Communications Officer

Sherbourne Health; Toronto; On-site; CAD 64,000 - 81,000; Full time

Job summary

Sherbourne Health seeks a Communications Officer to enhance operational communications and engagement strategies. This permanent full-time position fosters innovation in health communication, supporting a mission-driven organization focused on underrepresented populations. Applicants should have a degree in communications and at least five years of related experience.

Benefits

Four weeks of vacation per year

Membership in Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan

Extended healthcare and dental package

Long-term disability insurance

Generous professional development plan

Qualifications

• Minimum of five years’ relevant experience required.
• Experience with social media platforms and digital content management.
• Ability to handle sensitive communications issues.

Responsibilities

• Develops communications strategies and executes copy for various channels.
• Manages social media accounts and oversees website functionality.
• Handles media inquiries and develops key messaging.

Skills

Written communication

Oral communication

Interpersonal skills

Problem-solving

Critical thinking

Education

University degree or college diploma in communications, public relations, journalism or related field

Tools

Content Management Systems

Microsoft Suite

Adobe Creative Cloud

Job description

internal/external posting

job title: Communications Officer

job ID #: COMS – 20250618

department: Operations

reports to: Manager, Fund Development

salary: $64,828 to $80,430 per annum

status: Permanent, Full Time (Unionized Role)

hours: 37.5 hours per week

vacancy: 1

Who we are:

Sherbourne Health is a leading provider of quality health care and transformative support to people who face social, economic, and other systemic barriers. Our mission is to be a dynamic provider of integrated health services, community programs and capacity-building initiatives that enable people and diverse communities to achieve wellness.

Sherbourne Health provides innovative health care and social services to the diverse urban population of southeast Toronto. While our doors are open to everyone, we focus on people experiencing homelessness or who are under-housed; 2SLGBTQ+, and newcomers to Canada. We are funded by the Ministry of Health, Ontario Health, Ministry of Community, Children and Social Services, the City of Toronto and many generous donors and foundations.

Scope of the Mandate

The Communications Officer reports to the Manager, Fund Development, handling day-to-day internal and external communications. They ensure all stakeholders receive accurate, timely information and support. They develop and execute copy for all communications channels including publications, websites, social media, ads and media releases. They support fundraising initiatives and enhance the organization’s profile in collaboration with the Fund Development team. The Communication Officer proactively responds to issues and events that impact Sherbourne Health, or it’s priority populations, in a timely manner.

Working at Sherbourne Health

At Sherbourne Health, we care about our staff and recognize that our biggest strength is our people. We have a solid commitment to life-long learning which is demonstrated through our professional development program. We invest in collective work and staff training to improve client care. We supplement this by creating a low-barrier work environment built on equity and respect, while working together in caring, cohesive teams and providing opportunities for advancement.

we believe in work-life balance and offer:

• A competitive salary.
• Membership in Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan (HOOPP).
• Four weeks of vacation per year (to start).
• Four personal days per year.
• An extended healthcare and dental package.
• Long-term disability insurance.
• Life insurance.
• An employee assistance plan.
• A generous professional development plan: up to $1,300 to be used towards learning activities.
• Up to six fully paid professional development days per year – related to organizational objectives.

Responsibilities and Tasks:

Day-to-day responsibilities include:

• Strategic Communications and Content Development
  • Partners with stakeholders to develop communications strategies and initiatives aligned with organizational priorities, including client engagement and health promotion.
  • Designs and creates public-facing marketing and informational resources, including organizational and sub-program materials.
  • Assists community programs with promotional activities and outreach.
  • Plans and develops story ideas, writes copy and manages design for all publications, including newsletters and the annual report.
  • Writes, edits and creates presentations, meeting materials, program copy, messaging, signage and speaking notes.
  • Develops biographies, briefing notes and key messaging to advise the Senior Management Team.
  • Performs day-to-day communication administration tasks as required.
• Digital and Web Management
  • Oversees social media accounts to support organizational goals and objectives.
  • Maintains Sherbourne Health’s website, ensuring functionality and accessibility; coordinates with web developers for updates, structural changes and new features.
  • Updates website content as required, ensuring program and centre-wide information is current.
  • Identifies opportunities for digital growth and optimization.
• Media Relations and Public Outreach
  • Develops position statements on organizational and broader health issues in a timely manner.
  • Handles media inquiries, pitches and monitoring; develops media releases and key messages, and prepares staff for media interviews.
  • Pitches content ideas and creates key messaging with internal teams.
• Team Collaboration and Support
  • Supports internal communications, including change management, knowledge-sharing and intranet content.
  • Participates in operations and program meetings to align communications priorities.
  • Participates in staff meetings and events.
  • Champions Sherbourne Health’s brand by adhering to brand guidelines and internal writing style guides.
  • Ensures all communications reflect anti-oppression and health equity principles and are accessible to diverse audiences, including those with language, literacy or disability-related needs.

To thrive in this role, you’ll need

education/experience:

• University degree or college diploma in communications, public relations, journalism or a related field.
• Minimum of five years’ relevant experience.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, with the ability to engage and simplify complex ideas for various audiences.
• Proven ability to develop high-quality communications materials (e.g., newsletters, media releases, presentations, etc.), ensuring content is accurate and timely.
• Experience creating and executing effective communications plans and strategies, including pitching ideas and managing key messaging.
• Strong creative skills in writing and visual content creation for various platforms (video, social media, websites, etc.).
• Ability to handle sensitive and complex communications issues, maintaining confidentiality when required.
• Proven experience managing web and digital media, including content management systems (e.g., WordPress), social media platforms (e.g., Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn), email marketing (e.g., MailChimp) and design tools (e.g., Canva, Adobe Creative Cloud).
• Proficient in Microsoft Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, SharePoint, Teams).
• Experience working with web developers to make structural and technical changes to websites.
• Proven ability to interact with media, proactively pitch stories and respond to media inquiries.
• Knowledge of strategic communication processes and stakeholder engagement practices.

skills and abilities:

• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build and maintain relationships with internal teams, stakeholders, and external partners.
• Proven ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects within established deadlines.
• Demonstrated problem-solving, decision-making and critical thinking skills.
• Demonstrated initiative and the ability to function independently, as well as a team member, in a fast-paced, demanding environment.
• Commitment to fostering a healthy, positive work environment in accordance with health and safety policy and legislation.
• Ethical conduct and a commitment to understanding and appreciating the diversity of our patient/staff population and community.
• Demonstrated commitment to anti-racism and anti-oppression principles.
• Knowledge of health care privacy legislation and Ontario’s accessibility standards is an asset.
• Ability to speak and write French is an asset.
• Awareness of issues related to the populations we serve is an asset.

conditions of employment:

• Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a Police Records Check and Vulnerable Sector Check.
• Demonstrates a commitment to a healthy and safe workplace for self and others (staff, patients, families, etc.) by taking all reasonable precautions and working in compliance with SH related policies, health and safety legislation and best practices.
• Understands and works within the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA), Personal Health Information Protection Act (PHIPA), Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), the Ontario Human Rights Code and other relevant legislation

working conditions:

• The standard work week is 37.5 hours. Generally, they will work Monday to Friday during the day, however, work is occasionally required outside the normal daily routine. The position requires diplomacy in dealing with internal and external clients, considerable multi-tasking, setting priorities as needed.
• This role will interact regularly with members of senior management team to provide advice and support for decision-making. These decisions will have significant operational and financial implications. The incumbent must be able to work effectively under pressure.

To apply: Please forward a cover letter and resume (saved as one document), quoting Job ID # COMS 20250617, to [e-mail] by 5:00 pm on July 9, 2025.

Sherbourne Health is dedicated to building an organization that reflects the diversity of our clients and the communities we serve. This includes diversity in languages spoken, culture, race, sexual orientation, and gender identity. Requests for accommodation due to disability can be made at any stage in the recruitment process.

We thank all applicants for their interest but only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.

BOLD.KIND. REAL.OPEN.WE CARE.