Full Job Description
About the Senior Communications Specialist role at MAP
This is an exciting new role for the centre and the MAP Core Team. The successful candidate will develop and lead new strategies to build MAP's local, national and international profile and reputation, refreshing and leading implementation of MAP's external communications strategy and translating MAP's and others' research into compelling content for the public, MAP's partners and other audiences. MAP's communications program is growing, with exciting opportunities ahead for creative storytelling, campaign development and engaging the public about the critical health and societal issues MAP studies.
We're looking for a marketing-oriented, strategic and creative thinker who thrives as part of a team and brings strong experience creating outstanding digital content and bringing research and public health issues to life through clear, compelling writing.
The Senior Communications Specialist role will work closely with the MAP Core Team, MAP scientists and their teams, Unity Health Toronto's Corporate Communications and Public Affairs team, the St. Michael's Hospital Foundation and other communications/brand partners.
Duties and Responsibilities
Plan, coordinate, develop and implement communication strategies that advance and support MAP's strategic priorities and promote MAP's brand.
Identify, write and produce compelling stories and social media content that aligns to the strategic priorities of MAP and the St. Michael's Hospital Research Institute and advances their external brand and reputation.
Identify media opportunities and assist with pitching and coordination in collaboration with Unity Health Toronto's Corporate Communications and Public Affairs team and St. Michael's Hospital Foundation team.
Implement components of MAP's communications strategy such as writing impact reports and stories, leading and coordinating special events, preparing stewardship materials for corporate partners, preparing keynote decks and speaking notes, and developing content for MAP's 'MAPmaking' podcast.
Contribute to content development across MAP's platforms including basic social media photography/video and/or design of graphics and infographics to complement stories as needed.
Produce metrics that evaluate MAP's communication channels and products.
Stay up to date with changes and best practices in all types of communications.
Manage external vendors as needed.
Special projects and other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
Undergraduate degree/diploma in journalism, public relations, communications, or related area.
Minimum of 5 to 7 years of relevant experience required.
Experience communicating about equity issues, marginalized populations, public health and/or population health research is an asset.
Demonstrated alignment with MAP's commitment to anti-racism, diversity, equity and inclusion.
Demonstrated experience in successfully developing and implementing communication strategies, social media campaigns, public awareness campaigns, corporate communications and media relations strategies.
Extensive knowledge of communications trends and ability to foresee newsworthy stories.
Exceptional writer and editor; must have ability to ensure error free materials.
Excellent verbal communications skills.
Strong interpersonal skills and ability to build relationships with a variety of internal and external stakeholders, including executives, board members and journalists.
Results oriented, self-directed and independent, with the ability to balance multifaceted projects and competing priorities.
Ability to work effectively under pressure; excellent judgement for assessing difficult situations.
Outstanding organization and time management skills.
High energy, flexibility and the ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment.
Conditions of employment
This position may provide for a hybrid work schedule, with onsite work based at St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto. The normal hours of work are 37.5 hours per week for a full-time employee, recognizing that the needs of the research centre may require some flexibility in duties.
