Communications Officer Jobs

The Durham Catholic District School Board invites applications from qualified candidates interested in the following position:

Position: Communications Officer

Location: Catholic Education Centre, 650 Rossland Road West, Oshawa, ON L1J 7C4

Rate of Pay: Management/Administrative S3 ($80,260 - $92,913)

Working Hours: 8:15 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (Monday to Friday)

Start Date: To be determined.

Interested applicants are invited to submit a cover letter and resume by email to [email protected] on or before Friday, June 23, 2023 by 4:00 p.m. Please add “Communications Officer” in the email subject line.

Position Summary:

The Communications Officer will work in collaboration with members of the Communications Services department, Board departments and/or managers to advise on, and resolve, communications challenges, and to support DCDSB brand, goals, policies, and strategic plan. The Communications Officer will deliver communications plans and solutions for various initiatives and issues, and will guide schools and staff in responding to and resolving concerns. In addition, the Communications Officer will attend and report on events and work in partnership with departments to promote Board-wide initiatives on digital and print channels.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Research and write letters, web copy, briefing notes, speeches, news releases, key messages, and/or media statements to assist schools, departments, Board committees and/or elected officials in communicating with internal and external audiences.
• Support the development of key messages for the management of contentious and sensitive issues.
• Implement internal and external communications and branding strategies.
• Act as a member of the emergency/crisis response team as required.
• Assist with other projects and initiatives as required.
• Communications lead for system-level departments as assigned.
• Produce high-quality communications materials linked to the Board’s Multi-Year Strategic Plan and advance the Vision, Mission and Values of the DCDSB.
• Monitor, measure, and report on the effectiveness of communications initiatives and programs; track metrics and look for trends in data to guide communications strategies.
• Represent DCDSB on internal and external committees/events.
• Produce and edit content for communication channels and communication materials that reflect DCDSB’s brand.
• Prepare public relations/media relations materials including key messages, Q&As, press releases, backgrounders, etc.
• Ensure brand and accessibility standards are met in all publications, materials, and communications.
• Work with the Senior Manager, Communications Services in providing strategic communications advice to the Director of Education, senior staff, school administrators, and managers in resolving communications challenges.
• Work with the Communications Services team to plan, implement and deliver marketing and communications strategies.

Qualifications:

Education

• The successful candidate should have a university degree or college diploma in Communications, Marketing, Journalism, or Public Relations. Candidates with an equivalent combination of education and related work experience will be considered.

Experience

• Demonstrated experience in producing high quality communication plans, strategies and materials.
• Have knowledge and experience with Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA).
• Possess strong project management and organizational skills, and the ability to work under pressure, managing multiple priorities and tight deadlines.
• Have strong interpersonal skills with the ability to consult and collaborate with staff, students, families, community partners, elected officials, clergy, parishes, media and the general public.
• Experience monitoring and tracking communications plans, materials and strategies.
• Possess strong computer skills and have experience using Microsoft Office, Adobe Acrobat Pro, PowerPoint, etc.
• Possess an understanding of privacy protection and ability to maintain strict confidentiality due to access to sensitive and confidential information.
• Experience coordinating media attendance and/or interviews for Board spokespeople with media.
• Experience writing, editing, and distributing media releases and advisories.
• Experience in writing/editing internal and external communications pieces ensuring adherence to brand standards and Canadian Press (CP) guidelines.
• Experience in writing for web, electronic and print media.
• 5+ years of experience in communications, media relations or public relations.

Other Qualifications

• The incumbent must be available to work some evenings and/or weekends as required.
• Experience with graphic design and/or video editing is considered an asset.
• Knowledge of basic video/digital photography techniques, composition and editing is an asset.
• Criminal background check suitable to the Board is a condition of employment.
• Experience in the development and execution of social media plans is considered an asset.
• Clean driver’s abstract and valid driver’s license.

At DCDSB, fostering a culture of inclusion is a fundamental imperative. Acknowledging the diversity of our students, staff and community and ensuring that every member of our inclusive community is a valued contributor is a foundational pillar to our mission. The DCDSB invites and encourages applications from all qualified individuals, including those from groups that are traditionally underrepresented in employment, and candidates who self-identify as a member of a racialized/marginalized community, who may enhance equity and representation in our workforce.

Pursuant to the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (AODA), if you require accommodation at any time throughout the application process, please contact Eric Publow, Human Resource Consultant at [email protected] prior to the posting closing date so that accommodations can be made.