Digital Communications & Social Media Assistant

The Heart, Lung, and Vascular Program at St. Michael’s Hospital is a leader in a range of clinical and academic services in the investigation, prevention and treatment of heart disease, vascular and respiratory conditions. As the first hospital in Canada to perform a tricuspid valve repair, St. Michael’s offers innovative options for the treatment of valvular disease such as mitral clip repairs.

As An Integral Member Of The HLV Program, The Digital Communications And Social Media Assistant Contributes To Building The Programs Local, National And International Reputation As Canada’s Urban Angel And a Progressive Leader In The Treatment Of Heart Disease, Vascular And Respiratory Conditions Along With Research And Education That Impact Patient Care. This Role Will Work Closely With Unity Health Toronto’s Corporate Communications Team As Directed By The Manager, Media And Communications Ensuring Strict Adherence To Relevant Corporate Policies. This Position Reports To The Senior Program Director, Heart, Lung, And Vascular Program. The Primary Responsibilities Include:

• Supporting corporate communications media relations activities, including providing advice/support around media relation projects and strategy for new and/or existing initiatives, etc.;
• Interviewing physicians, staff, and patients to develop and share stories depicting the work being done in the program;
• Performing special projects responsibilities;
• Supporting corporate communications objectives and programs, as requested and/or required.

Responsibilities

• Implements specific strategy components, including: interviewing physicians, researchers and Hospital staff who are subject of media stories to collect relevant story information;
• Supports development of program related content under the direction of the Senior Program Director and with guidance from clinical and administrative subject matter experts
• Ensures appropriate consents are completed and signed to safeguard and protect the Hospital position/reputation;
• Protects HLV reputation with the public and key stakeholders, bringing to light key accomplishments around patient care and other positive accomplishments of the program;
• Suggests news stories that will result in a positive impression of the program;
• Provides on-site coordination of media interviews, filming and news events, as required;
• Participates in media relations training, as required.
• Develops and implements focused media communications plans for major programs, initiatives and projects within the HLV program that complement HLV¿s overall communications strategy and directions;
• Demonstrates how the job can be used to facilitate and support media initiatives/projects, implementing targeted strategies for specific media projects that support predetermined media relations goal/ initiatives;
• Schedules and attends meetings as required, to communicate/promote the advantage of using this role to capture HLV events covered by the media, to ensure HLV is always painted in a good light;
• Responds in a professional and timely manner to requests and incoming questions;
• Works collaboratively within the HLV team, to support their media and other needs;
• Works independently, with some general direction and guidance.
• Ensures continuous quality improvement within her/his area of responsibility.
• Adheres to Occupational Health and Safety Legislation and Providence Healthcare’s Health and St. Michael’s Hospital’s Safety Policies.
• Adheres to St. Michael’s Hospital’s Policies and Procedures, including Incident Reporting Policy
• Demonstrates actively the Mission and Values set forth by St. Michael’s Hospital.
• Must stay current with changes on best practices in media relations, sharing learning with other members of the team.

Qualifications

• Completion of a recognized Bachelor’s degree program in Communications, Social Media, Public Relations, or recognized equivalent required.
• Documented success in social marketing and/or digital communications strategies required.
• Experience working in a corporate communications environment in an asset.
• Highly digitally, literate with advanced knowledge of digital tools and solutions required.
• Experience with email marketing, social media platforms and monitoring, Google Analytics, website maintenance, graphic design, and digital analytics an advantage;
• Strong analytical, strategic planning and problem solving skills required.
• Knowledge of communications trends and ability to foresee newsworthy stories.
• Excellent written and editorial skills with the ability to ensure error free materials.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills required.
• Excellent organization and time management skills.
• Results oriented, with the ability to work in a self-directed/independent manner and balance multifaceted projects and competing priorities.
• Ability to handle people with sensitivity, confidentiality, tact and diplomacy required.
• Results oriented, with the ability to work effectively in a fast paced environment;
• Ability to work independently as well as part of an integrated communications team;
• Word processing proficiency.