As a research centre of the Providence Health Care Research Institute and a University of British Columbia Faculty of Medicine Centre, the BCCSU is at the forefront of substance use research, education, and care. We are committed to advancing substance use policies and care in BC by translating research into education and evidence-based care guidance. By supporting the collaborative development of evidence-based policies, guidelines and standards, BCCSU seeks to improve the integration of best practices and care across the continuum of substance use.
  
Join the BC Centre for Substance Use (BCCSU) as a Public Engagement Leader and play a pivotal role in shaping community engagement and communication within the Road to Recovery Initiative (R2RI). Reporting to the Director of Communications and Community Engagement as well as the Road to Recovery Project Director, and collaborating closely with Providence Health Care and Vancouver Coastal Health, you will lead the design, implementation, and evaluation of innovative engagement strategies that amplify the impact of vital substance use programs. Your expertise in public and digital engagement will drive meaningful connections with diverse communities, supporting health system strategies that elevate awareness and participation. As a trusted advisor and mentor, you will empower teams to foster culturally safe and inclusive environments, ensuring that every voice is heard and valued.

We are seeking a dynamic leader, with 5–7 years of specialized experience in public or community engagement, ideally with a background in substance use or related fields. Your strong project management skills and ability to navigate complex partnerships will enable you to deliver compelling communications plans, augment existing engagement practices, and develop consultative partnerships with collaborators with vested interest. If you’re passionate about leveraging leading-edge engagement practices, building trust within communities, and contributing to transformative health initiatives, this is your opportunity to make a lasting difference at BCCSU. Bring your vision, expertise, and dedication to a role where your impact will resonate across health systems and communities alike.

Note: This is a temporary full-time, 1 year position. 

Deadline to Apply: Wednesday, September 24th at 12:00 PM PST
To learn more about the BCCSU and the R2R Initiative, please visit us on PHC - R2R Initiative as well as BCCSU - R2R. 

Education, Training and Experience:

• Bachelor’s Degree in a related field, such as community engagement, development or communications/marketing, supplemented by a minimum of five (5) to seven (7) years’ experience in a role specializing in public/community engagement and consultation.
• Certification from the International Association of Public Participation (IAP2) is considered an asset.
• Specific experience in working in substance use or a related field is an asset.

Skills and Abilities:

• Demonstrated project management skills and ability to manage multiple projects.
• Successfully incorporate leading-edge public engagement and communication practices, including digital engagement strategies.
• Diplomatically navigate complex organizational and system dynamics involving multiple partners.
• Meaningfully engage community organizations and services, demonstrating knowledge and understanding of socio-economic determinants of health.
• Demonstrated effective communication, presentation and facilitation skills.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively develop and execute communications plans to build awareness of projects/programs
• Demonstrated ability to work with researchers and evaluators to communicate findings to target auidences
• Strong writing skills.
• Extensive community and organizational development skills.
• Builds credibility, understanding and trust in the external community to assist BCCSU to meet its strategic directions.
• Demonstrated ability to build cooperative and consultative partnerships with senior staff.
• Demonstrated ability to independently determine appropriate levels of engagement with internal and external parties while ensuring senior staff informed simultaneously.
• Demonstrated computer literacy and word processing skills.
• Physical ability to perform the duties of the position.

• A competitive salary: The hiring range for this position is $88,990-$111,237, depending on experience.
• Growth opportunities: We welcome individuals at all stages of their career, offering opportunities for professional development and growth.
• State-of-the-art facilities:  The new St. Paul’s Hospital and health campus will be the most innovative approach to the delivery of integrated care in B.C. and Canada, designed to appropriately address the future health needs of patients, families, and our communities. From hospital care to primary and community health solutions, the new St. Paul’s Hospital and health campus will continue to lead innovations in care, research, and teaching. The new St. Paul’s Hospital is expected to open in 2027.
• Inclusive culture: We respect the diversity, dignity and interdependence of all persons. We value the cultural richness that our diverse workforce brings to the care of our equally diverse population of patients and residents.
• Hybrid work opportunity.
• Meaningful impact: Your dedication and expertise will directly impact the lives of individuals on the continuum of substance use. 
•  A comprehensive health benefits package including health, dental and vision coverage.

Your Day to Day:
Reporting into the BC Centre for Substance Use (BCCSU), Director, Communications and Community Engagement with matrixed reporting into Providence Health Care, Road to Recovery (R2R) Project Director, the Public Engagement Leader works within the Road to Recovery Initiative (R2RI) team and other BCCSU, PHC and Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) program areas to enhance and promote community engagement and communication. The Leader is responsible for overseeing the design, implementation and evaluation of R2RI community engagement and communication activities, such as public engagement and communication to support organization and program strategy, as well as the development of digital engagement strategies to augment existing engagement practices.

The Leader supports predominantly external engagement initiatives and drives internal business improvement initiatives, as needed. They provide advice to the R2RI team and assist the program by supporting, coaching, developing and mentoring staff as it relates to community engagement and communication activities. Plays an active role in fostering a culturally and psychologically safe environment. The Leader works primarily with R2RI team as a resource for planning teams and organizational leaders in developing engagement strategies to support a health systems strategy for between awareness and engagement of the R2R initiative.

1.Leads and executes the development of a communications and engagement strategy (in partnership with PHC/VCH/MOH) for R2R.
2.Develops and executes a strategy to enhance communications of research and evaluation findings of R2R.
3.Supports donor/partners/non-patient community relations.
4.Leads strategic program development, design, implementation and reporting on engagement projects with the public/community.
5.Proactively identifies opportunities for R2RI patient and public engagement in planning and decision-making within the health authority.
6.Works collaboratively with R2RI team members by providing strategic and tactical guidance, relationship management support and addressing issues / challenges on files, as needed.
7.Collaborates with the R2R and BCCSU patient and family advisory committee.
8.Represents the R2RI team on internal and external working groups.
9.Conducts monitoring and evaluation of community engagement activities.
10.Develops and presents written and oral reports on community engagement processes and recommendations.
11.Acts as a resource to R2RI staff by coaching, guiding and mentoring staff where appropriate.
12.Designs, implements and reports on consultations with members of the public.
13.Performs other related duties as assigned.

Who We Are:

Providence Health Care is one of the largest faith-based health care organizations in Canada. For the people at Providence, living our Mission, Vision and Values means providing British Columbians with compassionate, socially just, exceptional and innovative care every day.

From our humble roots 129 years ago, Providence has grown into globally renowned research, teaching, and care organization. As individuals within a mission-driven organization, we choose to be part of Providence Health Care because we value the organization’s long commitment to social justice and compassionate care, and its commitment to the process of Truth and Reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples.