Manager, Internal Communications

Durham Community Health Centre • Oshawa, ON

7d • CA$85,000 - CA$93,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

The Manager, Internal Communications is a newly created and critical role responsible for developing, executing, and measuring strategic internal communications that strengthen DCHC’s culture, support the achievement of strategic objectives, and advance a high-performing, inclusive workplace. With a focus on employee, volunteer, client, and family communications, the Manager leads an integrated communications strategy that aligns internally focused plans, messaging, and tactics. As a trusted advisor to senior leadership, the Manager ensures communications are consistent, transparent, and engaging, helping employees connect with DCHC’s 2026–2031 Strategic Plan and organizational priorities.
The Manager, Internal Communications leads and mentors a small communications team responsible for delivering the annual internal communications plan. Working closely with the Manager, Community and Partner Relations and leaders across the organization, the Manager ensures communications are aligned with organizational priorities and employee engagement objectives.

Requirements

• A bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, or a related discipline.
• Minimum of 3–5 years of progressively responsible communications experience, including internal, employee, or people-centred communications, preferably within a healthcare or broader public-sector environment.
• Proven experience developing and implementing internal communications strategies that drive employee engagement and support business objectives.
• Demonstrated ability to translate complex healthcare, policy, and organizational information into clear, accessible, and compelling communications.
• Experience supporting executive leaders with speeches, presentations, key messages, and engagement activities.
• Candidates must demonstrate a clear commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) and know how to apply these principles to organizational narratives.
• Knowledge of brand management principles and experience ensuring adherence to brand standards and organizational messaging.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and achieve results in a dynamic environment.

Nice To Haves

• Knowledge of the Ontario healthcare system, community health services, and relevant government structures is considered an asset.

Responsibilities

• Develop and lead a comprehensive internal communications strategy that supports the following areas:
• Strategic Communication Planning: Develop, execute, and manage an annual internal communications plan aligned with organizational priorities, employee well-being, and change initiatives.
• Strengthen and align internal messaging, communication channels, and engagement initiatives to support the 2026–2031 Strategic Plan.
• Develop executive communications, including speeches, presentations, briefing materials, and correspondence for the CEO and senior leaders.
• Advise leaders on clear, transparent, audience-focused communications that build understanding and alignment.
• Partner with senior leaders to assess impacts, develop messaging, and support organizational readiness through structured communication and change management plans.
• Employee Engagement & Culture: Lead communications that strengthen employee engagement, transparency, inclusion, and organizational culture while reinforcing DCHC’s mission, values, and equity commitments.
• Champion employee storytelling that recognizes achievements, milestones, and contributions across the organization.
• Plan and coordinate communications for organization-wide meetings, town halls, and employee engagement events.
• Develop initiatives that strengthen employee connection, collaboration, and a sense of community.
• Establish and enhance two-way communication channels that promote feedback, transparency, and alignment.
• Volunteer Communications: Develop and implement volunteer communications that support engagement, recognition, and alignment with DCHC priorities.
• Create consistent communications that inform, inspire, and recognize volunteers while reinforcing their contributions to organizational goals and client care.
• Partner with program leaders to develop communications that support volunteer recruitment, onboarding, retention, training, and recognition initiatives.
• Ensure volunteers receive timely, accessible, and relevant information regarding organizational updates, policies, events, and opportunities for engagement.
• Establish feedback mechanisms to gather volunteer insights and continuously improve volunteer communications and experience.
• Client and Family Communications: Develop and lead strategic client and family communications that enhance the client experience, build trust, and support understanding of DCHC programs, services, and organizational priorities.
• Create clear, culturally responsive, accessible, and client-centred communications that support informed decision-making and equitable access to services.
• Partner with clinical and program leaders to develop communications that inform clients and families about service changes, organizational initiatives, and health information.
• Engaging Content Development: Create engaging content for internal communications channels, including newsletters, town halls, and strategic forums, while ensuring consistent messaging across departments.
• Translate complex organizational, policy, and health-related information into clear, engaging, and culturally responsive communications for diverse audiences.
• Management Communications: Prepare presentations, speaking notes, and messaging that effectively communicate DCHC's priorities, programs, and strategic objectives.
• Equip leaders with communication approaches that build trust, transparency, and alignment.
• Develop communication toolkits and templates that enable managers to deliver clear and consistent messaging.
• Support communications training and coaching for leaders to strengthen organizational communication capability.
• Measuring and Monitoring Impact: Develop and implement evidence-based KPIs to measure the effectiveness of internal communications and employee engagement initiatives.
• Monitor, evaluate, and continuously improve communications and engagement strategies using data and employee feedback.
• Prepare reports, dashboards, briefing notes, and presentations for senior leadership and the Board to demonstrate outcomes and impact.

Benefits

• A supportive, mentorship-focused learning environment.
• Meaningful, hands-on experience aligned with academic learning objectives.
• Exposure to community-based healthcare, non-profit governance, and public-sector communications.

What This Job Offers

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