INTERNAL/EXTERNAL POSTING

job title: Communications Officer
job ID #: COMS - 20250618
department: Operations
reports to: Manager, Fund Development
salary: $64,828 to $80,430 per annum
status: Permanent, Full Time (Unionized Role)
hours: 37.5 hours per week
vacancy: 1

WHO WE ARE:

Sherbourne Health is a leading provider of quality health care and transformative support to people who face social, economic, and other systemic barriers. Our mission is to be a dynamic provider of integrated health services, community programs and capacity-building initiatives that enable people and diverse communities to achieve wellness.
Sherbourne Health provides innovative health care and social services to the diverse urban population of southeast Toronto. While our doors are open to everyone, we focus on people experiencing homelessness or who are under-housed; 2SLGBTQ+, and newcomers to Canada. We are funded by the Ministry of Health, Ontario Health, Ministry of Community, Children and Social Services, the City of Toronto and many generous donors and foundations.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE:

• University degree or college diploma in communications, public relations, journalism or a related field.
• Minimum of five years’ relevant experience.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, with the ability to engage and simplify complex ideas for various audiences.
• Proven ability to develop high-quality communications materials (e.g., newsletters, media releases, presentations, etc.), ensuring content is accurate and timely.
• Experience creating and executing effective communications plans and strategies, including pitching ideas and managing key messaging.
• Strong creative skills in writing and visual content creation for various platforms (video, social media, websites, etc.).
• Ability to handle sensitive and complex communications issues, maintaining confidentiality when required.
• Proven experience managing web and digital media, including content management systems (e.g., WordPress), social media platforms (e.g., Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn), email marketing (e.g., MailChimp) and design tools (e.g., Canva, Adobe Creative Cloud).
• Proficient in Microsoft Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, SharePoint, Teams).
• Experience working with web developers to make structural and technical changes to websites.
• Proven ability to interact with media, proactively pitch stories and respond to media inquiries.
• Knowledge of strategic communication processes and stakeholder engagement practices.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build and maintain relationships with internal teams, stakeholders, and external partners.
• Proven ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects within established deadlines.
• Demonstrated problem-solving, decision-making and critical thinking skills.
• Demonstrated initiative and the ability to function independently, as well as a team member, in a fast-paced, demanding environment.
• Commitment to fostering a healthy, positive work environment in accordance with health and safety policy and legislation.
• Ethical conduct and a commitment to understanding and appreciating the diversity of our patient/staff population and community.
• Demonstrated commitment to anti-racism and anti-oppression principles.
• Knowledge of health care privacy legislation and Ontario’s accessibility standards is an asset.
• Ability to speak and write French is an asset.
• Awareness of issues related to the populations we serve is an asset.

DAY-TO-DAY RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE:

• Strategic Communications and Content Development
• Partners with stakeholders to develop communications strategies and initiatives aligned with organizational priorities, including client engagement and health promotion.
• Designs and creates public-facing marketing and informational resources, including organizational and sub-program materials.
• Assists community programs with promotional activities and outreach.
• Plans and develops story ideas, writes copy and manages design for all publications, including newsletters and the annual report.
• Writes, edits and creates presentations, meeting materials, program copy, messaging, signage and speaking notes.
• Develops biographies, briefing notes and key messaging to advise the Senior Management Team.
• Performs day-to-day communication administration tasks as required.
• Digital and Web Management
• Oversees social media accounts to support organizational goals and objectives.
• Maintains Sherbourne Health’s website, ensuring functionality and accessibility; coordinates with web developers for updates, structural changes and new features.
• Updates website content as required, ensuring program and centre-wide information is current.
• Identifies opportunities for digital growth and optimization.
• Media Relations and Public Outreach
• Develops position statements on organizational and broader health issues in a timely manner.
• Handles media inquiries, pitches and monitoring; develops media releases and key messages, and prepares staff for media interviews.
• Pitches content ideas and creates key messaging with internal teams.
• Team Collaboration and Support
• Supports internal communications, including change management, knowledge-sharing and intranet content.
• Participates in operations and program meetings to align communications priorities.
• Participates in staff meetings and events.
• Champions Sherbourne Health’s brand by adhering to brand guidelines and internal writing style guides.
• Ensures all communications reflect anti-oppression and health equity principles and are accessible to diverse audiences, including those with language, literacy or disability-related needs.