Job Details

Company: IWK Health

Req ID: #

Department/Program: Communications & Public Relations, Mental Health And Addictions

Location: Halifax

Type of Employment: Permanent, Hourly FT (100% FTE) - 1 position(s)

Start Date:

Union Status: Non-union, Management/Non Union Bargaining Unit

Compensation: $40.1509 - $50.1885/hour

Closing Date: March 25, 2025 (Applications are accepted until 23:59 Atlantic Time)

IWK Health is a respected academic health sciences centre located in Halifax, Nova Scotia, providing tertiary and primary care for two million children, youth, adults, and families each year across the Atlantic region. We have a team of approximately 4000 employees, physicians, volunteers, and learners at sites across Nova Scotia. People build careers with IWK Health with our focus on training and mentorship opportunities. We recognize each other's talent and celebrate our successes. We collaborate in modern facilities or virtually from home, align our work to our values, and enjoy access to enhanced benefits and wellness programs. We are proud to support our patients, families, and communities and are grateful for the generous donor support we receive.

Promoting an anti-racist environment and calling out discrimination as we work and provide care is important to us. We are located in Mi'kma'ki, the unceded and ancestral territory of the Mi'kmaq people. Working in Mi'kma'ki and providing care to those across Atlantic Canada is a shared privilege with the original inhabitants who have lived here for many thousands of years prior to colonization. There are 13 First Nation communities across Nova Scotia and more than 50 historic African Nova Scotian communities who also have a long, deep, and complex history dating back over 400 years. We have the highest percentage of people with disabilities in the country. Nova Scotia has the highest proportions of transgender and non-binary people than any other province or territory in the country. We are active in our work to eliminate discrimination but have more work to do to build that trust, acknowledge our biases, and reduce the barriers our diverse communities face. We want IWK Health to be a safe and supportive space of equity and belonging in the care we provide and the employment we offer. We welcome all interested persons who self-identify as Indigenous, Black/African Nova Scotians, Persons of Colour, Immigrants/Newcomers, Persons with Disabilities, 2SLGBTQIA+ to support our goal for our workforce to be representative of the patients, families, and communities that we care for at all job levels.

The Opportunity

Reporting to the Director, Communications Engagement & Change, with matrix-reporting accountability to the Director of Mental Health and Addictions, the Senior Communications Advisor assigned to the portfolio is responsible for developing and maintaining a strategic integrated approach to communications, public relations, and engagement activities in support of the Mental Health and Addictions (MHA) program. Working with the MHA leadership team, colleagues in the communications portfolios at NS Health, IWK, DHW, and the Office of Mental Health and Addictions (OAMH), other government partners, and families, this position provides communications leadership and advice to support priorities. The role requires an understanding of the health care system, programs and services, and the capacity this knowledge in developing communications strategies. This position helps build and support a culture of internal and external communications and engagement that is time-sensitive, consistent, and reflective of the goals and objectives of MHA strategic plan that enhances understanding and awareness on behalf of multiple partners across many organizations.

Hours of Work

Monday – Friday (37.5 hours per week)

Your Qualifications

1. Undergraduate degree and/or post-secondary study in mass communications, marketing, public relations, journalism or a related field, or equivalent combination of education, training and experience.
2. Minimum of five years' experience working in the communications and public relations sector.
3. Knowledge of best practices related to communications, public relations, marketing, social marketing, social media, engagement (public, staff, physician), media relations, government relations, crisis communications, and online engagement.
4. Knowledge and experience in mental health and addictions considered an asset.
5. Strategic and system-focused thinking; strong analysis and decision-making skills.
6. Exceptional communication, presentation, and organizational skills.
7. Ability to build internal and external collaborative relationships; proven ability to build consensus and work effectively with many internal and external partners and the ability to work effectively within cross-departmental teams.
8. Demonstrated success in influencing thinking while demonstrating organizational values and principles.
9. Experience managing high-profile public relations issues and in reputation management.
10. Experience in government relations, building and maintaining relationships, and influencing decisions and actions related to high-priority topics.
11. Experience in public engagement and facilitating community engagement events.
12. Experience in interprofessional team engagement.
13. Experience engaging, mentoring, and empowering teams in a participatory environment.
14. Interest and ability to work within social media; ability to use current technology to communicate effectively.
15. Demonstrated ability to manage projects, delivering on budget and on time.
16. Strong critical thinking, judgment, and decision-making skills are required.
17. Competencies in other languages an asset, French preferred.
18. Assets include:
1. Professional communications designation (e.g., CMP or APR)
2. Change management certification
3. Certified Health Executive (CHE) designation
4. Knowledge of IAP2 principles and practices
5. Experience in the health sector
6. Competencies in other languages
7. Knowledge of website and design platforms an asset (e.g., HTML, Drupal, CMS, Intranet, Adobe Creative Suite, Canva)

Thank you for your interest in IWK Health.

Please note that we only contact applicants selected for interview/testing. If we invite you to participate in an assessment process (such as an interview or testing) you have the right to request accommodation. Please discuss your needs when invited to the assessment process.

This is a Management/Non Union bargaining unit position. Preference is given to bargaining unit employees for unionized positions. Successful applicants changing unions, bargaining units or employment status are advised to seek clarification regarding their seniority, benefits, and vacation entitlement and/or usage, prior to accepting the position.

An offer of employment is conditional upon the completion and satisfactory results of all applicable background checks and confirmation of credentials.

If you are an employee of IWK Health, please apply through the internal careers page to ensure you are flagged as an internal applicant.