Communications Officer full-time
"We are a diverse and rapidly evolving First Nations health organization of professional, innovative and dedicated team members and leaders.
We uphold the principal of community-driven, nation-based approaches to transforming the health system and enhancing wellness for BC First Nations peoples and communities.
Join our growing family - Be a part of the solution."
TITLE: COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER - INTERNAL AND CORPORATE COMMUNICATIONS
POSITION SUMMARY
This position sits within the FNHS Communications Team working alongside external communications to ensure overall consistency and draw upon each other's knowledge and expertise. The Communications Officer is responsible for the effective delivery of information and corporate communications to FNHS staff.
The role is wide ranging, encompassing the timely co-ordination of employee communication through a range of channels to ensure ease of access, clarity and consistency. FNHS is undergoing a period of change both in the design of the organization and with the pending merger with FNIH regional offices. The Internal Communications Officer will play a vital role in managing this change, delivering the key messages and understanding the impact on staff.
The Communications Officer will establish, maintain and continually improve a collaborative, proactive and effective corporate internal communications process.
ORGANIZATION
Under the direction of the CEO office, this position is part of the FNHS Communications and Public Relations Team and reports to the Manager, Communications and Public Relations. Internally, this position will also support the Chief Operating Officer and the Human Resources Department, to ensure alignment of all corporate and internal communications activities.
ACCOUNTABILITIES
I.Client Service
.Develop an understanding and awareness of the internal communication needs within FNHS including transition communications and employee engagement
.Liaise with staff to understand changes and potential implications for internal communications
.Advise internal clients in the development of internal communications strategies that support the overall strategic direction of the FNHS
II.Executive Communications
.Support the Manager to coordinate invitations and speaking engagements for senior management, including outreach to partner organizations
.Maintain a corporate communications and engagement calendar
.Prepare speeches, briefing notes and presentations for senior management
III.Internal Communications (Proactive & Reactive)
.As the owner of the corporate internal communication process, delivers timely and effective communications throughout the organization
.Produce internal communiqué including:
.Media Round-up: Deliver a daily news clipping service to FNHS employees
.E-Bulletin - Develop a weekly e-bulletin for FNHS news updates amongst staff
.Intranet - Liaise with the Communications/HR and IT teams to continually develop the FNHS SharePoint site as an effective internal communications tool and ensure it meets the needs of its audience
.Briefing material - Owning, developing and managing calendars of key messages to ensure consistent, relevant and timely delivery of internal communication material and to avoid message conflicts. Drafting easy to understand briefing material
.Work with Marketing Communications team to develop promotional materials required for various internal communications strategies
IV.Crisis Communications
.Work on Crisis Communications activities including the writing of the Crisis Communications Plan(s)
V.Corporate Reporting
.Develop communication tools required for the FNHS Annual Report and Report to the Community
VI.Continuous Improvement
.Develop regular feedback channels to promote cross communication within FNHS and to ensure that messages are being delivered in a consistent and timely manner
.Monitor the results of the feedback to ensure continuous improvement in communications
.The communication officer should continually seek information on trends and techniques in internal communication, read trade journals and books, attend conferences and participate in web-based forums with other corporate communication professionals
.The officer should be able to evaluate which new ideas and technologies will work for FNHS
VII.Staff Survey
.Plan and execute the annual FNHS staff attitude survey, including survey drafting and arrangements for print and distribution of forms to all permanent FNHS employees
.Review survey results and liaise with staff to develop and deliver appropriate action plans in order to deliver improvements in line with feedback
EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND PERSONAL QUALITIES
.Diploma/Degree in Communications, Public Relations or Journalism or equivalent experience (3 - 5 years)
.Experience working with First Nations/Aboriginal people at a community and/or political level
.Internal and corporate communications experience
COMPETENCIES AND QUALITIES:
The following competencies are integral to the position:
.Possesses excellent writing, spelling and grammar skills and is comfortable writing: speeches, newsletter articles, short messages for electronic signage, blog entries, Intranet pages and other materials
.Understanding of provincial and federal health systems and Aboriginal/First Nations health system needs
.Understanding of health related issues in general and those affecting First Nation communities in particular
.Excellent relationship building skills including the ability to work effectively, collaboratively, and cooperatively with diverse groups, organizations, and individuals
.Demonstrated ability to multi-task, set priorities effectively and problem solve, including early identification of issues/problems that may arise
.Ability to synthesize information and feedback into easily understood and audience appropriate briefing notes, reports and presentations
.Ability to prepare basic research and reports/recommendations
.Time management skills and ability to work under deadlines and tight turnaround times
.Excellent communication skills, both orally and in writing
.Ability to be self-motivated and work proactively
.Ability to be flexible and adaptable
.Ability to work independently and as part of a multi-disciplinary team
.A hands-on worker who learns quickly
.Thorough, with excellent attention to detail
.Proficient use of Microsoft Office Suite
.A valid BC Driver's License
.Preference is given to persons of Aboriginal ancestry as per Section 41 of the Human Rights Code
WORKING CONDITIONS
.Normal working conditions
.Flexibility in relation to work schedules is required
.Travel will be required on occasion