Public Affairs Leader

Play a key role on the health authority’s Public Affairs team.

Help drive the organization’s response to media enquiries and issues management as well as proactive storytelling opportunities.

On a day-to-day basis, triage media enquiries, liaise with internal subject matter experts and external partners, develop key messages and media materials, prepare VCH spokespeople, support development of briefing notes and be responsible for the tracking and reporting of key Public Affairs activities.

Support proactive storytelling by identifying opportunities, developing relevant materials, coordinating with internal and external partners and liaising with media to secure coverage that highlights key VCH services, initiatives and subject matter experts.

Work in a strategic and tactical role that has exposure to a wide variety of complex communications and reputation management projects.

Join a supportive, inclusive and results-oriented team with a purpose-driven mission that has a direct impact on the health and wellness of our communities.

This work is aligned with VCH’s people-centred values and focused on advancing Indigenous Cultural Safety, anti-racism, equity, diversity, and inclusion and planetary health.

Bachelor’s degree in a relevant degree, particularly communications, marketing or journalism. Five (5) to seven (7) years’ progressive experience in public affairs, public relations, government relations, strategic communications, or an equivalent combination of experience and education.

Past experience in the public sector, a unionized environment and / or the healthcare industry would be an asset.

Demonstrated skill and experience in journalistic writing and editing skills to compose briefing materials, news releases, key messages and communication strategies for a variety of target audiences in a clear and concise manner.

Demonstrated ability to create and execute strategic communication plans with measurable objectives and results.

Ability to recognize emerging issues and opportunities, garner resources to manage the response to them, while demonstrating tact, diplomacy and composure.

Ability to be creative in developing new approaches to resolving issues and enhancing organizational reputation.

Develops and maintains strong relationships with key internal and external partners to promote and enhance services provided with sensitivity to diversity and indigenous lens.

Practices the recognition, inclusion and support of all types and aspects of diversity at all stages of engagement, with an understanding of the issues faced by people from equity-deserving groups.

Ability to respectfully and effectively work with senior leaders and other partners in a wide variety of settings across the organization.

Is practical, with an open, team-oriented approach to establishing good working relationships with internal and external groups/partners in routine and controversial situations.

Demonstrated ability to set priorities and be results-oriented. And remain calm, alert and high functioning under stressful situations.

Demonstrated ability to handle highly confidential and sensitive issues with skill, good judgment tact and diplomacy and to carry out the duties of the position with a high degree of ethical and professional behaviour.

Demonstrated problem-solving and interpersonal skills.

Physical ability to perform the duties of the position.

As per Ministry of Health policy, all health care workers working in publicly-funded health care facilities are required to report their past receipt of certain vaccines or history of certain infections. Collecting these records will allow for offering of any missing vaccines, and for appropriate actions to be taken in the event of any future exposure to a communicable disease or during outbreaks. For all new hires and appointments to Vancouver Coastal Health, you will be asked to provide this information as part of the onboarding process. Why Join Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH): VCH is a world class innovator in medical care, research and teaching, delivering service to more than one million BC residents. At VCH, we embrace thinking boldly, taking smart risks, and 'going first' when we believe it will lead to the best possible outcomes for patients and their families. We invite you to join us in creating healthy lives in healthy communities by showcasing our passion for care, connection to the communities we serve and our culture of teamwork that makes VCH a great place to work. • Comprehensive health benefits package, including MSP, extended health and dental and municipal pension plan • Grow your career with employer-paid training and leadership development opportunities • Wellness supports, including counselling, critical incident and innovative wellness services are available to employees and their immediate families • Award-winning recognition programs to honour staff, medical staff and volunteers • Access to exclusive discount offers and deals for VCH staff At Vancouver Coastal Health, our vision of healthy lives in healthy communities inspires us and our values and pillars guide us. We support equitable practices, diverse teams and inclusive environments, which are vital to creating welcoming spaces where everyone can bring their whole selves to work and feel supported. We encourage applications from equity-deserving communities, including Indigenous Peoples and members of racialized groups, people with disabilities and people of all gender identities and expressions and sexual orientation. Vancouver Coastal Health is proud to be recognized as one of Canada’s Top 100 Employers, BC’s Top Employers, Canada’s Best Diversity Employers and Canada's Top Employers for Young People in 2026. Only short-listed applicants will be contacted for this posting. ***Employees of VCH must apply online via the Internal Career Portal on CareerHub, you are currently viewing the External Career Portal. Refer to the https://my.vch.ca/working-here/job-postings site for instructions on how to view internal job postings and how to apply as an employee. Current VCH employees who apply to this posting using this external site will be considered as an external candidate. Seniority will not apply.*** Thank you for your interest in Vancouver Coastal Health.