Communications Officer

The Durham Catholic District School Board is located just east of Toronto and is renowned for providing comprehensive Catholic education to over 25,000 students in 38 elementary schools, 7 secondary schools, and 7 continuing and alternative education centers throughout Durham Region.

**POSITION**: Communications Officer

**LOCATION**: Catholic Education Centre, Office of the Director. 650 Rossland Road West, Oshawa ON, L1J 7C4

**HOURS OF WORK**: Monday to Friday, 8:15 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

**SALARY**: Management/Administrative A3 ($80,260 - $92,913)

**START DATE**: To be determined

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

Work with the Communications Services team to plan, implement and deliver marketing and communications strategies.

Produce and edit content for communication channels and communication materials that reflect DCDSB’s brand.

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.

Support the development of key messages for the management of contentious and sensitive issues.

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.

Communications lead for system-level departments as assigned.

Implement internal and external communications and branding strategies.

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.

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.

Act as a member of the emergency/crisis response team as required.

Represent DCDSB on internal and external committees/events.

Assist with other projects and initiatives as required.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Experience

5+ years of experience in communications, media relations or public relations.

Demonstrated experience in producing high quality communication plans, strategies and materials.

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.

Possess an understanding of privacy protection and ability to maintain strict confidentiality due to access to sensitive and confidential information.

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.

Experience writing, editing, and distributing media releases and advisories.

Experience coordinating media attendance and/or interviews for Board spokespeople with media.

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.

Other Qualifications

Experience in the development and execution of social media plans is considered an asset.

Knowledge of basic video/digital photography techniques, composition and editing is an asset.

Experience with graphic design and/or video editing is considered an asset.

The incumbent must be available to work some evenings and/or weekends as required.

Clean driver’s abstract and valid driver’s license.

Criminal background check suitable to the Board is a condition of employment.