Senior Communications and Government Relations Specialist

Shared Health-Soins Communs; Winnipeg; Hybrid; CAD 75,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Shared Health is seeking a communications professional in Winnipeg for a hybrid role in Media & Government Relations. You will manage media inquiries, develop and execute communication plans, and support corporate programs. The position requires strategic writing and collaboration with multiple teams.

The ideal candidate has 7+ years in comms, strong media relations skills, and experience with government- and health-care communications. Some checks and security clearances may apply.

Qualifications

• Minimum 7 years in a communications role with regular media management.
• Experience in corporate/government/health care settings preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to lead communications initiatives and projects.
• Strong integrity and handling of confidential information.
• Proficient in writing, editing, and strategic media planning.

Responsibilities

• Develop timely responses to media inquiries as part of daily media requests.
• Support program areas with communication plans and projects.
• Identify issues and prepare briefing materials for sensitive topics.
• Collaborate with Shared Health and Transformation Office communications teams.

Skills

Media management

Public relations

Written communication

Strategic media planning

Social media knowledge

Education

Bachelors in journalism/communications/public relations

Tools

MS Word

Excel

PowerPoint

GroupWise

Desktop publishing

Graphic design basics

Job description

City: Winnipeg

Employer: Shared Health

Site: Shared Health - 330 Portage Ave

Department / Unit: Media & Government Relations

Job Stream: Non-Clinical

Union: Non Union

Anticipated Start Date: 12/15/2026

FTE: 1.00

Anticipated Shift: Days

Work Arrangement: Hybrid

Daily Hours Worked: 7.75

Annual Base Hours: 2015

Shared Health leads the planning and coordinates the integration of patient- centered clinical and preventive health services across Manitoba. The organization also delivers some province-wide health services and supports centralized administrative and business functions for Manitoba health organizations.

Position Overview

• Develop appropriate and timely responses to media inquiries as part of the management of daily media requests.
• Support clinical and corporate program areas by developing and implementing various communication plans and projects.
• Identify emerging issues and develop advice and briefing materials on sensitive and sometimes contentious issues.
• Work with and provide support to Shared Health and Transformation Office communications representatives.

Experience

• Minimum 7 years’ experience in a communications position requiring media management on a regular basis, preferably in a corporate, government and/or health care setting.
• Demonstrated project management experience.
• Demonstrated experience leading communications initiatives.
• Demonstrated political acumen, adaptability and issues management expertise to develop and implement corporate and government initiatives and to respond to health system issues which can be public, urgent and sensitive.
• Experience in the use of Microsoft Word, Excel, GroupWise, and PowerPoint, Desktop Publishing and Graphic Design.

Education (Degree/Diploma/Certificate)

• A post-secondary degree in journalism, communications, public relations, marketing, political science or a related field required.
• An acceptable combination of education and experience will be considered.

Certification/Licensure/Registration

• Membership in Health Care Public Relations Association (HCPRA) preferred.
• Membership in International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) or Canadian Public Relations Society (CPRS) would be an asset.

Qualifications And Skills

• Superior oral and written communications skills, with the ability to communicate clearly and effectively in a fast-paced environment.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a team, working effectively with staff at all levels within the organization.
• Proven track record of integrity and trust, with the ability to deal with confidential and sensitive information.
• Proven skill in writing, editing, and strategic media and communication planning with excellent presentation skills.
• Working knowledge of Social Media Platforms and WordPress.

Physical Requirements

Not Applicable

This position requires a current satisfactory Criminal Records Check (including Vulnerable Sector Search), Child Abuse Registry Check and Adult Abuse Registry Check as conditions of employment. The successful candidate will be responsible for any service charges incurred. A security check is considered current if it was obtained no more than six (6) months prior to the start of employment.

Please note that an employee is not permitted to hold two or more positions in Shared Health that combine to equal more than 1.0 FTE.

Shared Health values and supports employment equity and workplace diversity and encourages all qualified individuals to apply. We thank all applicants but only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

We welcome applications from people with disabilities. Accommodations are available upon request during the assessment and selection process.

Manitoba healthcare employers, in partnership with the Indigenous community, are committed to increasing the representation of Indigenous People within all levels of our workforce. Indigenous applicants are encouraged to apply and to voluntarily self-identify as being of Indigenous descent in their cover letter/application.