Position Information

Posting Number:

ROM25-282E

Title:

Communications Specialist - External (RFT 1.0 FTE)

Position Status:

Regular Full-time

FTE:

1.0

Job Schedule:

Days

Department:

Communications & Partnerships

Union:

Non-union

Site:

Royal Ottawa Mental Health Centre

About The Royal

As one of Canada’s foremost mental health care and academic health science centres, The Royal has a clear purpose: to get more people living with mental illness into recovery faster. This is at the core of everything we do and it is driven by the passion, focus and dedication of our employees. Every day, the work that we do transforms the lives of people with mental illness through specialized mental healthcare, advocacy, research and education.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Communications Specialist at The Royal leads the development of high-impact messaging and integrated campaigns across earned, owned, and shared media and developing and delivering strategic, audience-driven communications that elevate our profile in the community, across the health system, and among key stakeholders. This role is focused primarily on external communications—with a mandate to strengthen public understanding of The Royal’s leadership in mental health care, research, and education.

DUTIES:

• Lead the planning and delivery of strategic communications that strengthen The Royal’s reputation externally including developing key messages, content, and campaigns that align with organizational priorities in mental health care, research, and education.
• Manage proactive and reactive media relations. Draft press materials, prepare spokespeople, respond to inquiries, and support issues management to ensure clear, timely, and consistent public messaging.
• Produce compelling multimedia content and public-facing materials for use across digital, print, and social channels. Ensure content is engaging, brand-aligned, and supports audience engagement and awareness goals
• Collaborate with internal teams and external partners to amplify shared initiatives, public education efforts, and research dissemination. Identify opportunities to strengthen relationships and increase message reach
• Provide leadership in coordinating communication projects and managing editorial calendars. Align messaging with key milestones and ensure delivery of high-quality materials on time and within scope.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor in Public Relations, Communications, Business Marketing and Brand Management.
• Five of experience in related field.
• Knowledge of risk management, media relations and digital media required.
• Knowledge in writing, editing and Brand management preferred
• Ability to develop and execute comprehensive communications strategies aligned with organizational priorities and audience needs.
• Proficient in creating clear, compelling, and accessible content for diverse audiences across multiple formats (media releases, key messages, digital copy, etc.).
• Skilled in building relationships with journalists, managing media inquiries, and developing media materials that reflect the organization’s voice and priorities.
• Proficiency: Knowledge of digital communication trends, platforms, and analytics to support engagement and amplification strategies.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple communications projects and deadlines simultaneously.
• Experience working with diverse internal and external stakeholders to co-develop communications and ensure alignment on shared goals.
• Ability to respond effectively under pressure, providing timely, accurate messaging in response to emerging issues or reputational risks.
• Skilled at storyboarding, visual content development, and working with design/video teams to create high-impact communications.
• Demonstrates a commitment to inclusive communication practices that reflect the diversity of the communities The Royal serves.
• English level A- is mandatory in oral comprehension, expression, reading and writing. Bilingual (English/French) is considered an asset.

Salary Range:

40.02 to 47.41 per hour

Additional Information

• All applicants must provide a recent resume that clearly indicate that they meet the required qualifications.
• The Royal sincerely thanks all applicants for their interest in a career with us; however, only those applicants selected for an interview will be contacted.
• All new hires will be required to obtain a clear and valid Criminal Record or Vulnerable Sector Records Check as a pre-condition of employment.
• The Royal Ottawa Health Care Group is committed to equity and inclusion in the workplace. Our commitment is rooted in the belief that a diverse workforce enhances the quality of care and organizational strength. We encourage applications from members of equity-deserving communities and welcome individuals from all backgrounds. Upon request, accommodations due to disability are available throughout the recruitment process.