Senior Media Relations and Communications Specialist

Requisition ID: 413640

Position Number: 20043216

Posting End Date: November 6, 2026

City: Winnipeg

Employer: Shared Health

Site: Shared Health - Newport Bldg 330 Portage Ave.

Department / Unit: SH-Comm Media Relations

Job Stream: Non-Clinical

Union: Non Union

Anticipated Start Date - End Date: 12/07/2026 - 08/25/2028

Reason for Term: Maternity Leave

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

Communications preserves and enhances the reputation of the organization and its key stakeholders and partners, and ensures that the staffs throughout the organization have the information they need to perform their work.

Under the general direction of the Provincial Lead, Strategic Communications and Stakeholder Relations, the Senior Media Relations and Communications Specialist will:

• Research and develop appropriate and timely responses to media inquiries as part of the management of daily media requests, working closely with subject matter experts.
• Support the development of issues and briefing notes, including strategic communications advice.
• Support the planning and execution of media events, press conferences, town hall style meetings (including virtual meetings) and other public information and engagement opportunities. Responsibility will include both support for logistics and materials development (news release, key messages, web copy).
• Provide communications support and assist in the design and implementation of communications and plans aligned with the strategic and operating goals of the service delivery organization (SDO) and/or provincial service area.
• Develop and execute communications initiatives to support clinical and corporate program areas.
• Support media training and media preparation for designated organizational spokespeople.
• Assist in the development and implementation of effective strategies to address trends, issues and changes in the operating environment related to best practices in communications.
• Contribute as part of a team supporting enterprise communications for the including activities to develop and maintain organizational reputation, staff engagement, community engagement, organizational publications and media management.
  
  
  

Experience

• 7 years of progressive experience within an enterprise-wide communications and media relations function in a large publicly funded enterprise, preferably in a healthcare setting.
• 5 years of experience focused on strategic media and communication planning initiatives.
• 3 years of experience preparing public presentations and coordinating media management, preparing speaking notes, public releases and internal communication for staff.
• 3 years of demonstrated project management experience including developing, leading and implementing complex and integrated communications plans.
• 3 years’ experience working with internal and external stakeholders including executive/senior leadership.
• Previous experience in the health-care sector is an asset.
  
  
  

Education (Degree/Diploma/Certificate)

• A post-secondary degree in a communications, public relations, marketing, journalism, political science or a related discipline from an accredited educational institution.
• An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
  
  
  

Certification/Licensure/Registration

Not Applicable

Qualifications And Skills

• Demonstrated mid to senior leadership capabilities. The provincial health system in Manitoba has adopted the LEADS in a Caring Environment framework.
• Proven track record of integrity and trust, with the ability to deal with confidential and sensitive information.
• Superior oral and written communications skills, with the ability to communicate clearly and effectively in a fast-paced environment.
• Proven skill in writing, editing, and strategic media and communication planning with excellent presentation skills.
• Working knowledge of all Digital Media channels.
  
  
  

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to work safely in a typical computerized office environment with frequent meetings at multiple sites throughout the organization, and to lift and carry items of up to approximately 10 kg.
• Interruptions to respond to questions from executives and government representatives are common; incumbent can schedule dedicated and focused time for planning and concentration.
• Travel throughout the province requiring a valid Manitoba driver’s license and use of a personal motor vehicle.
  
  
  

This term position may end earlier as outlined in your employee handbook.

We have a unique ability to work together to make health care better. If you want to make a difference and contribute to supporting the health of your family, friends and neighbours, please apply today.

Interested candidates should select the "Apply" icon below to upload their cover letter, resume and copy of licenses/certification.

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.