Communications Officer

The Nipissing-Parry Sound Catholic District School Board invites applications for the position of :

COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER

Reporting to the Director of Education, the Communications Officer will be responsible for strategic communications planning, designed to foster and maintain authentic, mutually beneficial relationships between the Board and our stakeholders in the service of our students and Catholic education.

In addition to coordinating and managing Board communications planning, duties and responsibilities include :

• Identifying proactive opportunities to promote and enhance the organization's image by building a profile in the media for our success stories, issues, and viewpoints in Catholic education.
• Media relations and serving as a contact for media inquiries.
• Implementing a strategic plan to increase student recruitment and retention.
• Researching and analysing environmental trends and emerging issues to proactively manage communications services.
• Identifying and monitoring issues within the Board, Media, Catholic community, and Ministry of Education that have implications for the Board and its stakeholders.
• Producing of a variety of internal and external digital publications and promotional communications (e.g. newsletters, media releases and advisories, videos, reports, blogs, brochures, ads, etc.

reflecting the Board's values and mission.

• Attending regular Board meetings, standing and special advisory committee meetings as required.
• Planning, supporting, and coordinating a variety of special Board events.
• Providing strategic communications advice, counsel and support to senior administration, Trustees, schools, and Board department staff.
• The ability to research innovative marketing strategies and develop content to advertise important priorities and events for the Board and schools.
• Coordinating and managing of the Board and school websites and handling Board and school social media outreach.
• Superior attention to detail and accuracy in developing content and providing writing, editing, and proofreading services.
• Building and cultivating relationships with a variety of stakeholder groups, including staff, parents, Trustees, and community partners.

Knowledge, Skills, Qualifications and Experience :

• A university degree or related certification in corporate communications, public relations, marketing, or journalism and five years' related employment experience, showing progressively more responsibility and on-the-job success.
• Proven professional experience in the digital environment, social media, and excellent knowledge of related tools, applications, and various platforms (Instagram, X, Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube) and other social media platforms, publications and presentation software.
• Knowledge and understanding of the Catholic education system and a commitment to supporting its traditions, practices, and philosophy.
• Exceptional written, verbal, and strategic communication planning skills.
• An exemplary level of professionalism, initiative, and respect for confidentiality.
• Highly organized, and the ability to work under high pressure, tight timelines, and to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Demonstrated ability to work both independently and as an effective team member with strong interpersonal skills.
• Experience in media relations, issues management, special and large group events, and print production.
• Understanding of the public sector, Catholic education and educational issues in general.
• Proficiency in French is a definite asset.
• Proven photography skills.
• Comfortable working with a variety of platforms including Microsoft Teams, Outlook, and Office Suite, Google Suite, SharePoint, as well as learning digital publishing services such as Adobe Creative Suite, Metricool, Canva and the Board's communication tool, Edsby.

Additional Information :

• This position requires travel within the Board's district, therefore a valid driver's license, insurance, and access to a vehicle is required.
• This position offers a competitive salary along with a comprehensive benefits package administered through a provincial benefits trust plan.
• This is a non-union, permanent full-time, in-person position.

Interested and qualified applicants are invited to submit :

• A cover letter
• A detailed résumé
• One current written personal reference
• Two (most recent) professional references
• External candidates must submit a recent and satisfactory Criminal Background Check with Vulnerable Sector Screening

Applications will be received until 4 : 00 p.m. on Friday August 30, 2024.

Please direct any inquiries to the Director's Office at [email protected].

About Us :

Nestled between beautiful Lake Nipissing and Trout Lake, and only a 90-minute drive north of Muskoka, the Nipissing-Parry Sound Catholic District School Board provides a high-quality Catholic education to 3100 students in 13 caring Catholic centres of learning excellence, specifically, 11 elementary schools, one secondary school, and an adult education campus.

Shawn Fitzsimmons, Chair

Paula Mann, Director of Education

The Nipissing-Parry Sound Catholic District School Board is committed to diversity and inclusion. Please contact our Human Resources Department via email at HumanResources@npsc.

ca or via telephone at 705-472-1201, Ext. 31215 prior to the posting's closing date should you require any accommodation during the recruitment process.

Only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. In accordance with the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act and the Education Act, the personal information you provide will be used to determine eligibility for employment.