public Policy, or a related field

Experience :

o At least 7 years of experience in government relations, public affairs, or corporate communications, with at least 3 years in a leadership role

o Ideally some experience in public sector environments (provincial-level an asset)

o Demonstrated experience in lobbying, advocacy, government or public relations

Competencies :

o Strong understanding of the healthcare industry, government structures, advocacy, and the legislative processes in Ontario

o Strategic thinker with the ability to build brand awareness and convey key information through targeted campaigns

o Expert level communication skills including, writing, editing, presenting and articulating messages

o Demonstrated leadership skills including the ability to support, coach, mentor, energize and motivate people to achieve outcomes with annual performance targets; an effective team builder

o Results-oriented, proactive leadership style with strong decision-making and creative problem-solving skills

o Strategic, critical thinker who quickly assesses situations and complex issues and develops short-term and longer-term plans that addresses current opportunities and challenges and can quickly operationalize those plans

o Crisis management skills with the ability to manage reputational risk, stressful issues and situations with calm, tact and diplomacy; adept at working with a wide variety of partners, including the public, all levels of government, the media and executive leadership

o Ability to champion and communicate change amidst evolving priorities, while holding themselves and others accountable

o Has, and builds, positive external relationships key to the organization’s success; conveys positive image of self and the organization to all partners

o Superior organizational and demonstrated project management experience to manage complex projects and identify key partners

o Strong understanding of communication technology and a proven ability to leverage digital and social media platforms to achieve organizational goals

o Thrives in a multi-tasking, fast-changing environment

o Budgeting skills and sound business judgment

Unless otherwise stated applicants must have a minimum educational requirement of Grade 12 or equivalent and must demonstrate proven workplace excellence through commitment to strong job performance and attendance.

Please be reminded that as a Regional Health Centre, in order to provide the necessary patient care, our operations run 24 / 7. Therefore, depending on the program for which you are applying, it may be an expectation that you are available to work week days and weekends, as well as all shifts - days, evenings, and nights.