Manager, Internal Communications

Position Title: Manager, Internal Communications

Job Posting Deadline for Internal Candidates: July 22, 2026

Employment Status: Permanent Full-Time

Position Status: This is a Non-Bargaining Unit position

Vacancy Status: This posting is for an existing vacancy

Hours of Work: Monday - Friday, 35 hours per week with limited evening and weekend requirements

Salary Range: $85,000 – $93,000 commensurate on skills and experience and plus Group Benefits & HOOPP

Position Reports to: Interim Associate Vice President, Development, Communications and Fundraising

Primary work location: Oshawa with flexibility to work at other DCHC sites as required.

Organization

Who We Are: Durham Community Health Centre (DCHC) is a registered charitable organization that provides integrated, accessible, and equitable community-based primary care, wellness services, and health education for Durham community members facing barriers to health and well-being.

Who We Serve: DCHC offers equity-focused programs and services for priority populations, including Indigenous peoples, Black communities, 2SLGBTQI+ community members, newcomers to Canada, seniors, and clients without a family doctor. This approach helps community members access both preventive care and care when they are ill.

How We Work: Our interprofessional team includes physicians, nurse practitioners, nurses, counsellors, dietitians, outreach workers, medical secretaries, and administrative staff. Together, we place each client at the centre of care and respond to their needs through integrated clinical care, wellness supports, and health education.

Why Join Now: This is an exciting time to join DCHC as we advance an energizing path toward greater impact in local health care. Guided by our Strategic Plan, Theory of Change, brand, client stories, and resources, we are diversifying, expanding, and strengthening how we serve the community.

Position Overview

The Manager, Internal Communications is a newly created and critical role responsible for developing, executing, and measuring strategic internal communications that strengthen DCHC’s culture, support the achievement of strategic objectives, and advance a high-performing, inclusive workplace. With a focus on employee, volunteer, client, and family communications, the Manager leads an integrated communications strategy that aligns internally focused plans, messaging, and tactics. As a trusted advisor to senior leadership, the Manager ensures communications are consistent, transparent, and engaging, helping employees connect with DCHC’s 2026–2031 Strategic Plan and organizational priorities.

The Manager, Internal Communications leads and mentors a small communications team responsible for delivering the annual internal communications plan. Working closely with the Manager, Community and Partner Relations and leaders across the organization, the Manager ensures communications are aligned with organizational priorities and employee engagement objectives.

Key Responsibilities:
Develop and lead a comprehensive internal communications strategy that supports the following areas:

Strategic Communication Planning

• Develop, execute, and manage an annual internal communications plan aligned with organizational priorities, employee well-being, and change initiatives.
• Strengthen and align internal messaging, communication channels, and engagement initiatives to support the 2026–2031 Strategic Plan.
• Develop executive communications, including speeches, presentations, briefing materials, and correspondence for the CEO and senior leaders.
• Advise leaders on clear, transparent, audience-focused communications that build understanding and alignment.
• Partner with senior leaders to assess impacts, develop messaging, and support organizational readiness through structured communication and change management plans.

Employee Engagement & Culture

• Lead communications that strengthen employee engagement, transparency, inclusion, and organizational culture while reinforcing DCHC’s mission, values, and equity commitments.
• Champion employee storytelling that recognizes achievements, milestones, and contributions across the organization.
• Plan and coordinate communications for organization-wide meetings, town halls, and employee engagement events.
• Develop initiatives that strengthen employee connection, collaboration, and a sense of community.
• Establish and enhance two-way communication channels that promote feedback, transparency, and alignment.

Volunteer Communications

• Develop and implement volunteer communications that support engagement, recognition, and alignment with DCHC priorities.
• Create consistent communications that inform, inspire, and recognize volunteers while reinforcing their contributions to organizational goals and client care.
• Partner with program leaders to develop communications that support volunteer recruitment, onboarding, retention, training, and recognition initiatives.
• Ensure volunteers receive timely, accessible, and relevant information regarding organizational updates, policies, events, and opportunities for engagement.
• Establish feedback mechanisms to gather volunteer insights and continuously improve volunteer communications and experience.

Client and Family Communications

• Develop and lead strategic client and family communications that enhance the client experience, build trust, and support understanding of DCHC programs, services, and organizational priorities.
• Create clear, culturally responsive, accessible, and client-centred communications that support informed decision-making and equitable access to services.
• Partner with clinical and program leaders to develop communications that inform clients and families about service changes, organizational initiatives, and health information.

Engaging Content Development

• Create engaging content for internal communications channels, including newsletters, town halls, and strategic forums, while ensuring consistent messaging across departments.
• Translate complex organizational, policy, and health-related information into clear, engaging, and culturally responsive communications for diverse audiences.

Management Communications

• Prepare presentations, speaking notes, and messaging that effectively communicate DCHC's priorities, programs, and strategic objectives.
• Equip leaders with communication approaches that build trust, transparency, and alignment.
• Develop communication toolkits and templates that enable managers to deliver clear and consistent messaging.
• Support communications training and coaching for leaders to strengthen organizational communication capability.

Measuring and Monitoring Impact

• Develop and implement evidence-based KPIs to measure the effectiveness of internal communications and employee engagement initiatives.
• Monitor, evaluate, and continuously improve communications and engagement strategies using data and employee feedback.
• Prepare reports, dashboards, briefing notes, and presentations for senior leadership and the Board to demonstrate outcomes and impact.

Core Competencies, Knowledge and Skills

• Exceptional written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, with strong editing, proofreading, storytelling, and content development abilities for diverse audiences and channels.
• Strong strategic thinking, critical analysis, and problem-solving abilities.
• Demonstrated ability to influence, build trusted relationships, and navigate complex organizational environments.
• Excellent facilitation, negotiation, networking, and partnership-building skills.
• Strong project management skills with the ability to lead multiple strategic initiatives and deliver results on time.
• Exceptional organizational skills with the ability to manage competing priorities effectively.
• Ability to work collaboratively, exercise sound judgement, and thrive in a fast-paced healthcare environment.
• Strong knowledge of employee engagement, organizational communications, and change management best practices.

Qualifications

• A bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, or a related discipline.
• Minimum of 3–5 years of progressively responsible communications experience, including internal, employee, or people-centred communications, preferably within a healthcare or broader public-sector environment.
• Proven experience developing and implementing internal communications strategies that drive employee engagement and support business objectives.
• Demonstrated ability to translate complex healthcare, policy, and organizational information into clear, accessible, and compelling communications.
• Experience supporting executive leaders with speeches, presentations, key messages, and engagement activities.
• Candidates must demonstrate a clear commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) and know how to apply these principles to organizational narratives.
• Knowledge of brand management principles and experience ensuring adherence to brand standards and organizational messaging.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and achieve results in a dynamic environment.
• Knowledge of the Ontario healthcare system, community health services, and relevant government structures is considered an asset.

What We Offer

• A supportive, mentorship-focused learning environment.
• Meaningful, hands-on experience aligned with academic learning objectives.
• Exposure to community-based healthcare, non-profit governance, and public-sector communications.

Full vaccination against COVID-19 is mandatory for this position. DCHC will adhere to its duty to accommodate individuals who are unable to be fully vaccinated for a reason protected under human rights legislation.

DCHC encourages applications from individuals who reflect the diversity of the communities served, including Indigenous peoples, racialized persons, persons with disabilities, members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, and other equity-deserving groups.

Application Process:

1. We thank all applicants for their interest. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted. Applicant submissions will be kept on file for six months for future consideration.
2. Applicants are encouraged to provide a valid email address for communication purposes. Written correspondence about this job posting may be sent directly to the email address provided on the resume. Applicants are responsible for checking their email regularly.
3. All external hires must successfully complete pre-employment requirements, including reference checks and criminal background checks, including Vulnerable Sector Screening.
4. Please note that AI technology supports the application screening process. All final hiring decisions are made by our recruitment team.

Durham Community Health Centre (DCHC) is committed to creating an inclusive environment that welcomes and celebrates diversity so all employees have the opportunity to thrive. DCHC will comply with all applicable standards under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (AODA), the Ontario Human Rights Code, and any other applicable legislation. If you have accessibility needs and require alternate formats or other accommodations, please contact our Talent and Culture team at 905-723-0036 or by email at recruiting@durhamchc.ca.