Description
The BC SUPPORT (Support for People & Patient-Oriented Research & Trials) Unit is part of Michael Smith Health Research BC. The Unit supports, streamlines and increases patient-oriented research throughout BC. Patient-oriented research is done in partnership with patients, answers research questions that matter to patients, and aims to improve health care.
Position Summary
Passionate about telling the stories? Willing to roll up your sleeves to get the work done? Enjoy working in a dynamic, growing organization with a welcoming culture? Interested in health research and the various ways patients can inform how research gets done?
We are looking for a Manager, Marketing & Communications to build, lead, and implement broad marketing and communications strategies to engage and expand target audiences, and demonstrate outcomes and impacts of our programs. Reporting to the BC SUPPORT Unit Director, this is a mid-level manager role that provides strategic and tactical support and advice for marketing and communications to support the organization’s mandate to foster patient-oriented research.
The Manager, Marketing & Communications works collaboratively with other team members, volunteers, external consultants and vendors.
Key Responsibilities
Communications planning:
- Develop and execute communications plans for internal and external projects and activities led by the BC SUPPORT Unit.
- Develop and implement clear, consistent messaging for new projects and programs, in line with existing guidelines and brand voice.
- Collaborate with staff across the organization to promote the BC SUPPORT Unit’s work and its impact in BC.
- Build relationships with internal and external communications colleagues and stakeholders.
- Support the Unit Director with issues management, conducting research and developing messages in response to emerging issues.
Digital marketing:
- Plan and implement the Unit’s digital communications, such as e-newsletter and online publications, including liaising with graphic designers and content management contractors as required.
- Recommend and develop online engagement strategies for specific Unit programs and initiatives
- Provide strategic direction and recommendations to the Unit Director regarding website and digital channels.
- Curate and maintain all website content related to the BC SUPPORT Unit website.
- Provide day-to-day management of the Unit’s digital channels including content development, environmental scanning, maintenance and ongoing updates, and evaluation and analytics.
Content strategy and development:
- Work collaboratively with team members across the organization and external experts to develop a wide range of communications materials, both written and visual, that tell the Unit’s story (e.g. newsletter and web copy, blogs, interviews, speeches, marketing materials, social media content, presentations and reports).
Event management/promotion:
- Provide support for event management and promotion including the development and implementation of communication strategies to raise awareness for the annual BC SUPPORT Unit Putting Patients First conference.
- Provide consultation and support for planned workshops, webinars, and meetings to ensure communication strategies are developed and deployed as needed.
Leadership and operations:
- Participate in the development of the BC SUPPORT Unit strategic plans.
- Develop the BC SUPPORT Unit strategic communication plan, working collaboratively with Health Research BC’s corporate communications and stakeholder relations team to ensure alignment.
- Support development and monitoring of relevant parts of departmental budget.
- Develop and maintain strong working relationships with members of Health Research BC’s marketing & communications team.
- Provide oversight and guidance to graphic designers and external contractors.
Education/Work Experience
- Undergraduate degree in marketing, communications, journalism, digital media or related field.
- Minimum of 5 years’ experience in a communications role including 4 years of hands-on experience working with digital communications including social media.
- Demonstrated experiencing managing project timelines, external suppliers and contractors.
- Event planning communications experience an asset
- Work experience in a health care, research, or academic setting an asset.
- Graphic design experience an asset
Skills
- Excellent written and verbal communications skills, with a demonstrated ability to write in a variety of styles for a range of audiences, and to translate complicated scientific concepts into interesting and engaging content.
- Demonstrated ability to develop and implement strategic and tactical communications plans, coupled with excellent copy-editing and proof-reading skills.
- Organized, with a proven ability to identify priorities, complete multiple tasks and deliver results on deadline; demonstrated ability to manage projects.
- Team player with ability to work in a collaborative manner with diverse groups and be flexible in response to evolving organizational needs.
- Experienced in building and maintaining relationships with stakeholders across various levels and organizations.
- Demonstrated ability to take initiative, and willing to learn.
- Demonstrated knowledge of and experience in social media, including best practices and tools.
- Demonstrated ability to provide website management, including advanced editing skills using a content management system (WordPress preferred), content strategy, and usability.
- Comprehensive computer literacy including demonstrated intermediate level skills with Microsoft Office programs.
- Working knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite and multimedia practices (online video, podcasts, animation, music, online forums, chat, etc.)
How to Apply
If this sounds like you and you would like to play a role in maximizing the impact of health research in BC, please submit your resume, cover letter and portfolio online at https://msfhr.bamboohr.com/jobs/view.php?id=59. We thank everyone for their interest, but only suitable candidates will be contacted.
