Communication Specialist – MHCC

Reports To: Director of Communication

Status: Full-Time

Location: Ottawa

Salary: To Be Determined

The Mental Health Commission of Canada is a non-profit organization created to focus national attention on mental health issues and work to improve the health and social outcomes of people living with mental problems.

The Commission, while funded by the Government of Canada, is a national body, not a federal one. It has been endorsed by all levels of government, although the Commission operates at arm’s length from them.

Position Overview

The MHCC is seeking a highly motivated issues communication specialist to help define and implement the organization’s communication plan. More specifically, this person will be assigned to work with the Mental Health Strategy Team located in Ottawa and reporting to the Director of Communication located at the head office in Calgary. Working with provincial and territorial governments, mental health organizations and individuals across the country, the Mental Health Strategy Team is focused on developing the first ever national strategy in mental health. Your role will be to build awareness for the strategy with our various publics in order to foster links and a shared vision for a better Canadian mental health care system.

Duties and Responsibilities

* Assist the National Strategy research and leadership team in developing and implementing internal and external communications. This includes public relations, media relations, web communications, advertising, events organization, etc.;

* Working collaboratively with colleagues involved with government relations in developing strategies and carrying out activities to reach objectives;

* Develop media contacts in the Ottawa region and elsewhere in Canada, handle media inquiries and develop proactive media relations;

* Seek speaking opportunities or community and stakeholder activities for the Mental Health Strategy;

* Write, edit and distribute various communications materials including, but not limited to, media releases, newsletters, speeches, briefing documents, presentations, and Q & As for various members of the Commission.

Skills and Attributes

* Significant experience in designing, developing and implementing communications strategies and activities, with a particular emphasis on Federal, Provincial and Territorial government relations;

* Highly motivated strategic thinker who is skilled at anticipating and resolving public relations issues; demonstrated leadership with communications issues;

* Superior written, editorial and verbal communications skills, including public speaking and presentation skills;

* Ability to read, write and speak effectively in both official languages essential;

* Adaptability, flexibility, diplomacy and tact;

* Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to establish solid working relationships with key internal and external stakeholders and colleagues;

* Excellent planning and time management skills, with ability to multi-task, produce and coordinate projects with tight deadlines;

* Experience with news media and corporate communications;

* Highly motivated by team work;

* Ability to work with a diverse and complex group of stakeholders.

Experience and Education

* University degree in communications, public relations, journalism or related field;

* Minimum of 7 to 10 years outstanding achievement in the fields of strategic communications, journalism, public relations, politics or related fields;

* Demonstrated experience in crafting and implementing communication plans;

* Knowledge and demonstrated experience of mental health sector issues/challenges is an asset;

* Excellent technical skills (Microsoft Office products, desktop design, publication/production/presentation software and new technologies) are essential.

Please forward your cover letter and résumé in a single Adobe PDF format by Friday July 2, 2010, and include “Ottawa-base Communication Specialist” in the subject line to:

resumes@mentalhealthcommission.ca

The Mental Health Commission of Canada would like to thank all applicants for submitting their resume. However, only applicants selected to be interviewed will be contacted.