Public Affairs Lead

Grand River Hospital; Kitchener; Híbrido; CAD 74.000 - 93.000; Jornada completa

Descripción de la vacante

Waterloo Regional Health Network (WRHN) is seeking a Public Affairs Lead to oversee government relations, media engagement, and community outreach across WRHN’s sites and partners. You will shape strategic communications, advocate for hospital priorities, and manage sensitive public policy issues with discretion.

Reporting to the Director of Strategic Communications, you will build strong relationships with officials, media, and community organizations, lead proactive campaigns, crisis

Formación

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Political Science, Public Relations, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in strategic government relations, media relations, or public affairs with healthcare focus.
• Proven experience in healthcare sector, large hospital or similar organization.
• In-depth knowledge of provincial/local politics and policy-making.
• Experience in crisis communications and handling sensitive media situations.
• Proficiency with Microsoft 365.

Responsabilidades

• Lead government relations, media relations, and community engagement for WRHN.
• Develop briefing materials and recommendations for hospital leadership.
• Create and manage media strategies and communications materials.
• Engage with local stakeholders to identify healthcare needs and promote WRHN initiatives.
• Coordinate crisis communications and ensure consistent messaging during emergencies.

Conocimientos

Exceptional communicator

Diplomatic

Organized

Strategic thinker

Proactive

Adaptable

Collaborative

Healthcare knowledge

Educación

Bachelor's degree in Communications/Public Relations/Political Science

Herramientas

Microsoft 365

Descripción del empleo

Welcome to health care that soars above. Welcome to WRHN.

Internal candidates should apply through our intranet site (Lotus Link). Check the staff perks and benefits page on Lotus Link for more information.

Having issues with the Job Board and the Help Menu didn’t answer your questions? Email: [e-mail]

PLEASE NOTE: If you have registered on the job board for WRHN @ Queen's Blvd you will need to use a different email address when registering at WRHN @ Midtown & @ Chicopee.

Home to seven regional programs and comprehensive health-care services, Waterloo Regional Health Network (WRHN, pronounced wren) is committed to meeting the current and emerging needs in Waterloo-Wellington and beyond.

WRHN is redefining the health-care experience through collaboration and innovation, addressing barriers to access, advancing care delivery, and setting new standards in compassionate, empowered community-driven health care.

At WRHN, every patient is at the centre of everything we do as we strive to improve lives, inspire healing, and build healthier, stronger communities. By listening to patients and partners, we strive to connect communities to the right care, at the right place, and at the right time.

Position: Public Affairs Lead

Work Type: Full Time, Permanent - Hybrid Work Schedule

Location: WRHN Across all sites

This position is being advertised to fill an existing vacancy.

Position Summary:

The Public Affairs Lead at WRHN is a strategic and influential role responsible for leading government relations, media relations, and community engagement to support and advance WRHN’s strategic directions with key partners across our teams, government, media and the communities we serve.

Guided by WRHN’s core values, Put People First, Find a Way, Be Our Best and Thrive Together, the Public Affairs Lead ensures that all communications, engagements and partnerships reflect our shared commitment to outstanding care that’s personal, seamless and reimagined.

Reporting directly to the Director, Strategic Communications, this role will proactively lead the development and implementation of public affairs strategies that enhance WRHN’s visibility, reputation, and influence. This role will navigate complex political and healthcare landscapes, advocating for WRHN’s priorities, and managing sensitive issues discretion and clarity.

Are you a seasoned communicator with a deep understanding of provincial and local politics, healthcare systems, and public policy? Do you have proven experience in both proactive and reactive media engagements, strategic advisory, and crisis communication? If you have a collaborative mindset and a passion for community care, we invite you to apply to the Public Affairs Lead position, where you will help us build stronger connections, greater awareness, and lasting impact in the communities we serve.

Responsibilities at a Glance:

Government Relations:

• Build and manage relationships with federal, provincial and local elected officials, policymakers, and other relevant audiences.
• Advocate for hospital priorities within provincial and local government frameworks, aligning initiatives with broader healthcare policy goals.
• Provide strategic advice on government policies, regulations, and funding opportunities that impact hospital operations.
• Develop briefing materials, position papers, and recommendations for hospital leadership.
• Organize and participate in government advocacy events and meetings to foster positive relations and influence policy decisions.

Media Relations:

• Develop and execute media strategies that align with WRHN’s key priorities and enhance its reputation in the community.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for media inquiries and maintain positive relationships with media outlets and journalists.
• Write media releases, media statements, op-eds, and other communications materials.

Community and Partner Engagement:

• Create opportunities for collaboration with key partners to promote WRHN initiatives.
• Support hospital-led initiatives to build community awareness and engagement around healthcare services and programs.
• Engage with local stakeholders to identify and address healthcare needs within the community.
• Develop and implement public-facing campaigns to promote hospital services, achievements, and milestones.

Crisis Management:

• Support hospital leadership in crisis communications, manage reputational risks, and respond to media inquiries in sensitive situations.
• Develop and implement crisis communication plans for high-stakes situations.
• Coordinate with internal teams, external stakeholders, and media to ensure consistent messaging during emergencies or incidents.
• Provide strategic guidance and timely communications to protect WRHN’s brand and public perception.

Position Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Political Science, Public Relations, or a related professional field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in strategic government relations, media relations, or public affairs, with a strong focus on healthcare.
• Proven experience working in the healthcare sector, particularly in a large hospital or similar healthcare organization.
• In-depth knowledge of provincial and local politics, including policy-making processes, key political figures, and government operations.
• Experience in crisis communications, handling complex and sensitive media situations.
• Proficiency with Microsoft 365.

Skill Requirements:

• Exceptional Communicator:Strong writing, research, and editing abilities and verbal communication skills, with the ability to craft clear, concise, and persuasive messages.
• Diplomatic: Skilled in navigating sensitive political and media environments with tact and professionalism.
• Organized:Managing multiple projects or events simultaneously requires strong organizational skills.
• Strategic Thinker: Ability to analyze issues and anticipate future challenges and opportunities.
• Proactive: A self-starter who anticipates needs, identifies opportunities for engagement, and takes initiative in building relationships.
• Adaptable: Able to thrive in a dynamic environment and respond quickly to changing needs and priorities.
• Collaborative: A strong team player who works cross-functionally with different departments to achieve hospital-wide goals.
• Knowledgeable in the Healthcare Landscape: Strong understanding of the healthcare landscape, including funding models, regulatory frameworks, and provincial health policy.

Salary: CAD 53.49-67.56

Post Date: 11/03/2026

Close Date: 11/20/2026

Location: CA:ON:Kitchener