Communications Officer

BLACK GOLD SCHOOL DIVISION

Black Gold School Division is dedicated to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace. BGSD celebrates and welcomes the diversity of all employees, stakeholders, and external personnel.

Communications Officer ~ Full-time, Permanent Position

Division Office – Nisku, AB

Competition #25/26-57

Reporting directly to the Superintendent of Schools, the Communications Officer will work collaboratively with the Board of Trustees, Executive Staff, as well as cross departmentally in the Division with various levels of staff in all Black Gold School Division to provide counsel and strategic communication direction and support. The Communications Officer provides expert guidance to the Superintendent, Trustees, Executive Team, and school leaders, while also being a trusted voice for internal culture and external relations. This role ensures consistent messaging, transparent engagement, and crisis responsiveness across all departments and schools.

Responsibilities:

The Communications Officer strategically leads division-wide communication strategy and execution for Black Gold School Division.

1. Strategic Planning & Brand Leadership

• Develop and implement an annual communications plan aligned with Division priorities.
• Conduct environmental scans to identify key issues in public education.
• Maintain a consistent and inclusive brand identity across all platforms.

2. Internal Communications

• Design and manage internal newsletters, videos, updates, and recognition campaigns.
• Maintain and enhance the "Communications Corner" and internal portals.
• Collaborate across departments (e.g., HR, Learning Services) to support internal initiatives.

3. External Communications

• Lead all public-facing communication including newsletters, campaigns, web, and social media.
• Coordinate Division- and Board-wide special events and public ceremonies.
• Create inclusive, accessible, and timely messaging to families and communities.
• Support and assist in the planning of community engagement plans such as; Annual Community Engagement Event (ACE)

4. Media Relations & Public Affairs

• Serve as the media advisor for the Division.
• Draft press releases, statements, and key messages; respond to media inquiries.
• Maintain and grow relationships with local, provincial, and national media.

5. Crisis Communication & Risk Management

• Act as the Hour Zero Information Officer and lead real-time response messaging.
• Maintain Division crisis communications protocols.
• Ensure coordinated communication during emergencies (e.g., lockdowns, incidents).

6. Board and Executive Support

• Support the Board Chair and Trustees with communications materials and stakeholder messaging.
• Attend Board or committee meetings as needed to support engagement and advocacy efforts.
• Assist with political and educational communications aligned with Division advocacy goals.

7. Professional Leadership

• Remain current with trends in education, digital communication, and public affairs.
• Participate in professional networks (e.g., CACE, CAPIO, IABC).
• Lead training and capacity-building efforts for schools in media literacy and branding.

Qualifications:

• University Degree/College Diploma in Communications or Public Relations, or University Degree in an appropriate area.
• Minimum of 5 years in the communications field.
• Demonstrated skill working with media and excellent public relations, and written/oral communication skills.
• Excellent project management and organizational skills, including proven ability to handle multiple complex projects simultaneously with multiple audiences and against deadline.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced, high pressure, team environment.
• Excellent track record in writing, editing and designing across a spectrum of platforms – from print to web to social media.
• Demonstrated proficiency using Lucid Tools; Google Applications; Adobe Suite; CANVA Sprout Social; Facebook; YouTube; Twitter and other tools.
• Layout and design experience and familiarity with Lucid Tools, Adobe Photoshop or similar design applications
• Experience with web content management systems
• Strong political acumen, demonstrated discretion, diplomacy and tact.
• Must be capable of maintaining confidentiality with a high level of accuracy regarding information.

Salary/Benefits:

• This full-time, permanent position commences: January 5, 2026 – or sooner, depending on availability
• Hours of work: Monday to Friday, 7 hours per day
• Annual salary: $82,587 - $108,638 & competitive benefits package
• As a condition of employment, new employees are required to provide a Vulnerable Sector Check and Intervention Record Check at their own expense (prior to starting employment).

Applications received by December 12, 2025 at 4:00 p.m. will be given serious consideration. This position will remain open until a suitable candidate is found.

Applications must include a cover letter, resume, and references (with contact information) in one PDF document.

Submit applications, quoting the competition number to the attention of:

Michelle Unchulenko, Human Resources Coordinator

Black Gold School Division

Thank you for showing an interest in this position. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted. Resumes of individuals not granted an interview will not be kept on file and will be disposed of appropriately.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: $82,587.00-$108,638.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental care
• Employee assistance program
• Extended health care
• Life insurance
• Vision care

Work Location: In person