Director, Community Relations

Director, Community Relations

Full-time Permanent Position

Who We Are

Located on 10 beautiful acres in the heart of Olde Oakville, St. Mildred’s-Lightbourn School (SMLS) is a premier independent school for girls from JK through to Grade 12. Our mission is to engage each girl in a personalized, real-world learning experience where she explores her unique pathways within a nurturing community.

An Opportunity to Join SMLS Role Overview

To support our vision of empowered young women challenging and transforming the world, we are currently seeking a Director, Community Relations . This is a newly created role that will focus on building connections within our diverse community by engaging in meaningful dialogue and establishing strong relationships. While the structure and synergies of this ne w role a re being developed, the incumbent will report directly to the Head of School. This role will have the opportunity to create the community relations strategy, in partnership with the Head of School, to build and strengthen Community Relations for SMLS by fostering sustainable relationships with community members including alumnae, past, current and prospective families, community members, education partners, and other stakeholders. Serving as a School Ambassador, this role will advance the school’s efforts to engage all members of the SMLS community in a meaningful way.

Position Details Department: Community Relations Reports to: Head of School (for the 2024/2025 academic year) Liaises with: Senior Leadership Team Members, Marketing & Communications, Enrolment, Development, Parents, Faculty, Students, Staff, Volunteers, Education Partners, Third Party Providers/Partners, Past and Prospective Families, Community-at-large Education: Post-secondary degree or diploma in a relevant field Experience: Demonstrated record of building sustainable relationships and effective partnerships with community members to enhance relations within a community a mutually beneficial and meaningful way

Demonstrated record of developing effective communications strategies

Management experience of programs and people

Experience in a Not-for Profit setting

Experience in an Independent School (asset)

Computer Skills: Mac, Google, Microsoft Office, Adobe Suite, Social Media Platforms. Familiarity with Blackbaud is a considerable plus. Working Conditions: This position is in-person with a shared office at our school, keeping members of the SMLS community engaged. Evening and weekend work may be necessary on occasion.

Key Responsibilities

• Developing a clear community relations strategy to enhance community relations, that aligns with the School’s strategic plan, in collaboration with key SMLS partners and colleagues, leveraging the branding and marketing expertise of Marketing & Communications, Development, and Enrolment Management.

• Designs and develops community engagement programming that meets the social, cultural, and learning needs of the school community.

• Oversees the planning of the SMLS community’s outreach programs that engage, support, and partner with the community and produce a positive impact, building our reputation based on SMLS’ brand.

• Collaborates with internal and external stakeholders (including alumnae, past, current and prospective families, community members, education partners, and other stakeholders) to develop clear objectives and deliver meaningful and measurable actions that positively impact the school, students, and community.

• Supports community relations programs' entire life cycle, including coordinating events, and managing volunteers.

• Consistently support and maintain strong relationships with current families, alumnae, and other members of the community..

• Build strong partnerships and liaise with the Parents Association, current parents, past parents and alumnae.

• Collaborate with the Parent Association and other community members to support initiatives, events, and projects that strengthen engagement within the community.

• Oversee logistics for community initiatives and analyze engagement outcomes with warmth, professionalism, and friendliness.

• Reinforce the school's commitment to being a welcoming and inclusive environment for everyone.

• Support key SMLS events sharing a compelling story about the School.

• Maintain an overall presence within the School community, acting as a positive role model

• Build strong networks and act as a liaison with other independent schools and maintain membership in good standing with defined affiliations and organizations (OIS, CAIS, CIS etc.).

• Manage expenses in accordance with policies/procedures to support community relations activities.

• Initiating, planning and executing events, in person and virtual while being fiscally responsible.

• Designing and developing new opportunities to engage the SMLS community in meaningful and rewarding ways that deepen their commitment to the School.

• Collaborating with the School Principals and Vice Principals, University Guidance Counselor and various student associations and councils to strengthen community relations, interest, commitment, and involvement.

• Experience optimizing the use of technology to engage the SMLS community by contributing to online resources and SMLS social networking platforms and communities.
  

Who You Are Your Strengths Above all else, the successful candidate is a champion for girls’ education. You also have the following strengths::

• Ability to represent SMLS in an enthusiastic, professional, positive and articulate manner to all constituents.

• Warm, engaging and authentic connector with a talent for building and maintaining strong relationships; and connecting constituent groups with shared goals.

• A critical thinker who demonstrates initiative and integrity.

• A proactive, motivated individual who can multitask, work in a team-based environment and build positive relationships across the school community.

• A collaborator who contributes to calendar planning and management.

• A creative thinker who is comfortable trying new approaches and readjusting as needed.

• An individual with a “can-do” attitude, is customer-service oriented with a sincere and authentic approach, and exercises good business acumen.

• An adaptable and quick learner.

• Collects and analyzes data related to community engagement and outcomes.

• Ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.

• Energetic team player with strong leadership skills and a positive attitude.

• Self-directed with excellent organizational, problem-solving and time-management skills.

• Expectation to work evenings and some weekends as needed for community initiatives.
  

Your Knowledge, Skills & Experience

• Exemplary communication and collaboration skills with the proven ability to develop relationships and a caring rapport with all members of the community.

• A self-starter who is eager to learn and can quickly master new and emerging technology.

• Requires a Bachelor’s degree and 8+ years related experience in progressively senior roles.

• 5+ years managerial experience.

• Deep appreciation of SMLS’s mission and the function of community relations.
  

Why Join SMLS?

Our work is meaningful and important. As a school, we support each student’s interests, talents, learning needs and strengths. Through our world-class facility, Signature Programs, expertise in girls’ education, and dedication to personalization, our students become lifelong learners equipped to achieve excellence in whatever path they choose.

When you join SMLS, you join a fun and supportive community

Our employees enjoy competitive compensation packages and may be eligible for some of the following benefits:

• Health, vision, and dental care

• Life insurance, AD&D insurance, and Long Term Disability insurance

• Employee & Family Assistance Program (EFAP)

• Mental health & wellbeing resources

• Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan / RRSP program with up to 5% employer match

• A healthy lunch program during the school year

• On-site fitness facilities

• On-site parking

• Time off during Winter Break and March Break

• Summer hours and extra long weekends in line with the school calendar
  

The Essence of SMLS

Each Girl at the Centre

We believe that each girl is creating her own distinct educational pathway, as her interests, strengths and passions emerge. We are committed to co-creating that pathway with her in a personalized learning environment where each girl’s joy, laughter and love of learning belong.

Academic Excellence and Innovation

SMLS is grounded in best practices and focused on innovation. We set the highest standards of excellence for our academic curriculum and signature programs as we develop ethical, culturally competent leaders who are catalysts for positive change.

Wellbeing and Belonging

We understand that connectedness to oneself, others and the world around us is fundamental to our students’ learning and wellbeing. As a school community, we are united by our values and our commitment to building a just and inclusive environment with empathy, integrity and respect. We honour our Anglican heritage and welcome all faiths and cultures, celebrating the diversity reflected by each member of our school community.

Strength of Spirit

We live in a complex world with uncertainty and change. We believe that resilience, courage and commitment are essential for our students and our community to embrace life fully, open ourselves to limitless possibilities, and boldly meet the unknown challenges ahead.

If you are interested in an opportunity to join our school, please apply online at smls.simplication.com

We appreciate and thank all applicants for your interest in SMLS, however, only those candidates invited for an interview will be contacted. SMLS is an equal opportunity employer and we accommodate any needs under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act and the Ontario Human Rights Code. We value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment within our community. Please contact Human Resources with any requirements or questions.