Strategic Communications Spec

Job Summary & Requirements

The Strategic Communications Specialist develops and delivers communication strategies that advance organizational priorities, build trust, and engage internal and external audiences. Acting as both strategist and hands-on creator, the role turns priorities into messaging frameworks, campaign plans, and high-quality content—including speeches, internal updates, digital materials, and patient-facing messaging.

The Specialist collaborates with the team on execution, provides creative direction, and manages timelines, workflows, and core content assets. They follow guidance from the Strategic Lead – Communications & Engagement to ensure consistency, alignment, and timely delivery across their portfolio.

As a trusted advisor, the Specialist supports internal clients on change communications, contributes to stakeholder engagement, and helps ensure communications are clear, coordinated, and effective.

Education

• Post-secondary education in communications, public relations, journalism, marketing, or a related field.

Experience

• 5-7 years of progressive experience in communications, marketing, or public relations.
• Experience in healthcare or public sector communications is an asset.
• Demonstrated ability to write and edit high-quality, engaging content across platforms and formats.
• Experience in campaign planning, event coordination, and project management.

Competencies

• Exceptional writing and storytelling skills with a focus on clarity, engagement, and accuracy.
• Strong creative thinking and conceptualization abilities for multimedia content.
• Experience writing scripts, speeches, and presentation materials.
• Strong organizational and project management skills.
• Strategic thinker with a proactive, client-focused approach.
• Excellent interpersonal and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet tight deadlines.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and familiarity with digital communication tools and platforms.
• Strong research and analytical skills to support content development and performance tracking.
• Photography, videography, and basic graphic design experience is an asset.

Responsibilities

Strategy & Planning

• Develop and implement strategic communication and marketing plans for assigned portfolios that align with organizational goals.
• Partner with internal departments to identify communication needs, clarify objectives, and co-develop strategic plans that drive measurable outcomes.
• Anticipate emerging issues and opportunities, offering proactive counsel and communication strategies that support change management, engagement, and reputation-building.
• Translate complex initiatives into clear, compelling narratives and multi-channel content strategies that influence target audiences.
• Coordinate with the Production Coordinator to align timelines, resources, and workflows for seamless campaign execution.
• Maintain project timelines, content calendars, and coordination documentation to ensure effective execution and accountability.
• Compile research summaries and analytics reports to inform content strategy, measure impact, and continuously optimize performance.

Content Development & Writing

• Create high-quality written content for newsletters, internal announcements, team updates, and public-facing materials.
• Develop campaign materials such as FAQs, fact sheets, presentations, and promotional content.
• Develop story pitches, editorial calendars, and creative briefs.
• Write scripts, speeches, and presentation materials for events and campaigns.
• Support senior leaders with briefing documents, speechwriting, and media preparation.

Media & Public Relations

• Lead media relations activities for portfolio needs, including writing press releases, media kits, and providing quotes and connections for key contacts.
• Monitor media coverage and prepare reports with recommendations for proactive storytelling opportunities.
• Assist in crisis communication planning and response within assigned areas.

Engagement & Relationship Management

• Build and maintain relationships with internal teams and external partners to support communication objectives.
• Brief creative colleagues on messaging and engagement goals to guide aligned design output.
• Work closely with clinical, operational and administrative partners in assigned portfolio to develop communications approaches that resonate with key audiences.
• Team up with the Content & Production Coordinator to receive and organize assigned work, respond to timelines, and campaign rollouts.

Campaign & Event Execution

• Prepare campaign wrap-up and performance reports summarizing goals, achievements, and results.
• Plan events, coordinate logistics, and complete post-event evaluations.