The Provincial Health Services Authority (PHSA) plans, manages and evaluates selected specialty and province-wide health care services across BC, working with the five geographic health authorities to deliver province-wide solutions that improve the health of British Columbians. PHSA embodies values that reflect a commitment to excellence. These include: Respect people • Be compassionate • Dare to innovate • Cultivate partnerships • Serve with purpose.

Communications Officer, BC Cancer Agency

Req #62526

Vancouver, BC

We are a valued team of storytellers who are a driving force in creating the best possible experience for our patients. Our communications officers are integral to our organization. You will work alongside health care providers and research leaders known around the world for treatment, innovation and care. Being a trusted advisor regarding highly complex issues and projects will keep you busy.

About you

We are looking for a team member who will be:

• A savvy member of a large, complex organization – skilled in working in a matrix environment, collaborative in building relationships, and smart in knowing how to prioritize competing interests and requests.
• A self-starter who takes initiative to creatively identify and execute media opportunities, respond quickly to issues, and recommend effective messages, versus awaiting direction.
• A supportive “team player” who views their role as helping and enabling their colleagues’ success, as much as securing support for their own. No lone wolves.
• An effective storyteller who can put our best foot forward in identifying stories and managing issues.

Role summary

Reporting to the communications manager, BC Cancer Agency you are responsible for coordinating communications to build awareness and a positive reputation for the agency, our programs, services and achievements. You will: create news releases, draft issues notes and key messages for interviews; provide expertise and guidance to program colleagues regarding writing, editing and producing consistent and quality communications materials; develop and maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders; and develop communication plans for key initiatives. You also have experience with working with the media and social media.

Key accountabilities

• Liaise with team members to identify and produce web, intranet and social media communication content that supports strategic priorities, with a particular emphasis on helping to promote program achievements.
• Assisting other team members with writing and production of materials.
• Liaise with media, affiliated professional organizations and affiliated groups, and the general public to respond to requests for information, as well as to collaborate on joint initiatives or events.
• Write, edit and distribute effective media releases, draft key messages and issue notes, as well as contribute to on-line media contributions.
• Support the Communications Manager with issues management and media training of program spokespeople.

Qualifications

Must have

• Bachelor degree.
• At least five years’ experience in communications, public relations or marketing.
• Ability to write a Communications plan – sample required.
• Proven writing skills – short-list candidates will be asked to provide sample news release and article.
• The ability to handle highly confidential and sensitive issues with tact and diplomacy.
• Experience in proactive public relations, and identifying and executing story opportunities.
• Proficiency in social media, including content posting and distribution.
• Ability to deal with multiple tasks and deliver required results on deadline.
• Experience with posting and maintain web content.
• Desire to foster and further a culture of diversity and inclusiveness.

Nice to have

• Issues management experience.
• Skills in desktop publishing, photography and video-editing.
• Experience with web design and SharePoint.

Applications will be accepted until Friday, September 29th, 2017 at 10:00 am.

For more information on all that the PHSA has to offer, please visit: http://careers.phsa.ca

The PHSA is committed to employment equity and hires on the basis of merit. We encourage applications from all qualified individuals, including Aboriginal peoples, persons with disabilities and members of visible minorities.