Manager, Internal Communications

About Durham Community Health Centre (DCHC)

Durham Community Health Centre is a registered charity delivering accessible, community-based primary care, wellness, and health education tailored to marginalized groups. Serving diverse populations including Indigenous peoples, Black communities, 2SLGBTQI+ individuals, newcomers, seniors, and those without family doctors, DCHC integrates clinical care with wellness supports in an interprofessional environment.

Currently, DCHC is undergoing a strategic expansion to broaden its impact guided by a new 2026-2031 Strategic Plan focused on equity and community needs.

Position Overview

The newly created role of Manager, Internal Communications is key in crafting and executing strategic communication initiatives that foster a high-performing, inclusive culture and advance the organization's strategic aims. Reporting to the Interim Associate Vice President of Development, Communications and Fundraising, this role leads an internal communications team in delivering plans that enhance employee, volunteer, client, and family engagement aligned with organizational priorities.

Core Responsibilities

• Design and manage an annual internal communications strategy synchronized with organizational goals, employee wellness, and change management.
• Develop executive-level communications including speeches and presentations supporting senior leaders.
• Advise leadership on transparent and effective messaging that builds understanding and alignment.
• Drive employee engagement through storytelling, events coordination, and initiatives that foster collaboration and community connection.
• Lead volunteer communications aimed at recruitment, retention, recognition, and alignment with DCHC priorities.
• Create client and family communications that are accessible, culturally sensitive, and support informed health decisions.
• Develop engaging content for internal channels and ensure consistent messaging across departments.
• Support management with communication training, toolkits, and messaging templates.
• Measure and evaluate internal communication effectiveness through KPIs and feedback, reporting outcomes to leadership and the Board.

Required Competencies and Skills

• Outstanding written and verbal communication and storytelling skills tailored for diverse audiences and channels.
• Strong strategic and analytical thinking, along with problem-solving capabilities.
• Ability to influence and cultivate trusted partnerships within complex organizations.
• Experienced in facilitation, networking, project management, and managing multiple priorities.
• Collaborative approach with sound judgment suitable for dynamic healthcare settings.
• Knowledge of best practices in employee engagement, communications, and change management.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, or related fields.
• At least 3 to 5 years of progressively responsible internal or employee communications experience, preferably in healthcare or public sector.
• Proven success in developing internal communications strategies that promote engagement and business goals.
• Competency in translating complex healthcare and policy information into clear communications.
• Experience supporting executive communication and engagement efforts.
• Demonstrated commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and integrating these principles into communications.
• Knowledge of brand management and adherence to organizational messaging standards.
• Familiarity with the Ontario healthcare system and community health services is advantageous.

Additional Information

• Permanent full-time position with 35 hours per week, Monday to Friday, occasional limited evenings and weekends.
• Salary range: $85,000 to $93,000 based on experience, plus group benefits and pension plan (HOOPP).
• Primary work location is Oshawa with some flexibility to work at other DCHC sites.
• COVID-19 vaccination is mandatory, with accommodations as required by law.
• DCHC values diversity and inclusion, encouraging applications from underrepresented communities.
• Applicants must meet pre-employment requirements including criminal background checks.
• Application deadline for internal candidates is July 22, 2026; external candidates encouraged to apply as well.

Contact and Accessibility

DCHC is committed to an inclusive and accessible workplace. Applicants with accessibility needs can contact the Talent and Culture team for accommodations.