POSITION:  Communications Officer

LOCATION:  Mount St. Joseph Catholic Education Centre, 90 Ontario Avenue, Sault Ste. Marie, ON

REPORTS TO:  Director of Education

ANTICIPATED START DATE:  March 2024 (start date to be agreed upon with successful applicant)

SALARY RANGE:  Non-Union, Level C, 12-month grid ($72,217 – $79,077 annually)

The Communications Officer is responsible for the development and implementation of an internal and external communications plan that reflects and promotes the Board’s Vision and Strategic Priorities, and for ensuring that the board provides proactive, responsive, open, transparent, and two-way communication with students, parents, staff, trustees, parishes, media, provincial partners and community members.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Supports the ongoing communication and implementation of the board’s Multi-Year Strategic Plan.
• Utilizes internal and external information sources (e.g. news releases and media relations) to inform the board’s key audiences about relevant events and activities, policies, positions and responses to issues affecting the board.
• Acts as a board spokesperson, providing timely and accurate responses to the media on a variety of topics.
• Assists the Director of Education, Senior Admin. team and appropriate board staff in preparing for media interviews.
• Develops, recommends, plans, and implements marketing and advertising initiatives to promote the board, schools, and various programs and services.
• Implements a strategic program to increase student recruitment and retention.
• Produces a variety of internal and external publications and multimedia supports (e.g. newsletters, media releases, reports, videos, brochures, Director’s Annual Report, etc.) that reflect the board’s Vision and Strategic Plan.
• Acts as a liaison between the board and the media and maintains positive relations to facilitate accurate promotion of board views, policies, positions, philosophies, and good news stories about Catholic education.
• Manages social media tools for the board such as Facebook and Instagram and identifies and implements opportunities for social media campaigns. Works with school communities to ensure safe, effective and appropriate use of social media. Monitors comments and questions across channels and acts swiftly and appropriately in response. Reviews monthly stats, analyzes data and creates reports related to activity and engagement.
• Ensures the board remains adaptive to emerging trends and technologies in the social media environment while using the most appropriate social media tools and technologies to enhance communication and learning.
• Oversees Records and Information Management – the development and maintenance of a program of records and information management that ensures efficient, effective and economical organization, storage, retrieval, and disposition of records and information in compliance with applicable legislative and operational requirements. 
• Oversees the development, design and maintenance of school websites and the board’s corporate website. 
• Develops and maintains directional policies and administrative procedures in the areas of Communications and Records and Information Management.
• Provides ongoing professional learning for board staff related to communications, Freedom of Information, etc.
• Attends regular board meetings and standing/special advisory committee meetings.
• Plans, coordinates and attends special events held by the board (i.e. school anniversaries, sod turnings, blessings, system-wide events, Catholic School Leadership awards, etc.).
• Promotes these events through social media and other communication tools.

QUALIFICATIONS/SKILLS REQUIRED:

• 3-5 years of experience in a progressively responsible Communications position.
• A graduate of a recognized university with a degree in Communications, Public Relations, or a related field.
• An APR Designation is an asset.
• Experience as a media spokesperson and ability to develop and implement quick responses to critical issues.
• A strong working knowledge of graphic design of communication layouts, posters, brochures, etc.
• Must have a high level of tact, discretion, and good judgment.
• Exceptional writing, editing skills and presentation skills.
• Strong interpersonal and customer service skills.
• Proficiency with MS Office, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Strong computer skills including advanced proficiency in social media applications and Canva.
• Exceptional organizational, time management and multitasking skills.
• Knowledge of the Catholic faith and ability to articulate it accurately with pastoral compassion aligning with Gospel values.
• Familiar with the Catholic Graduate Expectations, Catholic Social Teachings and Gospel values.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality in all aspects of the work.
• Valid driver’s license, insurance and access to a vehicle.
• Criminal Background Check suitable to the board is a condition of employment.

HOW TO APPLY:  Interested applicants are asked to submit a cover letter and resume via email to job.applications@hscdsb.on.ca by February 16, 2024 at 4:00 pm.  Please include the position title in the subject line of your email to ensure your consideration for this position.

THIS BOARD IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER:  In compliance with the Ontario with Disabilities Act and the Ontario Human Rights Code, the Huron-Superior Catholic District School Board is committed to providing accommodations to persons with disabilities.  The Board will take into account the person’s ability to access information and will provide the information contained in Board-produced public documents in a format that meets those needs as agreed upon with the person.  Please contact the Human Resources Department at 705-945-5610 prior to the posting closing date so that appropriate arrangement can be made.