Summary

The Integrated Youth Services Collaboration Centre (IYS CC) is a new and unique initiative launched by Providence Health Care in partnership and the Centre for Addictions and Mental Health (CAMH), in collaboration with Integrated Youth Services initiatives in Canada. The IYS CC, while closely affiliated with Foundry, is an independent initiative and its activities are coordinated with a CAMH team of professionals.

We are seeking a Senior Communications Specialist who will contribute to the development and implementation of IYS CC’s internal and external communications with the goal to develop cohesive and shared communications strategies for IYS initiatives across Canada through the IYS CC, advancing the IYS CC’s reputation, revenue, and brand recognition nationally and internationally through knowledge sharing, evaluation and review. This position reports to the Director, IYS CC, Practice and Partnerships and is accountable for:

• Developing and delivering IYS CC’s communications strategies and activities including developing a broad understanding of important issues and opportunities that might impact IYS CC’s network, as well as IYS CC staff, and communicating messages clearly and consistently to promote awareness of initiatives and to build a positive profile for IYS CC;
• Providing strategic communication advice and services to senior leaders, directors, managers and staff;
• Developing communications products including written materials, website and social media content;
• Supporting community and public involvement in IYS CC planning, collaborating with communications teams from IYS partners on shared communications products, facilitating communications initiatives with governments, and Liaising with youth and caregivers across the country to secure input on initiatives, services, programs, and performance;
• Responding and/or developing action plans for crisis management, liaising with relevant internal and external partners to ensure adequate risk assessment and reputation management;
• Building effective relationships with the IYS CC network (13 provincial/territorial jurisdictions), understanding and anticipating service delivery or communications issues, and ensuring the IYS CC brand is represented across Canada;
• Delivering a vision and strategy to build, grow and maintain nation-wide service initiatives and programs and training and learning management systems.

What You Bring

Education:

Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations or Marketing. Seven (7) to ten (10) years related experience in communications, marketing and/or journalism or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience. Previous experience in a health care, youth service agency, public sector or nonprofit environment is an asset.

Skills and Abilities:

• Demonstrated skill and ability working with various forms of earned and paid media and developing relationships with journalists and other media partners.
• Demonstrated skill and ability in journalistic business writing and the creation of compelling articles.
• Demonstrated ability to plan and write a broad range of exceptional copy in a variety of media.
• Experience working in a patient or client-centered framework and/or with meaningful youth and family engagement.
• Outstanding written communication skills.
• Skilled in writing for a variety of media, including print, video (scripts), and Web.
• Extensive knowledge of communications tools and practices.
• Proven experience developing promotional campaign plans and materials.
• User experience with social media, multimedia.
• Demonstrated ability to exercise good judgment and maintain strict confidentiality.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate verbally in a confident and effective manner.
• Excellent interpersonal relations and demonstrated ability to build and foster relationships between groups.
• Ability to handle confidential and/or sensitive issues in a professional manner.
• Ability to remain calm, alert and high functioning under stressful situations.
• Ability to work independently and under pressure to meet tight deadlines.
• Ability to set priorities and be results-oriented.
• Ability to work effectively with senior leaders and other partners in a wide variety of settings across the organization.
• Flexibility to provide after-hours service on occasion, in emergency or unpredictable circumstances.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to travel on occasion.

What We Offer

• A competitive salary: The salary range for this position is $45.46 - $56.82 per hour, depending on experience.
• Growth opportunities: We welcome individuals at all stages of their career, offering opportunities for professional development and growth.
• Meaningful impact: Your dedication and expertise will directly impact the lives of youth living with mental health and/or substance use challenges.
• A comprehensive health benefits package including dental, vision, and life insurance as well as pension.