Communications Manager (HYBRID)

About the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB)
We’re here to help. When an injury or illness happens on the job, we move quickly to provide wage-loss benefits, medical coverage and support to help people get back to work. Funded by businesses, we also provide no-fault collective liability insurance and access to industry-specific health and safety information. We are one of the largest insurance organizations in North America covering over five million people in more than 300,000 workplaces across Ontario. For more information, visit wsib.ca.
At the WSIB, you’ll have the opportunity to:

• explore many career paths and follow your passion
• continuously learn and grow professionally
• be recognized for the great work you do
• participate in programs that support your health and wellbeing

You’ll also receive a competitive salary, along with a comprehensive benefit package and defined benefit pension plan. 
 

Salary Grade:  N07        From:  $85,436.19  
Job Summary:
The Communications Manager is a sole contributor position accountable for planning, directing and controlling the delivery of strategic internal communications plans and tactics that support short and long-term divisional initiatives. As a trusted advisor to senior management, will provide expert advice, consultation and direction on communications strategy that will assist the organization in achieving its goals and objectives while managing the reputation of the WSIB.
 
Key Accountabilities and Responsibilities:

1. Act as a technical resource, providing strategic direction, advice and guidance to senior management in the planning of communications strategies that will deliver on business goals and objectives.

• Use influence and consultative approach to provide technical advice to client groups regarding communications approaches, including selling a concept, obtaining buy-in and convincing senior decision makers of the added value to be derived from the proposed communications solutions.
•  Use diplomacy and sensitivity to manage/analyze confidential information regarding WSIB operations including initiatives which may result in reorganization of areas, changes in staffing, accountabilities and functions, budgets or other shifts in corporate direction.
• Apply change management principles to support cultural change and corporate objectives

2. Act as a business partner with client divisions, and as a communications representative on cross-organization project teams.

• Use relationship management skills to build cooperative working arrangements with client and project teams.
• Develop and maintain effective linkages and working relationships with various operational areas of the WSIB and internal and external customer groups to identify needs, discuss and resolve issues, and exchange information that will support quality communications planning.
• Act as a central liaison between the client division and the Communications division to inform and educate divisional management and staff on communications initiatives and best practices, identifying opportunities for improvement and new approaches to communication challenges.
• Ensure the effective and consistent provision of consultative services on communications best practices during the delivery of communications plans.

3. Develop and execute strategic communication plans, tools and processes to deliver against organizational objectives, manage the WSIB reputation and enhance audience engagement, both internally and externally.

• Recommend creative solutions that reflect current and emerging trends, technology and industry best practices.
• Be aware of day-to-day operations and long-term client goals when defining communications needs and solutions.
• Oversee implementation of plans, monitor, track and analyze results.
• Direct the work of others in support of plan execution, including graphic design, printing, web publishing, social media or other resources as required.
• Use vendor management skills to establish effective vendor contacts in support of plan execution.
• Convey corporate messaging and positioning within client communications in support of WSIB reputation management.

4. Maintain knowledge of contentious issues, internal and external stakeholder issues and confidential business plans and issues.

• Understand WSIB’s issues management protocols and responses.
• Deal with highly sensitive information and participate in strictly confidential discussions regarding high level strategies and responses to stakeholders and staff.

5. Oversee execution of communications tactics

• Plan content to promote the WSIB vision and strategic plan in support of WSIB reputation management.
• Provide superior and effective writing and editing skills using professional best practices, aligned with the WSIB’s content standards.
• Employ change management and employee engagement best practices.
• Deliver internal and external documents such as presentations, newsletters, brochures, manuals and annual reports.
• Lead and organize events such as organization wide meetings, town halls, promotional events and trade show exhibits.

 
Job Requirements:

1. Education (Level and Specialty / Discipline):    

• Degree in Communications, Change Management, Journalism, English or related field

2. Experience (Years of Related Experience and Type of Experience):           

• 8 years’ experience as a communications or public relations officer or manager in the public, private or non-profit sectors.
• Demonstrated experience in using communication skills to aid in the creation and development of high-quality, effective communication plans and products.
• Interpersonal and communication skills to present concepts to and influence the decisions of divisional management and the Executive Committee as required.
• Strong writing and editing skills
• Proficient computer skills including a strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office, SharePoint and digital photography software

3. Technical or Professional Qualifications or Certifications/Designations:

• Proficient computer skills including a strong working knoweldge of Microsoft Office, SharePoint and digital photography software.