Research Communication Specialist

POSITION SUMMARY:
The Research Communications Specialist is a key member of the Centre for Integrated Care (CIC), responsible for developing communication products aimed at elevating the work and overall reputation of the Centre and The Research Institute of St. Joe’s (RSJH).

A skilled communicator, the Specialist will use his/her/their superior writing skills to generate knowledge translation products, including but not limited to public facing materials, press releases, presentations, web articles, reports, summaries of scientific publications, white papers, infographics, videos, poster boards, social media copy, and other means to share St. Joe’s research, innovation, and quality improvement learnings to broad and diverse audiences.

S/he/they will liaise with researchers, project team members, and external partners to develop knowledge products that meet the needs of key stakeholders. The Specialist will work closely with team members to ensure seamless development, production, and dissemination of all knowledge translation products.  The Specialist will engage with diverse partners, tailoring messaging and materials to support the uptake of initiatives. The Specialist will report to the OnSPARK Director, Partnerships and Governance and receive support and direction from the CIC Research Manager

This position’s primary focus is on supporting OnSPARK (https://onspark.ca/), Ontario Supporting Partnerships to Advance CaRe and Knowledge which aims to leverage real-time, high-quality long-term care data to improve resident well-being, enhance operational efficiency, and drive innovation in the LTC sector through collaboration, research, and technology.

In addition, this position will coordinate and amplify research milestones and announcements from other projects within the Centre of Integrated Care (https://stjoescic.ca/).

QUALIFICATIONS:
•4-year (Degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism or a related field asset).
•2 to 4 years relevant experience in Corporate Communications, Marketing, or Public Relations.
•Demonstrated excellent verbal and written communication skills, and creative writing skills.
•Excellent visual storytelling skills utilizing new media methods.
•Detail-oriented with strong analytical, planning and organizational skills essential.
•Demonstrated ability to work well under pressure and manage tight deadlines with a positive attitude.
•Must be comfortable working with team members and partners across various levels of the organization, including health professionals, researchers, and administrators.
•Demonstrated skills in partner relationship building, team building and meeting management skills. 
•Excellent networking, research and analytical skills are required.
•Must possess a strong desire to learn and advance skill sets in various areas.
•Must be able to work well both independently and as a part of a team.
•Strong ability to build rapport with diverse stakeholders, demonstrating diplomacy and cultural sensitivity.
•Technical Proficiency: Experience with websites, social media management tools (e.g., Hootsuite), CRM databases, Excel and design tools (e.g., Canva, Adobe InDesign), Microsoft 365.
•Knowledgeable about AODA and accessibility standards.
•Understanding of the Ontario long-term care and/or health sector is an asset.

RESPONSIBILITIES:
•Responsible for proactively partnering with stakeholders to understand and advise on communication needs and working with these stakeholders to develop strategic and measurable communication plans that address existing
gaps, and producing the required material to meet their needs.
•Consults with multidisciplinary stakeholders to ensure consistency of messaging in all materials.
•Identifies and coordinates opportunities for leadership on staff engagement and multiple platform storytelling in planning communications for assigned programs and projects.
•Writes and communicates effectively using strategic and measurable communication tactics to reach distinct audiences across multiple media platforms as part of project planning.
•Identifies, cultivates, and manages relationships with long-term care homes, corporate, community partners, funders and government to increase brand awareness, increase up-take of knowledge products, and secure funding.
•Monitors and analyzes the performance of communications initiatives and partnership activations using tools like Google Analytics or CRM systems.
•Develops storytelling approaches that can be used on multiple platforms internally and externally.
•Manages and updates websites. 
•Uses multiple storytelling approaches to identify and pitch positive new stories to various media platforms, including social media, websites, traditional media, and industry media.
•Develops clean and visually appealing knowledge products that adhere to branding guidelines 
•Leads the coordination and planning of events and conferences ensuring tailored, consistent messaging and actionable engagement strategies.
•Acts as the first point of contact for all communication needs for assigned programs and projects.
•Advises leadership on opportunities for staff engagement and multiple platform storytelling for assigned programs and projects.
•Responsible for writing clear, compelling, persuasive, and informative copy, adhering to style guide and brand standards. 
•Strategically aligns content to reach distinct audiences using effective communication tactics, seamlessly delivering comprehensive cross-platform materials that achieve established and measurable strategic communication goals.
•Reviews and edit all print and web materials ensuring branding guidelines are adhered to.
•Contributes to corporate efforts and initiatives, as appropriate, to enhance the mission, values, and goals of The Research Institute and the Hospital.

HOURS OF WORK:
Monday to Friday, days - may be required to work off standard hours