Director, Communications and Impact (Providence Research)

Providence Healthcare • Vancouver, BC

2d • CA$118,923 - CA$170,951 • Hybrid

About The Position

Research changes lives—come help that impact be seen, understood, and shared. At Providence Research, we’re building the future of health research and innovation in British Columbia. As Director, Communications & Impact, you’ll shape the voice, visibility, and strategic communications vision for a growing research enterprise as we work toward the Clinical Support and Research Centre (CSRC) as part of the new St. Paul's Hospital campus. Reporting to both the President, Providence Research and the Executive Director, Providence Research and working in close collaboration with the Vice President, Public Affairs, Communications & Stakeholder Engagement, the Director, Communications & Impact provides leadership and direction to a team of professional communications staff. The Director is responsible for providing strategic and operational leadership on internal and external communications, public relations, media relations, issues management, events, crisis and change management, government relations, communications-based knowledge mobilization and institute reputation management to support and communicate Providence Research’s priorities, programs, services and initiatives. The Director, Communications & Impact will lead the strategic development and execution of the Providence Research (PR) brand identity and those of affiliated entities, ensuring alignment with institutional priorities and strengthening relationships with internal and external partners. This role is responsible for creating innovative, forward-thinking communications strategies that elevate the mission, vision, and reputation of PR while overseeing the creation and implementation of comprehensive plans that support organizational growth, visibility, and impact.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Affairs, or Government Relations plus ten (10) years of recent, related experience in progressively complex leadership roles or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.
• Knowledge and application of communication, public relations and marketing strategies, theories and practices within health sciences, university and/or public health sector.
• Maintains awareness of new trends and developments in health care/fund development/communications/public affairs/marketing through review of literature, interaction with peers, professional association and attendance at seminars, workshops and education programs.
• Knowledge of legislative policy development and processes at various levels of government.
• Knowledge of grant-funded research environments, including health research, clinical trials and academic research settings.
• Demonstrated ability to create and implement strategic communication plans.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and implement policies, strategies, key messages and initiatives consistent with organizational goals and objectives.
• Demonstrated leadership and management skills.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain effective relationships with key internal and external partners including management and staff at all levels of the organization, media, government agencies and other health authorities.
• Negotiates and manages contracts for services such as web development, graphic design, photography and writing.
• Superior communication skills both verbal and in written such that messages are understood; that is, understands the essence and subtleties of the communication and the intended audience.
• Demonstrated ability to manage human, capital, financial and information resources so that organizational objectives are achieved.
• Demonstrated ability to establish courses of action for self and others that are results oriented.
• Physical ability to perform the duties of the position.

Responsibilities

• Lead the communications vision for a growing world-class research institute: Design and execute an integrated communications and impact strategy for Providence Research, helping shape the organization’s public profile and reputation as it advances toward the Clinical Support and Research Centre (CSRC). This includes building brand identity, elevating visibility, and aligning communications with institutional priorities, research growth, and innovation goals.
• Translate research and innovation into meaningful stories and impact: Lead strategic communications, knowledge mobilization, and storytelling initiatives that showcase the impact of research, clinical innovation, and discovery. Support researchers and leaders in translating complex scientific work into compelling content that engages healthcare partners, government, funders, media, and the public.
• Advise leadership and manage high-profile communications initiatives: Act as a trusted communications advisor to senior leadership on media relations, public affairs, issues management, change communications, crisis response, and stakeholder engagement. Lead communications strategies for major organizational initiatives while ensuring consistent messaging and strong reputation management across Providence Research and affiliated entities.
• Build and lead a high-performing communications function: Provide leadership, mentorship, and operational direction to the communications team while overseeing strategic projects, digital content, events, external vendors, budgets, and partnerships. Foster strong relationships across healthcare, academic, government, and philanthropic sectors to strengthen collaboration and advance Providence Research’s long-term vision.
• Develops, implements and evaluates integrated strategic communication planning goals and objectives for PR consistent with the plans and directives from the Providence Research Senior Leadership Team. This includes incorporating knowledge mobilization strategies, developing communication and change management plans and policies that integrate communication into the culture and structure of the organization, building a strong, positive public profile for PR, and fostering effective working relationships with government and other external partners.
• Ensures effective communications channels and consistent message delivery to all internal and external audiences. Oversees the creation of a variety of communications vehicles to support a balanced perception for PR, its entities and its programs and to respond proactively and rapidly to emerging issues.
• Develops and oversees implementation of result-driven strategic communication projects and initiatives to support and advance research communications. Oversees monitoring and evaluation of strategies and reports back to leadership.
• Leads the development and execution of stewardship reporting for internal and external partners, oversees connections to Knowledge Mobilization and Knowledge Translation resources, supporting researchers to effectively communicate and translate findings into practice and policy.
• Acts as a spokesperson for Providence Research on select internal and external communication matters, ensures the delivery of consistent key messages, identifies potential communication issues, and develops related communication strategies.
• Leads and manages the communications team by providing clear direction, coaching, and guidance to foster a high-performing, collaborative environment. Evaluates individual and team performance, addresses concerns, and promotes continuous learning and professional development through personal development plans. Model’s key behaviors, encourages dialogue, and facilitates resolution of work issues while ensuring alignment of team goals with organizational priorities and customer needs. Builds trust, team spirit, and mutual respect, and when necessary, investigates workplace issues and initiates appropriate disciplinary actions, up to and including termination.
• Directs content management and ensures the production of high-quality communications materials. Identifies opportunities by researching, writing and editing content, including video production and photography, to support digital storytelling, news releases, internal announcements and memos, newsletters, publications and reports. Oversees the design and production, for both internal and external audiences that support PR’s strategic goals, demonstrate return on investment and impact, and enhance the reputation of the organization and its people.
• Oversees PR communications and drafts writing notes for both internal and external audiences. Prepares presentation/public speaking materials for a variety of PR and affiliated entities spokespersons, as appropriate.
• Oversees and/or leads high profile corporate initiatives from a communications perspective and ensures appropriate organizational awareness and reputation management in accordance with the institutes’ Mission, Vision and Values.
• Leads and/or participates in working groups, committees, and meetings where sensitive information must be delivered. Provides communications expertise and resources, tables issues for discussion, participates in decision-making and takes follow up action.
• Coaches and advises Scientists, Directors/Managers and other senior leaders within the institute on the delivery of consistent messages to all audiences, including presentations and public speaking.
• Leads the development of policies and procedures to ensure consistency in the use of corporate images and logos to advance organizational strategic priorities while maintaining and strengthening PR connection with internal, external and industry partners.
• Translates guidelines, strategies and plans developed by the PR leadership team to ensure aligned understanding by team members in implementing communications, public affairs and marketing practices.
• Recruits new team members through methods such as identifying vacancies, interviewing candidates, making hiring decisions, and processing required documentation.
• Establishes and maintains strong and effective relationships with PR and PHC leadership and partners, including academic partners, health authorities, BC government, St. Paul’s Foundation, and funders. Participates in the development of a budget for PR communications and ensures adherence to budget by monitoring expenditures.
• Supports research groups and special institute initiatives, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and standards.
• Performs other related duties as required.

Benefits

• Competitive Pay: $118,923 - $170,951 CAD per year, depending on experience
• Growth opportunities: We welcome individuals at all stages of their career, offering opportunities for professional development and growth.
• State-of-the-art facilities: The new St. Paul’s Hospital and health campus will be the most innovative approach to the delivery of integrated care in B.C. and Canada, designed to appropriately address the future health needs of patients, families, and our communities. From hospital care to primary and community health solutions, the new St. Paul’s Hospital and health campus will continue to lead innovations in care, research, and teaching. The new St. Paul’s Hospital is expected to open in 2027.
• Inclusive culture: We respect the diversity, dignity and interdependence of all persons. We value the cultural richness that our diverse workforce brings to the care of our equally diverse population of patients and residents.
• Meaningful impact: You will have the opportunity to work for an organization that is deeply committed to safeguarding of our surrounding environment by contributing to high quality care while promoting sustainable practices in your everyday work.
• A comprehensive health benefits package including dental, vision, and life insurance as well as pension.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director