Public Relations Officer Jobs

18 month contract

*Please see application instructions below.*

About us

UHN Foundation raises funds for research, education and the enhancement of patient care at Toronto General Hospital, Toronto Western Hospital and Toronto Rehabilitation Institute as well as their respective research arms (Krembil Research Institute, McEwen Stem Cell Institute, Toronto General Hospital Research Institute and KITE Research Institute) and the Michener Institute of Education at UHN. The Hospitals and the Research Institutes are part of University Health Network (UHN), which also includes Princess Margaret Cancer Centre. UHN is a major landmark in Canada´s healthcare system and a teaching hospital of the University of Toronto. Building on the strengths of this remarkable hospital network, the organization brings together the talent and resources that make it an international leader in health care. Toronto General Hospital is ranked #5 on the list of the World’s Best Hospitals – the only Canadian hospital to be included in the top 10. Additionally, for the twelfth year in a row, UHN is ranked #1 in the list of Canada’s Top 40 Research Hospitals. The Foundation’s vision and mission is to enable global leadership and innovation in health by developing strong relationships with UHN stakeholders. We are committed to supporting UHN's vision to create a healthier world by embodying our values of integrity, accountability, collaboration and inclusion.

UHN Foundation is one of Toronto’s top fundraising organizations and is looking to build capacity to help tell its story to broader, more diverse audiences.

Position summary

UHN Foundation is seeking a highly motivated and skilled Public Relations Officer to join its marketing team. This is a brand-new role and an important step in building the Foundation’s public relations practice. Reporting to the Director, Brand Marketing, the Public Relations Officer will help implement the Foundation’s public relations strategy while executing against specific projects requiring timely media coverage. The ultimate goal of the Foundation’s public relations practice is to build awareness of UHN and UHN Foundation, share stories of the impact of philanthropy, and support a range of fundraising initiatives.

Responsibilities & Accountabilities

• Work closely with Foundation digital teams to amplify news on social media and identify “newsworthy” content to extend reach to online media and influencers.
• Draft press materials including and not limited to: news releases, Q&As, key messages, fact sheets and backgrounders.
• Handle day-to-day media relations activities, both responsive and proactive, including media monitoring, news scans (to uncover potential issues and opportunities), campaign planning and responding to media queries.
• Collaborate closely with UHN’s Communications and Brand Strategy department to brainstorm media opportunities to support specific initiatives and maximize impact.
• Build and maintain media lists, cultivating relationships with journalists on an ongoing basis.
• Distribute news releases on the wire and through targeted pitches as required.
• Attend UHN and UHN Foundation events where media is in attendance (often outside of regular business hours).
• Assist with overall public relations by executing the Foundation’s awareness-building, thought leadership and issues management strategies, as well as providing project-specific media relations support (e.g., for fundraising events or gift announcements).
• Stay on top of media/PR best practices and trends to ensure UHN Foundation can stay current and generate the best results possible.
• Develop and deliver standardized and ad-hoc/project-specific media reports to track coverage and effectiveness.
• Manage on-site media and serve as liaison to camera crews as required.

Requirements

• Must model UHN Foundation values: collaboration, integrity, accountability and inclusion
• Ability to operate with the utmost confidentiality when handling sensitive or embargoed information
• Strategic and creative thinker who can bring forward new opportunities that serve the organization’s mission, with a focus on generating media coverage
• Commitment to inclusion, diversity, equity, accessibility and anti-racism (IDEAA).
• A relevant 4-year degree or, a relevant 3-year degree/diploma combined with a professional certification or, an equivalent combination of formal education and relevant experience in media/public relations, journalism or communications.
• Relationship-builder by nature with demonstrated track record of cultivating strong relationships with colleagues, internal stakeholders and media; experience with bloggers and influencers an asset
• Self-starter who can thrive independently and also collaborate successfully with a larger team
• 3-5 years of experience in a communications or media relations role. Direct experience with healthcare or other sectors with complex subject matter is an asset
• Excellent persuasive written and verbal communication skills are a must
• Proficient in media monitoring tools and analytics platforms to track and measure coverage (e.g., Meltwater, Cision)
• Detail-oriented, adaptable multitasker with the ability to quickly shift priorities in a dynamic, deadline-driven and ever-changing environment while maintaining quality

Work environment

• May have some activity outside of the office to support meetings with volunteers and donors.
• Shared commitment and support of the overall Foundation goals.
• Ability to work cooperatively with colleagues in all positions throughout the Foundation.
• Fast paced, service and results oriented environment.
• The Foundation has a hybrid work model.Staff will be required to have a safe home office set-up 3-4 days per week and will be in office for 1-2 days per week, (specifics to be planned with your manager).

Interested candidates should send your resume and cover letter via email to the UHN Foundation People and Culture inbox: [email protected]

Please put this role title in the subject line.

University Health Network thanks all applicants; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. UHN has a diverse workforce and is an equal-opportunity employer.

CLOSING DATE: August 20, 2023

Please note: Job posting will close 11:59pm on the date identified as the closing date.All applications must be received by that time in order to be considered.