Primary Care Communications Officer - 37.5 Hours/Week - Permanent

Overview

Reporting to the Peterborough Family Health Team CEO, the Primary Care Communications Officer contributes to the attainment of Peterborough Family Health Team’s (PFHT) strategic directions by developing and implementing an overall communications strategy for PFHT and supporting affiliated physician groups (APG) including but not limited to Family Health Organizations, Primary Care Network, Physician Think Tank and Queen’s Family Medicine Residents. This role will manage internal and external communications for PFHT, and holds key accountability for the preparation, implementation, and evaluation of PFHT’s communications plan. The Communications Officer will promote the strengthening of primary care by supporting local primary care initiatives with their communication needs. This is a permanent, full-time position (1.0 FTE; 37.5 hours/week).

Responsibilities

• Lead the development of PFHT’s organizational communications strategy, in consultation with PFHT leaders and employees, to ensure consistent, proactive internal and external messaging and presentation that aligns with PFHT’s goals and objectives.
• Lead the development of a coordinated primary care communications strategy, in consultation with partner organizations.
• Identify significant media or public policy issues in health care in Ontario and ensure that PFHT and primary care leaders are informed and prepared to respond.
• Manage and monitor PFHT and local Primary Care Agency (PCA) communication strategies to ensure consistent messaging and presentation.
• Lead the development and implementation of the appropriate communication tools that support the successful implementation of PFHT and APG communications strategy, and ensure that communication tools adhere to the appropriate branding.
• Lead the development of processes and guidelines to support PFHT staff with responsibility for specific communications activities.
• Support key PFHT and PCA initiatives to ensure that stakeholders are aware of changes.
• Create digital and print content designs and copy appealing to different audiences and in compliance with AODA
• Create, post and maintain content for PFHTs website and Team Portal
• Coordinate and implement educational events for all primary healthcare providers within the community
• Ensure that internal and external messages reflect the PFHT and/or PCA vision, mission and values.
• Manage media relations efforts by PFHT and primary care, in alignment with the relevant overall communication strategy.
• Communicate effectively with team members to create a cohesive team.
• Ensure that PFHT staff are familiar with, and follow, PFHT’s Communications Policy.
• Participate as an active contributing member of appropriate leadership tables.

Organizational Expectations

• Promote awareness of PFHT services and programs
• Assist with planning and attend special events
• Actively participate in relevant meetings and teams to understand and then communicate organizational or Affiliated Physician Group (APG) initiatives.
• Contribute to the efficient functioning of the PFHT and APGs and the attainment of goals
• Arrange priorities as necessary to perform tasks
• Know established work and administrative procedures
• Ensure adherence to PHIPA and PIPEDA
• Exercise reasonable care and caution in protecting confidential and sensitive information related to patients and personnel
• Maintain and develop professional competence through ongoing professional development
• Participate in PFHT projects or studies
• Perform other associated duties as required

Primary Care Sector Development

• Promote awareness of Affiliated Physician Group (APG) initiatives
• Support relationship building within the primary care sector
• Support relationship building between primary care and the health system in general
• Communicate effectively with all community partners and vendors.

The above responsibilities and expectations are not to be considered all-inclusive; they may be assigned other related duties in the interest of efficient operations of the Peterborough Family Health Team and affiliated physician groups.

Qualifications

• Post Secondary school diploma or degree in communications is preferred
• Three to five years corporate communications experience with progressive responsibility; preferably in a health care setting
• Advanced experience using computer software (Microsoft Office, graphic design platforms, recording software)
• Experience in WordPress (or similar), and social media platforms
• Experience in creating internal and external communications, and implementing a communications plan
• Experience in working closely with organizational and senior leadership
• Experience and thorough understanding of AODA compliance requirements
• Media relations experience is essential

Skills and Abilities

• An understanding of the role of primary care within the health care system
• Relationship builder with the flexibility and finesse to "manage by influence"
• Excellent interpersonal and networking skills, and the ability to work both independently and as a part of team
• Strong writing, editing, proofreading, layout and design, professional printing/publishing skills, including the ability to present concepts verbally
• Advanced skills using computer, printer/scanner, photocopier, telephone, camera, recording equipment, A/V Equipment including video projection unit
• Self motivated, with excellent organizational and planning skills; a self-starter and is skilled at creating concise, effective communications for complex matters
• Superior project management and time management skills, with demonstrated ability to work in a fast paced environment
• Knowledge and understanding of current trends in digital media/social media
• High standards of ethics and confidentiality to handle sensitive information

Additional benefits of joining the Peterborough Family Health Team

• A provincial leader among Family Health Teams in Ontario
• Excellent team/office environment
• Multidisciplinary team expertise
• PFHT provides clinical supervision
• Organizational commitment to work-life balance
• HOOPP Pension Plan
• Optional dental and health benefits
• Life and disability insurance
• Healthcare spending account
• EAP Program

The Peterborough Family Health Team are leaders in advocating for full vaccination against the COVID-19 virus and its variants, for persons who are medically able to receive the vaccination. All applicants should know that PFHT employees are expected to support this position.

Interested candidates can email their resume and cover letter to [email protected] by the application deadline.

Application deadline: September 8, 2025

Hours: Monday to Friday – some evening and weekend work may be required

Expected start date: ASAP

Job type: Permanent, 37.5 hours per week

Salary: $54,318 to $61,149 per year based on full time equivalent

The Peterborough Family Health Team is actively committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace and encourages applications from all qualified candidates. The Peterborough Family Health Team offers accommodation for applicants with disabilities in its recruitment processes. We thank all applicants for their interest; however only candidates selected for further consideration will be contacted.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: $54,318.00-$61,149.00 per year

Benefits:

• Company pension
• Dental care
• Employee assistance program
• Extended health care
• Life insurance
• On-site parking
• Paid time off

Work Location: In person