Public Relations Specialist (1 year term with possibility of extension)

at  The Association of Faculties of Medicine of Canada

Job Title: Public Relations Specialist (1-year term with possibility of extension)
Location: Primarily remote within the National Capital Region. Incumbent must reside within a commutable distance (100km) from 150 Elgin Street, Ottawa, Ontario to attend periodic in-person meetings.
Department: Strategic Communications and Government Relations
Reports To: Senior Manager, Strategic Communications and Government Relations
Starting Salary Range: $59,707.19 - $68,838.71 (grade 4)
Job InformationCome join the AFMC team, where innovation in medical education meets a flexible and supportive work environment! As a team, we hold a deep commitment to a set of core values that guide our every action. Integrity is our foundation. Collaboration is our driving force. Engagement is vital. Equity is at the heart of our mission. Lastly, innovation propels us forward. We’re proud to offer a remote work setting that not only allows you to contribute from the comfort of your home but also promotes work-life balance through a 35-hour workweek and flexible scheduling options. In addition to an empowering and collaborative culture, AFMC provides an excellent benefits package, ensuring your well-being is our priority. And let’s not forget about the future: we offer a defined benefit pension program through HOOPP, setting you on the path towards financial security in your retirement years. Experience the unique blend of purposeful work and quality of life at AFMC!

JOB SUMMARY:

Reporting to the Senior Manager, Strategic Communications and Government Relations, the Public Relations Specialist will support the planning, execution and measurement of the AFMC’s communications and government relations strategies, including participation in in-person meetings in and around Ottawa. The successful candidate will have experience in communications, federal and/or provincial politics, be a proactive team player, and be fluent in English and French.

ROLE RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Research and create content related to AFMC’s strategic plan and top advocacy priorities, including but not limited to: medical education, health human resources, health research funding, planetary health, and social accountability;
• Research and advise on strategies for government engagement, public relations, and advocacy.
• Produce effective, creative, written communications for internal and external audiences in clear, concise and appropriate language, including but not limited to: briefing notes, weekly media snapshots, slide decks, op-eds, newsletter content and other communication materials;
• Track emerging and evolving public policy issues, analyzing their potential impact on AFMC.
• Monitor, analyze and provide summaries of relevant legislation, regulations, and policy announcements related to AFMC priority areas.
• Identify key stakeholders and create tailored stakeholder maps.
• Proactively implement government relations and advocacy tactics, including but not limited to political party outreach and tracking and organizing Hill events.
• Actively represent AFMC at key stakeholder meetings, in person and virtually.
• Proactively interact with government officials and decision-makers to build and maintain excellent relationships.
• Proactively interact with AFMC members, partners, stakeholders and colleagues to build and maintain excellent relationships.
• Provide written and oral briefings to leadership team or as otherwise required;
• Support the measurement and evaluation of communications and government relations tactics;
• Willing to travel occasionally and work flexible hours to meet deadlines, as required; and
• Other duties as assigned.

What you’ll need to be successful in the role (essential qualifications):

• College diploma, university degree or equivalent combination of education and experience in political science, public affairs and/or government relations.
• 4-6 years’ experience in a similar role, preferably within an association or non-profit and within academic health education and research sector.
• Fluency in both English and French, with the ability to read, analyze, and interpret complex documents, as well as respond effectively to sensitive inquiries or complaints in both languages.
• Strategic minded with a strong background in government relations and advocacy.
• Ability to approach topics and problems from various perspectives and convey communications articulately and analytically.
• Ability to understand and analyze components of complex problems.
• Strong writing, editing and public speaking skills.
• Advanced research, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills, including an ability to develop and maintain relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook)

While fulfilling job responsibilities, this role requires flexibility to work in different environments, including a remote home office setup, occasional travel, and participation in in-person meetings. Due to these demands, the employee will typically engage in the following activities:

• Extended periods of sitting, often at a computer workstation.
• Flexibility in work hours, including the potential for occasional overtime, to meet project deadlines, especially when coordinating with different time zones or during travel