Communications Role in Healthcare and Sports

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What was a primary focus of the candidate's role at the Ontario Hockey Federation (OHF)?

Directly managing the communications for all local clubs and teams.

Developing advertising campaigns to attract new players and families.

Coordinating messaging from Hockey Canada to member partners and the community. (correct)

Managing financial accounts for the organization.

Which of the following best describes the scope of the candidate's communications role at the Wellington Catholic District School Board?

Managing all aspects of communication, including media relations, strategic planning and internal/external messaging. (correct)

Solely handling internal communications and newsletters for staff and faculty.

Primarily focused on media relations and managing external communications.

Limited to managing social media accounts and the school board's website.

What aspect of their job at the Wellington Catholic District School Board does the candidate find most rewarding?

Managing crisis situations and finding good news stories. (correct)

Collaborating with community partners, including police and public health.

Developing new internal communication structures throughout the board.

Working closely with the board director on high level planning and strategy

What specific initiative did the candidate help develop and implement at the OHF in collaboration with Hockey Canada?

The player pathway roll out. (B) Signup and view all the answers

How did the candidate's personal experience relate to their interest in the role at KHSC?

A family member had received care at KHSC, which positively impacted their family. (A) Signup and view all the answers

The candidate's background includes working as a reporter for what type of news publication?

A weekly community newspaper. (B) Signup and view all the answers

According to the candidate, what is a critical function of their current role?

Ensuring that all staff members feel supported (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is one potential goal of the candidate's work at KHSC if they were hired?

To help recruit talented staff and celebrate existing team members. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of sharing information about the hospital, according to the provided context?

To increase public awareness and support for the hospital. (D) Signup and view all the answers

How does the individual describe their approach to communicating complex healthcare topics?

By utilizing their experience as a news reporter to reach diverse audiences. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the individual's approach to staying updated on healthcare communication trends and practices?

Implementing strategies, staying updated on ministry trends, and using tools like Google Alerts. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What does the individual say about their ability to adapt to working in healthcare communications?

They foresee a smooth transition to healthcare communications, similar to their past pivot from sports to education. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to 'amplify' the good things happening at the hospital?

To increase public awareness, support, and resources such as staff and funding. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the candidate's approach to developing a communications plan?

They begin with background research and needs assessment, then formulate goals, strategy, and tactics. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Based on their experience, what is one type of communication content that the candidate does not create?

Internal memos. (A) Signup and view all the answers

According to the candidate, what is essential for aligning communication strategies with an organization's goals?

Ensuring that the organization's goals serve as the foundation for all communications strategies. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the candidate's approach to handling communication materials?

They both create the graphics themselves, using systems like Canva, and instruct specialized staff. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the main focuses of the candidate's approach when sharing patient stories?

To reinforce caring for patients and families through everyday actions. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What was the main communication challenge the candidate faced when implementing the 'player pathways' initiative?

Addressing concerns from parents who wanted full ice for their children at younger ages. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What does the candidate emphasize as a crucial element when sharing stories with the public?

Ensuring they are shared in a way that is compassionate, respectful, and reflects dignity. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What does the candidate consider as their core strength related to generating content?

Finding interesting and newsworthy material. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the KHSC’s focus, according to the candidate?

A hospital focused on patient care achieved through everyday actions, significant moments and break throughs. (D) Signup and view all the answers

According to the candidate, how does KHSC approach patient care?

Through caring for patients and families through everyday actions, significant moments and break thoughts. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Beyond content creation, what other significant responsibility does the candidate hold?

They act as the spokesperson for the organization, developing and delivering communication strategies. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of the communication process does the candidate emphasize, based on their experience?

Ensuring all communication is viewed through a potential story lens. (B) Signup and view all the answers

How does the candidate ensure their skills remain up-to-date in the communications field?

They are completing a professional certificate in PR and communications. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What approach does the candidate take when working with staff on communications?

They work closely with staff at all levels to ensure they are comfortable with communications in their own environments. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What does the candidate mention about their approach to working with senior leadership and the board?

They have a good working relationship, where they are a direct point of contact for any communication issues. (C) Signup and view all the answers

When faced with a public relations challenge, what is the initial step recommended?

Conduct a fact-finding mission to understand the situation. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus when tailoring messaging for different audiences?

Adapting the message to suit the intended recipient. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is an effective method for discovering newsworthy content in a healthcare setting?

Actively engaging and building relationships with different people. (B) Signup and view all the answers

When mediating between stakeholders with conflicting priorities, what strategy is essential?

Focusing on what is feasible and which stakeholders to involve. (B) Signup and view all the answers

How is buy-in achieved from both leadership and staff for new communication plans?

By making those involved in the process. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the next step after establishing a consistent voice and image for an organization's digital presence?

Ensuring that the online presence is a valid and genuine reflection of the organization. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What role did social media play in the successful kindergarten registration campaign?

It was integrated to provide a digital communication plan and help boost numbers. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which metric is specifically used to measure the success of the kindergarten registration campaign?

The total number of new registrants. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What tools are used for managing multiple priorities simultaneously?

A combination of a calendar, sticky notes and phone reminders. (C) Signup and view all the answers

How was communication handled during the high-pressure situation involving a school shooting and bomb threat?

Messaging was drafted and sent to parents based on real-time information provided by school authorities. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is a key challenge regarding funding in the education sector?

The process of obtaining funding tends to be slow and cumbersome. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What notable accomplishment was achieved to improve the school board's online presence before the new school year?

Old school websites were redesigned, launched with all training completed. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which issues is identified as a challenge in healthcare communications today?

Healthcare worker shortages and resulting burnout. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the suggested approach to address burnout of health professionals?

To help lift spirits and motivate the workforce. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which experience from their background helped to inform their approach to content creation?

Newsroom experience. (C) Signup and view all the answers

When advising senior leaders on communication strategies regarding discretionary spending, what was the initial step?

Assessing if there were any potential issues or red flags related to spending. (C) Signup and view all the answers

How did the communications lead respond to the initial media request for discretionary spending information?

Shared that all trustee and executive team spending is available on the board website. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What was a consequence of another board not readily providing discretionary spending information?

The media had to submit an FOI request, which took longer and led to more scrutiny. (A) Signup and view all the answers

How did an interview by a different school board director impact their public image, regarding staff sick days?

It created tension with staff and unions due to the director's comments. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What was the communications lead's advice regarding the board's increasing costs of sick days?

Frame the increase as a percentage of the total budget, and emphasize support to staff wellbeing. (B) Signup and view all the answers

In the teacher leaving a student outside incident, why did the media want to film at the school?

To have visuals of the location of the incident and to film the director and principal. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What was the communications lead's approach to dealing with the media wanting to film at the school in the teacher incident?

They allowed them to film outside of the school, but not on school grounds with cameras, while no one was authorized to comment. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What communications strategy was used for the teacher incident?

Releasing a statement to acknowledge the situation and apologize, while promising changes. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Why did the communications lead encourage speaking to the media about the 7-12 school?

To control the narrative instead of responding to parent's allegations. (C) Signup and view all the answers

How did the communications lead support the director of the 7-12 school media interview?

By preparing notes for the director, and sitting in on the interview. (A) Signup and view all the answers

How does the communications lead balance transparency and reputational protection?

By recognizing the need for transparency while carefully managing the information shared. (A) Signup and view all the answers

According to the provided text, what does transparency mean for a public institution?

Sharing information according to ministry guidelines. (D) Signup and view all the answers

According to the communications lead, what is a key factor in protecting the board's reputation during crisis communications with vulnerable populations?

Not disclosing information if it is harmful or damaging. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of connecting communication strategies to student success, staff success, and successful systems of support?

To ensure communication strategies are effective and aligned with the educational goals. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What was the purpose of the communications lead establishing a relationship with the news reporter Heather?

To communicate with each other informally about board issues. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Interview Questions & Answers - Study Notes

General Questions:
- "Tell us about yourself and your background in strategic communications." Experience includes comms manager (Ontario Hockey Federation), reporter (community newspaper), communications & community engagement lead (Wellington Catholic District School Board). Responsibilities encompassed internal/external comms, messaging coordination, strategic planning, crisis management, media relations, and special event planning.
- "What interests you about this role at KHSC?" Strong belief in KHSC's mission and the impact/care it delivers (personal experience with family member). Drawn to the opportunity to support staff/recruitment, celebrate staff, and contribute to KHSC's growth.
- "How does your experience align with the responsibilities of this position?" Extensive experience in comms planning/implementation, content creation, execution of strategic comms, and crisis/contentious issue management. Current role includes senior leadership collaboration and communication. Examples include projects relating to senior expenses, attendance reviews, Powerschool data breaches, and developing comms plans (including kindergarten registration). Has strong media relations, is comfortable with research, and works to create insightful and engaging content for a range of audiences. Holds a professional certificate in PR & comms.
- "What do you know about KHSC and its mission?" KHSC is a southeastern Ontario hospital providing acute and specialty care, research, and teaching. Serves 6500+ staff, 2000 students, and 1000 volunteers. Their mission focuses on care for patients and families across everyday, significant moments, and breaks through. This centres around partnership, discovery, learning toward improving community health while transforming health care systems.

Strategic Communications & Planning

"Walk us through your process for developing a strategic communications plan." Research, understanding the need, defining goals/objectives, crafting strategy/tactics, establishing a timeline/budget, and implementing measurement/evaluation.
"Describe a time when you managed a communications strategy for a large-scale change initiative." Led the implementation of the Hockey Canada player pathway nationally, then supported Ontario associations. Successful execution—wide awareness and positive feedback, but challenges with some parents of advanced players.
"How do you ensure alignment between communication strategies and an organization's overall goals?" Align all communication strategies with the organization's overall goals; for instance, WCDSB's focus is student/staff success and the effective systems supporting both.
"Have you ever had to advise senior leaders on communication strategies? How did you approach it?" Example involving WCDSB's response to scrutiny surrounding discretionary spending. Prepared proactively, used available resources/transparency in data to counter potential issues, worked collaboratively with senior leadership to address concerns and direct appropriate messaging to external/internal stakeholders.

Crisis Communications & Contentious Issues

"Give an example of a crisis or contentious issue you handled." Example: handled a contentious situation that involved a teacher and a parent, maintaining neutrality as per existing field trip policy, and managing external media requests following guidelines. Other example: handling negative media coverage about moving a school to a 7-12 setup by proactively working with the media to guide the narrative through surveys.
"How do you balance transparency and reputational protection in crisis communications?" Maintain transparency as a public institution but navigate sensitive situations strategically- knowing what to disclose and protect reputation without hiding truths.
"What steps would you take if KHSC faced a public relations challenge or negative media coverage?" Gather facts, analyze/reimagine the situation. If uncontestable: Acknowledge/apologize and focus on positive change. If debatable: craft/manage messaging appropriately.

Content Development & Writing

"This role requires writing for multiple platforms. Share an example of content you created that had a significant impact." Creating news stories to spotlight programs or groups in your community has proven impactful. Examples for school board robotics team, donations, etc.
"How do you tailor your messaging for different audiences?" Adapt messaging for various audiences (internal staff vs. external stakeholders).
"What strategies do you use to find engaging and newsworthy content in a healthcare setting?" Network with people, seek out interesting and timely news from diverse sources (newsletters, social media, school conferences, partnerships, etc).

Stakeholder Engagement & Collaboration

"How do you collaborate with different departments and external stakeholders? Work with program leads/executive team to ensure all communication adheres to WCDSB brand.
"Describe a time when you had to mediate between different stakeholders." Example handling competing priorities/needs/desires on sustainable initiatives.
"What strategies do you use to gain buy-in?" Involve stakeholders in the process; focus on collaboration, buy in is better generated through engagement rather than dictating ideas.

"How do you approach managing an organization's digital presence?" Establish a consistent voice and image, align with brand and site.
"Share an example of a successful digital communication campaign." Ran Kindergarten registration using multiple platforms (website, social media); showed success in comparison to other catholic schools.
"What metrics do you use to measure the success of a communication strategy?" Analyze based on specific strategy, looking at registrant numbers (for example - kindergarten); engagement (social media campaigns); and website traffic.

Time Management & Prioritization

"How do you manage competing deadlines?" Use calendars, sticky notes, reminders to stay organized.
"Describe a time when you had to work under pressure." Examples include school shooting/bomb-threat which involved communication with parents and then a larger project of updating WCDSB websites - successfully navigating deadlines and pressures.

Health Care Communications Knowledge

"What do you see as the biggest challenges in healthcare communications today?" Labor shortages and staff burnout are main challenges.
"How would you communicate complex healthcare topics?" Leverage communication skills in a clear, concise, respectful, and compassionate tone (newsroom experience helped).
"How do you stay updated?" Subscribe to publications, look for trends through google alerts, utilize all different resources in the industry, keep updated with ministry information.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

This quiz explores the candidate's experiences and roles in communications within both the Ontario Hockey Federation and the Wellington Catholic District School Board. It delves into their initiatives, goals, and personal motivations relating to healthcare communications and sports.