Senior Advisor - Media and Issues Relations

Primary Care Alberta (PCA) has an exciting position available as Senior Advisor, Media and Issues Relations. Reporting to the Executive Director, Communications and Engagement, this high-impact role offers a unique opportunity to lead media strategy in a forward-thinking environment where your expertise will directly influence public trust and organizational reputation. We are seeking a strategic, proactive, and highly skilled media and issues relations lead to drive our media engagement efforts and manage reputational risk. This role is responsible for building and maintaining strong media relationships, managing issues and crises, and developing communications strategies that enhance our brand and protect our public image. The Senior Advisor is the primary point of contact at PCA for media inquiries and proactively pitch stories to print, digital, and broadcast outlets. An excellent collaborator, you will develop and maintain strong relationships with key journalists, editors, and influencers across national and local media. This position’s location is negotiable and eligible for a remote/hybrid work arrangement anywhere within Alberta. Primary care is the front door into our health system. It’s the essential conversations with your family doctor about regular screening, routine health maintenance, prescription renewals, medication management, family planning, and everything in between. This position will be part of Primary Care Alberta effective November 18, 2024. By applying on this posting, if you are the successful candidate, you agree to and will become an employee of Primary Care Alberta.

The Senior Advisor leads rapid response communications during emerging issues, reputational risks, and crises, and develops and implements issues management strategies, messaging frameworks, and response plans. The Senior Advisor coordinates with legal, compliance, HR, and other departments to ensure alignment during sensitive matters while monitoring social, political, and industry developments that may have an impact on the organization’s reputation. In addition to coordinating media interviews, briefings, and press events, the Senior Advisor prepares talking points and media kits, monitors media coverage and industry trends, and provides regular reporting and analysis to senior leadership. The Senior Advisor drafts high-quality press releases, statements, Q&As, op-eds, and executive messaging, and serves as an advisor to leadership and internal stakeholders on media engagement and reputational considerations. An excellent communicator, the Senior Advisor coordinates with the Media and Issues Relations Leads at the other health agencies and partner organizations to ensure alignment of messaging and collaborates with internal teams to ensure consistent messaging and alignment. Additionally, they will train and support executives and subject matter experts in media preparedness and issues response.

The successful candidate possesses a bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Political Science, or a related field; and brings over ten (10) years of experience in media relations, public affairs, or corporate communications, with a proven track record in managing high-stakes media interactions and reputation-sensitive issues.

The successful candidate possesses a strong network of media contacts and a deep understanding of the media landscape. Known for excellent written and verbal communication skills, they craft compelling, accurate content under tight deadlines. A strategic thinker with sound judgment and a calm, solutions-oriented approach under pressure, they have experience working with, and providing sound advice to, senior leaders. They are well-versed in media monitoring and analytics tools and demonstrate strong knowledge of social media dynamics and digital-first strategies. A combination of qualifications and experience may be considered.

Experience in healthcare or public sector is a strong asset.