Senior Consultant, Public Affairs

Detailed Overview

Supporting the Vision, Values, Purpose and Commitments of Fraser Health: Provides strategic and tactical media-relations and communications guidance to Fraser Health (FH) Executives, Directors and Managers and other internal stakeholders; develops, plans, implements and evaluates media-relations and communications strategies and tactics that support FH-wide programs and initiatives; plans, delivers and evaluates media-related projects, proactive and reactive media relations and the public; evaluates media coverage from various mediums; writes/produces various internal and external communication materials; explains FH programs, service initiatives and issues to the general public via public accessible media; acts as media spokesperson for Fraser Health. Responsibilities Plans and delivers strategic and tactical media relations and communication activities to build, maintain and enhance public awareness and understanding of FH programs, services and initiatives; facilitates understanding of important issues and opportunities; promotes a positive corporate image. Determines appropriate media-relations planning/management processes for publicly accessible media, advertising and other means of communicating with the public; sets and develops objectives and appropriate plans of action; completes assignments through review and use of confidential materials; demonstrates a high level of judgement, independent thinking and initiative when contacting/communicating with the media; exercises discretion when in possession of confidential information which may impact the employment lives of staff such as an organization and/or systems redesign, redevelopment or decommission of existing facilities and/or labour adjustments. Provides media-relations consultation to FH Executives, Board Members, Directors, Managers and other internal stakeholders to conducts appropriate supporting research and analysis; assesses media reports and develops, implements and evaluates media communication strategies. Develops and delivers media communications and/or promotional plans for authority-wide or local programs, including health promotion/prevention and awareness; carries these plans forward from goal setting through to creative solution including the implementation and evaluation stages; considers factors such as audience characteristics, corporate vision and strategy, available budget/resources and sensitive, confidential issues. Plans and coordinates media publicity for regional and authority-wide activities, events and programs to promote a positive corporate image and organizational strategies; develops media action plans including setting objectives, selecting, coordinating and briefing appropriate FH spokespeople for interview opportunities; maintains regular contact with key media leaders; prepares key messages and news releases; determines appropriate media outlets and evaluates results. Participates in the development, implementation and evaluation of departmental goals, guidelines, objectives, policies and procedures; collaborates with the Communications team in the fulfilment of strategic communication goals; liaises with counterparts at other health care agencies, health authorities, various levels of government and partner agencies to ensure consistent messaging and common approaches; develops and translates guidelines strategies and plan developed by FH in implementing media relations strategies and practice. Provides leadership to the Communications team through coaching, guiding and modeling key behaviours/strategies encouraging dialogue; advises and facilitates resolution to work issues related to media relations in FH. Plays an assigned media relations role to ensure effective, timely messaging to the public and media during times of potential public health crises, natural disasters and other emergencies, as defined by FH's emergency management plan. Carries a media pager (shared with members of the public affairs team) as assigned; responds promptly to media inquires and delivers appropriate service to media callers. Qualifications Education and Experience University degree in Communications, Public Affairs and/or related discipline, plus five to seven years' recently related media/public relations experience within a large complex work environment such as a healthcare organization, or an equivalent combination of education, training, experience. Competencies 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 Demonstrated skill and ability in journalistic business writing and the creation of compelling articles. Demonstrated ability to plan and write a broad range of exceptional copy in a variety of media. Demonstrated ability to manage projects on budget and on a deadline. Ability to supervise. Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively as a high performance team. Strong interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to work effectively as an internal media relations consultant. Ability to build strategic alliances with both internal and external stakeholders including representatives of the media. Demonstrated ability to problem-solve and resolve conflicts. Demonstrated adherence to ethical, professional and respectful behaviour. Thorough knowledge and understanding of the mastery of communication concepts, best practices and technical skills required for effective communication with media, patients, families and others involved in and/or receiving health care and services. Demonstrated experience in working with sensitive and confidential materials. Demonstrated skill and proficiency in electronic communication technology and web-based the use of personal computers, including related word processing, PageMaker and other desktop publishing and computer graphics software. Physical ability to perform the duties of the position. About Fraser Health Fraser Health is the heart of health care for over two million people in Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley in British Columbia, Canada, on the traditional, ancestral and unceded lands of the Coast Salish and Nlaka’pamux Nations and is home to 32 First Nations within the Fraser Salish region. People - those we care for and those who care for them - are at the heart of everything we do. Our hospital and community-based services are delivered by a team of 48,+ staff, medical staff and volunteers. We are committed to planetary health and value diversity in the work force. We strive to maintain an environment of respect, caring and trust. Fraser Health’s hiring practices aspire to ensure all individuals are treated in an inclusive, equitable and culturally safe manner. Together, we are the heart of health care. Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn | X | Indeed | Glassdoor IMPORTANT: Recruitment scam warning Please be on alert for recruitment scams. We are aware of several scams targeting individuals by falsely claiming to represent Fraser Health. Always take precautions when sharing personal details with unverified sources. Please note that we will never ask for money or payment, nor ask you to download or install an app at any point during our recruitment process.