Are you a strategic communicator ready to lead transformation in one of Canada’s most community-connected healthcare systems? Health PEI is seeking a bold, collaborative, and visionary leader to join our communication team, working closely with the CEO, Executive Leadership Team, and Board of Directors to translate vision into action. In this critical role, you will be leading public relations efforts, strengthening Health PEI’s connection with Islanders through transparent, impactful communication.
The Role
As Executive Director of Communication , you will lead the strategic direction and operational oversight of Health PEI’s communication division to ensure messaging is clear, inclusive, and aligned with our values.
Your work will help Islanders understand the impact and evolution of healthcare services by communicating health system performance along with strong stakeholder and community partnerships.
A key part of your mandate will be to liaise with government members and the media , ensuring consistent and open dialogue that supports system-wide transformation initiatives. Your leadership will be instrumental in shaping public perception, driving engagement, and reinforcing Health PEI’s commitment to excellence in care for every Islander.
Duties
- Maintain a comprehensive understanding of system wide priorities and actively contribute to initiatives beyond immediate scope. This integrated approach ensures that leadership efforts are cohesive, strategic, and in service of the broader mandate of Health PEI.
- Promote Health PEI’s vision and strategic direction by collaborating with the Senior Leadership, and Board of Directors, translating high-level goals into actionable objectives and system standards.
- Provide executive-level leadership and oversight for the communication division, ensuring services align with strategic priorities and operational objectives.
- Offer expert communication advice to the organization on strategic and operational planning, based on data, legislation, policy, and best practice.
- Lead efforts to uphold Health PEI’s reputation and service excellence, ensuring high standards of delivery and continuous quality improvement.
- Helps maintain Health PEI’s accreditation by ensuring compliance with national standards and fostering a culture of quality improvement.
- Provide strategic Communication, Advice and Planning on divisional programs, ensuring alignment with corporate goals.
- Participate in ELT meetings, executive scrum meetings, government briefings, and strategic forums to inform decision making and organizational planning.
- Lead the development, interpretation, and implementation of legislation, policies, and clinical operational communication guidelines to support divisional functions and system priorities.
- Monitor and enforce adherence to internal controls, policies and standards aligned with Health PEI’s strategic goals and corporate objectives.
- Align divisional goals with Health PEI’s strategic priorities and contribute to system-wide planning.
- Ensure all provincial services and programs within the organization and/or division are delivered efficiently and effectively
- Lead efforts to drive continuous improvement and innovation within the division. Ensure continuous improvement through regular review of policies, procedures, and program frameworks.
- Establish and maintain effective communication channels with governmental and non-governmental organizations to support legislative and regulatory compliance, including partnerships with the Department of Health and Wellness, Department of Communication, and other provincial departments.
- Represent Health PEI and/or the division at provincial, regional, and federal/provincial/territorial meetings, advisory committees, and working groups to advance system-level collaboration and policy development.
- Serve as chair or executive sponsor for transformation workstreams, provincial committees, and working groups that align with Health PEI’s strategic communication priorities.
- Other related duties
Minimum Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Communication, Healthcare Administration, Business, or a related field.
- Master’s degree in Communication, Healthcare Administration, Public Administration, Business, or a related field is an asset.
- Extensive senior leadership experience in complex public or NFP healthcare systems or service delivery organizations.
- Proven track record managing multi-million dollar budgets and significant human resources (50-5000+ employees)
- Extensive experience in strategic planning, development, implementation, and execution
- Strong understanding of healthcare regulations, policies, and best practices, or relevant experience in a highly regulated, 24/7 environment within a complex, multi-site organization.
- Demonstrated ability to manage budgets and financial performance
- Extensive experience representing the organization in provincial and national settings, including media, forums, and legislative appearances.
- Extensive experience in Board-governed organizations, supporting Boards and Board committees.
- Extensive experience in managing strategic initiatives and delivering services or programs to clients and/or the public, with a preference for experience in health or social program delivery.
- Experience collaborating with government and non-government agencies, professional groups, unions, and other stakeholders.
- Demonstrated skill in establishing relationships and partnerships with key internal and external stakeholders
- Excellent organizational, communication (written and verbal), interpersonal, leadership, conflict resolution, and collaborative skills, with the ability to plan and think strategically.
- Proficiency in various computer programs (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.)
Other Qualifications:
- Demonstrated leadership abilities, including managing diverse teams, driving organizational change, and leading cross-functional groups.
- Strong decision making, problem solving, and conflict resolution skills.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Ability to manage relationships with key stakeholders, including government, HPEI Board, union partners, auditors, postsecondary institutions, and media outlets.
- Ability to act as a spokesperson for the organization with local and national media outlets.
- Commitment to continuous improvement.
Health PEI values the different ideas, perspectives and backgrounds that a diverse, equitable and inclusive work-place culture can bring. Not only does this help us deliver better outcomes, more innovation, but it also creates a safer space for our patients when our employees are more reflective of the communities we serve. It is important for us to create an environment where our employees are comfortable bringing their authentic selves to work and challenging the status quo to make Health PEI a better more inclusive employer and healthcare system. We recognize we have more work to do but finding intentional ways to grow our understanding and support of those who have faced barriers due to accessibility, ethnicity, ancestry, gender identity, age, sexual orientation, language or other grounds is a key priority for us. We encourage underrepresented groups to join our team, be yourself, and help us achieve our vision for an inclusive workplace and healthcare system.
Important Notes:
Please ensure the application clearly demonstrates how you meet the noted qualifications as applicants will be screened based on the information provided. We would like to thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those who are selected for an interview will be contacted.
This competition may be used to fill future job vacancies.
Salary Range: $65.07 - $81.35 per hour (Level 29)
Bi-Weekly Hours: 75 Hours Bi-Weekly / Mon - Fri
Posting ID: 169869
