Senior Communications Advisor

Senior Communications Advisor

Location: Toronto-661 University Department: Communication Services

This posting is to fill a current vacancy. The Role: To develop and implement high-quality, timely, measurable communication plans, strategies, tactics and products to effectively convey and promote PHO’s activities and initiatives, and to provide expertise and support to internal programs and external stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

• Develops communication strategies and related plans, tactics, products and materials to support the specific communications needs of internal and external stakeholders related to specific initiatives of significant importance to PHO’s mandate; identifies and assesses communications‑related risks to inform decision‑making and mitigate potential issues; measures the success or effectiveness of communications plans.


• Supports the development and implementation of the communications strategies to increase the profile of public health in the province and promote the role of PHO, by: identifying key stakeholders, relationships and opportunities, assessing reputational and communications risks, determining appropriate communications tactics and tools, developing and adapting key messages for chosen media, determining dissemination vehicles appropriate to audience needs, participating in tactical planning to inform and engage PHO audiences and increase awareness of PHO programs and initiatives.


• Writes, edits and formulates a wide variety of communications materials, such as key messages, news posts, speeches, fact sheets, media responses, internal and external newsletters, intranet and website content, social media, coordinates distribution with senior staff approval.


• Supports the development of processes and policies related to communications activities of; monitors PHO communication activities to ensure corporate standards, policies and legislative directives have been adhered to; supports the development and facilitation of communications‑related professional development programs (e.g., clear communications, visual identity, spokesperson training).


• Provides ongoing strategic advice and support to PHO program areas to assist in promoting and communicating their initiatives, activities or other opportunities (e.g., research studies, stakeholder interactions, events, reports) including the writing and translating of scientific information into audience appropriate language; coordinates approvals; ensures timely and appropriate delivery formats with distribution to widest possible audience where appropriate.


• Creates, promotes and maintains cooperative working relationships with contacts at the Ministry of Health and other relevant government officials, media partners, public health departments and other stakeholders to coordinate activities of common interest, provides briefings, distributes media releases, and responds to calls for information.


• Helps on projects within the department and contributes to the operation of the team and group as a whole; keeps abreast of developments and innovations in communications, media, social media and technology and incorporates new developments into communications programs; stays apprised of the various program activities within PHO and at other institutions.


• Other duties as assigned.

Knowledge and Skills- Deep knowledge of the health system in Ontario to support the development and implementation of communications strategies to increase the profile of public health in the province and promote the role of PHO. Knowledge of information gathering and dissemination techniques with expertise in developing communications tools and products for a variety of media in support of technical programs. Knowledge of project management techniques, practices, and processes to lead or participate in various projects. Interpersonal, team building and relationship building skills to interact well with all stakeholders, maintain effective linkages with all levels of contacts; proven ability to work as a collaborative team member with a track record in developing professional networks/partnerships; skills and ability to conceptualize ideas and translate them into practice. Organized, with skills and ability to determine priorities and plan activities while performing a variety of different responsibilities with conflicting and tight timeframes, and to respond effectively to fluctuating workload demands in a fast‑paced environment. Ability to efficiently produce materials, with great attention to detail, to review documents for accuracy and completeness. Analytical, problem solving and evaluation skills to critically appraise communication policy/practice and affect change; skill and the ability to comprehend and effectively communicate complex concepts and ideas. Research and communication planning skills, excellent organizational and time management abilities.

Attributes and Competencies- Interpersonal skills, together with writing skills as a communications professional, in a variety of mediums to meet the needs of internal and external stakeholders. Applies own expertise in working within an academic or science‑related environment when using written communication and editorial skills in preparing a wide variety of materials, often with technical or scientific content, for a variety of audiences. Communication skills in writing, editing, and formulating a wide variety of communications materials, such as key messages, news posts, speeches, fact sheets, media responses, internal and external newsletters, intranet and website content, and social media content. Creates, promotes and maintains cooperative working relationships with contacts at the Ministry of Health and other relevant government officials, media partners, public health departments and other stakeholders to coordinate activities of common interest, provide briefings, distribute media releases, responds to calls for information. Determines both internal and external stakeholders’ communications needs, such as when developing communication strategies and change management plans, tactics, products and materials to support the specific communications needs of internal and external stakeholders. Judgement is required in determining priorities and plan activities while performing a variety of different responsibilities with conflicting and tight timeframes, and in responding effectively to fluctuating workload demands in a fast‑paced environment. Accountable for developing communication strategies and related plans, tactics, products and materials to support the specific communications needs of internal and external stakeholders related to specific initiatives of significant importance to PHO’s mandate; make recommendations to clients on appropriate communications initiatives. Accountable for supporting the development and implementation of communications strategies to increase the profile of public health in the province and promote the role of PHO, by: identifying key stakeholders, relationships and opportunities, determining appropriate communications tactics and tools, developing and adapting key messages for chosen media, determining dissemination vehicles appropriate to audience needs, participating in tactical planning to inform and engage PHO audiences and increase awareness of PHO programs and initiatives. Serves as a technical resource and provides assistance on projects within the client groups and the Communications department; contributes to the operation of the team and the group.

Education and Experience- Bachelor's degree preferably in Public Relations, Communications or Journalism. A Master’s degree (or an equivalent combination of a degree, training, and experience) is strongly preferred. Seven to ten years of related experience in public health, healthcare or government communications applying knowledge of communications principles and techniques to develop and implement high-quality timely, measurable communication plans, strategies, tactics and products to effectively convey and promote PHO’s activities and initiatives. Proficient with various computer systems and software programs including MS Office tools (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), MS Teams, Zoom, SharePoint, and Microsoft Dynamics CRM. Website content management experience is an asset.

Compensation and Employment Details

Duration: Permanent Hours of Work: Full time, 36.25 hours per week Compensation Group:Association of Management, Administrative and Professional Crown Employees of Ontario Compensation Range :$82,078.00 - $115,553.00 Posting Date: 07-30-2026 Closing Date: 08-14-2026

Any information obtained during the course of recruitment will be used for employment recruitment purposes only, and not for any other purpose. PHO is committed to ensuring equity in employment. Our goal is to create a diverse, inclusive workforce that reflects the communities we serve and to ensure our services and communications are accessible to all individuals. PHO is an agency of the Government of Ontario dedicated to protecting and promoting the health of all Ontarians and reducing inequities in health. We link public health practitioners, front‑line health workers and researchers to the best scientific intelligence and knowledge from around the world. With our partners in government, public health and health care, we provide the scientific evidence and expert guidance that shapes policies and practices for a healthier Ontario. PHO has locations across Ontario, including 11 laboratory sites. We’re committed to ensuring equity in employment. Our goal is to create a diverse, inclusive workforce that reflects the communities we serve and to ensure our services and communications are accessible to all individuals. For more information, visit publichealthontario.ca.

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