Communications Specialist (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 and may be eligible to participate in our health and dental plan. 

We are establishing our new head office in London and looking to grow our team in this region! Candidates located in this region will be given preference.

Our people have different ways of working and lifestyles. We’re committed to a mix of working in the office, in the field and from home. You have some flexibility in terms of where and how work gets done to help you balance your personal life and career goals.

Salary Grade:  N06        From:  $77,627.00  

1 Temporary Opportunity up to 12 months.

Job Summary:

As a Communications Specialist you would participate in the planning, development and delivery of strategic communications plans and tactics that support short and long-term divisional initiatives. You would work closely with the Manager, Communications to implement communications strategies to assist the organization in achieving its goals and objectives while managing the reputation of the WSIB.

Key Accountabilities and Responsibilities:

1. Provide technical expertise in drafting communications plans and tactics that will deliver on business goals and objectives.

• Work closely with the Manager Communications to provide technical advice to client groups regarding communications approaches to decision makers of the added value to be derived from the proposed communications solutions.
• Use diplomacy and sensitivity with 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.
• Use best practice services on the delivery of communications plans and tactics.

2. Assist as a communications support representative to cross-organization project teams.

• Use relationship management skills to maintain cooperative working arrangements with client and project teams.
• Develop and maintain effective working relationships with various operational areas of the WSIB and internal and external customer groups to exchange information that will support quality communications planning.
• Use vendor management skills to establish effective vendor contracts in support of plan execution.

3. Draft communication plans and tactics to deliver against organizational objectives, manage the WSIB’s reputation and enhance audience engagement, both internally and externally.

• Assist with the preparation of confidential material regarding high level strategies and responses to stakeholder and staff.
• Liaise on creative solutions that reflect current and emerging trends, technology and industry best practices.
• Coordinate implementation of plans.

4. Draft content using superior and effective writing and editing skills in the development of internal and external documents such as presentations, newsletters, brochures, manuals and annual reports.

• Lead and organize events such as town halls and stakeholder sessions
• Coordinate with others to support plan execution, including graphic design, printing, web publishing, social media or other resources as required.

Job Requirements:

1. Education (Level and Specialty / Discipline):    

• Recognized degree or diploma in public relations, communications, political science, journalism, or similar field

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

• 5-8 years’ experience in public relations, communications, government relations, issues management, government
• Proven experience in:
  • Project planning to manage multiple and concurrent projects varying in scope and complexity

Our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion

We respect and value the diversity of our people. We strive to create an environment where employees can be themselves and where our differences are celebrated.

The WSIB is committed to being accessible and inclusive, and following barrier-free and accessible employment practices in compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). Should you require accommodation through any stage of the recruitment process, please let us know when we contact you and we will work with you to meet your needs.

Disclosing conflicts of interest

As public servants, employees at the WSIB have a responsibility to act in an ethical way at all times to create a respectful workplace and maintain public trust. Job applicants are required to disclose any circumstance that could result in a real, potential or perceived conflict of interest. A conflict of interest is any situation where your private interests may impair or be perceived to impair the decisions you make in your official capacity. This may include: political activity, directorship, other outside employment and certain personal relationships (e.g. with current WSIB employees, customers and/or stakeholders). If you have any questions about conflict of interest obligations and/or how to make a disclosure, please contact the Talent Acquisition Centre at talentacquisitioncentre@wsib.on.ca.

Privacy information

We collect personal information from your resume, application, cover letter and references under the authority of the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act, 1997. The Talent Acquisition Centre and WSIB hiring parties will used this information to assess/validate your qualifications, determine if you meet the requirements of vacant positions and/or gather information relevant for recruitment purposes. If you have questions or concerns regarding the collection and use of your personal information, please contact the WSIB’s Privacy Office at privacy_office@wsib.on.ca. The Privacy Office cannot provide information about the status of your application.

As a precondition of employment, the WSIB requires that prospective candidates undergo a criminal records name check any time before or after they are hired.

To apply for this position, please submit your application on the WSIB Career page by the closing date.