Director of Strategic communications and Issues Management  


Northern Peoples’ Wellness

Together, we will work with First Nations to transform health and wellness services and improve health outcomes for First Nations people in the north.

Position profile

Position Title: Director of Strategic communications and Issues Management  
Reports to: Chief Strategy Officer
Organization: Keewatinohk Inniniw Minoayawin Inc. (KIM)
Location: Winnipeg
Full time
Start date: ASAP

Compensation and Benefits
  • Extensive room for career growth
  • Competitive compensation
  • Comprehensive Health, Vision and Dental Care
  • Up to 4 weeks vacation
  • On-site parking
Additional Perks
  • Extended Health Benefits
  • Collaborative and supportive team environment
  • Potential relocation assistance for the right candidate
  • Stable and healthy organization
  • Excellent professional growth

APPLY HERE


About KIM

Northern Peoples’ Wellness: Together, we will work with First Nations to transform health and wellness services and improve health outcomes for First Nations people in the north.

Keewatinohk Inniniw Minoayawin Inc. (KIM) was established to work towards a new health system that will better respond to the needs of northern First Nations people in Manitoba. KIM supports health and wellness services for 23 First Nation communities in northern Manitoba with a focus on equitable care, addressing racism in the health care system, responsiveness to emerging needs, and filling gaps in the health care system. This is accomplished through advocacy, collaboration, and integration with the First Nation communities, and federal/provincial partners.

This new system will be developed through speaking directly to healthcare experts and communities and negotiating with systems so that services can be tailored to meet the needs of each First Nation and northern First Nations as a collective. The community members of the northern Manitoba First Nations are the foundation of this new and historic health care system. KIM is governed by a three-part structure led by First Nations and is inclusive of 23 political leaders appointed by each of 6 caucuses and a 5 to 11-member board of directors with preference in selection to persons with experience in the health sector.


The Position

As a Director of Strategic communications and Issues Management, you oversee all activities related to First Nations healthcare strategy, policy development, communications and media relations. Your duties include developing strategic communications, implementing policy and media campaigns related to strategies and initiatives, and engaging with media relations experts and other stakeholders. You consult with management on long-term goals and issues to address in communication releases.

A career as a Director of Strategic communications and Issues Management requires several years of experience working in policy and media relations and preferably a bachelor’s degree in journalism, communications, or a related field. Applicants must have excellent verbal and written communication skills, comprehensive media contacts, and strong market research capabilities.

Position Summary

As Director of Strategic communications and Issues Management, you will provide strategic oversight and leadership for the Chief Strategy Officer.

Primary responsibilities:

  • Create, manage and lead the development and implementation of a multi-pronged communications strategy and strategic communications plan that includes key messages development, stakeholder engagement, channel identification, performance metrics identification and crisis communication management.
  • Manage the complete execution of the strategic communications plan, including, devising requirements, collaborating with multiple internal and external stakeholders, briefing designers, writing copy, etc. for a variety of online and offline communications and marketing initiatives.
  • Produce and/or oversee the production of strategic communication materials including research, writing, editing, and creative conceptualization for various internal and external communication initiatives.
  • Research, write and edit communications or marketing documents for various audiences. These might include but are not limited to presentations, communication plans, news releases, backgrounders, speaking notes, fact sheets, media lines, media responses, media analyses, brochures, articles, scripts, blog posts, or social media messages.
  • Develop and coordinate communications projects that include multiple communications products and activities, such as (but not limited to) speeches, publications, media lines, questions and answers, articles, blogs, videos, infographics, marketing campaigns, digital content and branding initiatives.
  • Establish and nurture internal and external stakeholder relationships in order to devise and execute on communications objectives; succeed in project and communications execution and establish mechanisms to ensure ongoing feedback and sharing of success metrics.
  • Create strategic communications and follow the associated timing and approval processes; including working with stakeholders related to the project and strategic communications plan. Develop and follow detailed internal and external tactical communications plans aligned with the overall requirements of various internal projects/initiatives
  • Prioritize, schedule, and monitor multi-dimensional, multiple step undertakings. Organize job activities and establish a course of action for self or others to accomplish a specific project or assignment.
  • Realistically estimate time and resource requirements while also being able to pivot, if required, and clearly communicating with stakeholders involved. Establish timelines and make assignments to meet project goals, keeping others informed of project status. Monitor and report on communications budget items.
  • Develop and monitor reporting dashboards based on objectives, KPIs and actual results outlined in the strategic communications plan.

Qualifications
  • Bachelor’s degree or higher in a related field or the equivalent combination of education and experience.
  • Progressive communications experience, preferably in a healthcare institution or public sector setting. Significant leadership experience, including developing and leading high functioning teams.
  • Extensive experience in successfully managing complex and highly charged issues on behalf of a publicly visible organization. Demonstrated experience in implementing strategic initiatives/plans in organizations with multiple stakeholders.
  • Proficiency with counselling senior leaders on issues management. Strong record of building positive relations with media.
  • Knowledge of graphic design principles, digital media, and web media, including photography, imaging, and branding. Experience in content management solutions, new/emerging media and information technology.
  • Strong interpersonal skills with a demonstrated ability to build effective working relationships and teams within external organizations. Ability to train, coach, and motivate staff to work collaboratively toward the goals of the office.
  • Superior presentation, oral, and written communications skills. Demonstrated strategic, analytical, organizational, and planning skills. Ability to work independently with a high level of initiative and resourcefulness, including the ability to manage deadlines and prioritize work.
  • Ability to solve problems in a strategic and tactical manner. Demonstrated political acumen. Understanding of maintaining confidentiality and applying relevant policies/procedures and best practices
  • Proven commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusivity.