CARE AND BE CARED FOR – THIS IS YOUR HOME

Are you a strategic communications leader who thrives in a collaborative environment? Do you enjoy leading a team of communications and engagements professionals who deliver transparent and positive communications that make an impact on patients, families, caregivers and health system partners? Are you passionate about exceptional health care and driven by a desire to help others?

If so, take a look at this rewarding career opportunity working alongside a supportive and collaborative team of over 8,000 regulated health care and other professionals. ​​​This is a momentous time for health care in Ontario as we move to a more connected health care system - a system where home and community care plays a critical role keeping people healthy.

Ontario Health atHome is looking for an accomplished senior leader for our provincial team with an in- depth knowledge of communications and community engagement and an ability to drive communication and change management activities. This position works closely with internal and external partners to ensure a strong, impactful patient and family voice in shaping a quality health system through consistent, aligned and integrated strategies. Reporting to the Chief Strategy, Communications and Engagement Officer, the Vice President, Communications and Engagement provides strategic leadership, direction and oversight of the provincial Communications and Engagement portfolio.   

What do we offer?

We know wellness is supported with work-life balance. In an inclusive culture committed to support your passion for continuous learning, growth and innovation, we offer: ​

• Attractive comprehensive compensation packages and benefits​
• Valuable development opportunities​
• Membership in a world class defined benefit pension plan. 
• Flexible work location (this position can be located at any of the Ontario Health atHome offices)
• Hybrid work environment​ (subject to change)

What will you do?

• Build, develop and motivate a team of high-caliber professionals across the province who provide open, transparent and positive communications support to internal and external audiences.
• Lead and support internal communications and change management activities to help enable the successful implementation of initiatives that benefit our patients.
• Develop and implement strategies to engage with key external partners. This includes, but is not limited to, managing relationships with the public, community and advocacy groups, provincial planning bodies, Indigenous partners, Francophone partners, media, and health service providers.
• Collaborate and hone excellent working relationships with partners at Ontario Health, the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Long Term Care.
• Provide leadership, expertise and support to implement innovative and impactful communications approaches, processes and products across multiple channels and social media platforms.
• Help ensures a strong, impactful patient and family voice through patient and family engagement to shape a quality health system through consistent, aligned and integrated strategies, plans, programs, and initiatives.
• Oversee an effective media relations and issues management function, including timely response to inquiries.
• Provide strategic issues and crisis communications expertise and advice to the senior team.
• Embody Ontario Health atHome’s mission, vision and values and apply the quadruple aim (enhancing patient experience, enhancing provider/staff experience, improving value and improving population health) to support continuous quality improvement in daily work.
• Exemplify, embrace and intentionally promote an inclusive work environment where all are meant to feel they belong.
• Continually demonstrate a commitment to creating a positive culture of equity, inclusion, diversity and anti-racism.

What must you have? 

• Undergraduate degree in English, social science, health or a related field
• 5-10 years of relevant leadership experience within the health care sector or similarly complex service delivery environment (e.g., government, broader public sector, not-for-profit, for-profit)
• Minimum of 5 years’ leadership experience within a communications or stakeholder relations department with expertise in developing, implementing and managing diverse communications plans, programs, policies, advisory services and support in the areas of internal and public communications, stakeholder engagement, issues management, reputation risk management and media relations
• Expertise in developing and implementing meaningful and impactful patient, stakeholder and community engagement strategies for a wide range of audiences
• People leadership expertise and proven experience in the delivery of strong results through innovation and a high performing team
• Knowledge of communications theories and principles and innovative and creative communications methods, practices and techniques including digital communications
• Knowledge of and skills in stakeholder engagement methods and techniques as well as crisis and issues management unique to the health care sector
• Superior professional writing, editing and media skills
• Superior oral communication skills
• Knowledge of Ontario Health atHome programs and services
• A valid driver’s license and access to a reliable vehicle
• We have a mandatory COVID-19 vaccination policy. As a condition of employment, all employees are required to submit proof of COVID-19 vaccination status prior to start date

What would give you the edge?

• Master’s degree in a related field is an asset.
• Journalism degree is an asset.
• Experience working in the public sector and/or within home and community care
• Expert knowledge of Ontario Health atHome stakeholders and their requirements for effective engagement
• Ability to speak French or another second language

Who are we?

We are Ontario Health atHome, ready to serve every person in Ontario. We partner with patients and caregivers, family physicians, hospitals, long-term care and retirement homes, service providers and Ontario Health Teams, to deliver responsive, accessible, integrated, patient-centred care.

Why join us?

If you’re interested in driving excellence in care and service delivery, and seeking an unparalleled opportunity to lead and learn, partner and connect, care and be cared for, this is your home.

Equity, Inclusion, Diversity and Anti-Racism Commitment

Ontario Health atHome is committed to a culture of equity, inclusion, diversity and anti-racism. We are committed to attracting, engaging and developing a workforce that reflects the diverse communities we serve. We welcome and encourage applications from all qualified applicants. Accommodations for persons with disabilities required during the recruitment process are available upon request.

Interested candidates should submit their resume and cover letter, stating “VP, Communications and Engagement” in subject line of the email, to sarah.vertlieb@ontariohealthathome.ca no later than 4:30 pm on February 7, 2025.

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

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