Communications Officer

Communications Officer
PASS Grade 5 $ 84, 428 to $95, 024
A bout the Board
The Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board (HWDSB) is committed to learning, equity, engagement and innovation. We are guided by our vision, Growing Together, the mission that every student experiences a sense of belonging and engages in dynamic learning to reach their potential and build their own future, and our values of Compassion, Dignity, Trust, and Joy to guide our daily work and ensure that we honour the unique identities and needs of all. Proudly serving a community of approximately 50,000 students in the City of Hamilton and surrounding area, HWDSB operates across 80 elementary schools, 13 secondary schools and 1 Adult Learning Centre, in addition to providing support and service to approximately 8,800 staff members.
Staff Wellness
At HWDSB, staff wellness is a priority. We are committed to co-creating and fostering an environment where staff feel safe, valued, and supported. We are continuously striving to support the needs of our diverse community and actively work to foster and maintain a culture of human rights.
Our holistic Staff Wellness program has been designed to support employee’s well-being in all dimensions of health. As one part of this comprehensive program, all staff as well as their dependents have access to free and confidential supports through our Employee and Family Assistance Provider (EFAP), in addition to many other program components.
About the Role
Reporting to the Senior Manager of Communications and Community Engagement, the incumbent will plan and implement communications strategies and execute associated tactics that strengthen relationships between HWDSB and the students, staff, families, and communities it serves. These strategies are developed and implemented reflecting HWDSB’s commitment to Human Rights, Equity and Well-Being.
**Duties include but are not limited to**:
Strategic Planning and Counsel
Assist school administrators, department staff, Executive Council, and the Board of Trustees to achieve the outcomes of the Multi-Year Strategic Plan and Board Improvement Plan by determining effective communication strategies that support the work of the Board, reach appropriate audience segments, disseminate information across appropriate channels efficiently, and provide the communities HWDSB serves with timely, accurate and relevant information.
Writing and Editing
Produce digital and print materials using superior research, writing, editing, and publishing skills. Examples include - but are not limited to - news releases; newsletters for employees and external audiences; correspondence; speeches; brochures; scripts; institutional advertisements; social media posts; briefing notes; key messages; and other materials.
Digital and Print Content
Responsible for planning, developing, implementing, and maintaining Internet and intranet page which includes - but is not limited to - design, publishing, and content standards, ensuring compliance with AODA guidelines and communications best practices.
Review and approve digital and print content maintaining brand consistency, quality, and accuracy.
Provide expertise and advice to colleagues and internal clients on how best to use digital channels and communicate with diverse audiences - both internal and external.
Issues and Crisis Management
Anticipate, identify, evaluate and respond to issues and trends that potentially affect the organization’s relationship with the HWDSB students, staff, families and community.
Support the organization when responding to relevant situations that may impact HWDSB communities.
Media Relations and Storytelling
Respond to - and liaise with - media to highlight relevant and positive HWDSB news; this may also include supporting HWDSB leaders with interviews and speaking engagements.
Attend events to share content across HWDSB owned digital platforms (e.g. social media, blog posts, intranet and more).
System-Wide Collaboration and Knowledge Exchange
Support HWDSB and contribute to a positive culture reflective of the organizational values - dignity, trust, joy, and compassion.
Help staff to understand communication standards and practices while also being an actively engaged member of cross-functional teams and committees.

**Qualifications**:
Minimum of five to seven years of progressive experience in the field of communications.
Commitment and accountability to human rights, equity, reconciliation, anti-racism and anti-oppression using responsive strategic communications and community engagement approaches.
Completion of a Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, English, Marketing or related post-graduation certificate with equivalent experience.
Proactive and reactive media relations with expertise with experience
Experience in writing and editing for senior leaders and other representatives for an established brand or organization with diverse and engaged audiences.
Experience in i