Communications and Engagement Lead

THE ORGANIZATION: VANCOUVER SCHOOL BOARD (SCHOOL DISTRICT 39)

With deep gratitude and respect, we are honoured to be learning and unlearning on the ancestral and unceded lands of the xʷməθkʷəy̓ əm (Musqueam), Sḵwxwú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation) & səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh Nation).

At the VSB, we are proud to provide exceptional learning experiences for students. As a large, urban school district, VSB is one of Canada’s most diverse school systems. We embrace Indigenous ways of knowing and learning and work to expand Indigenous perspectives across the curriculum and within our 110 schools and programs, where more than 50,000 students learn and grow.

Equity and inclusivity are at the forefront of our approach to education. More than 7,700 staff work to create learning environments where every student thrives by prioritizing students’ needs, applying evidence-informed practices and building relationships. VSB’s culture reflects the diversity of our city. Students enrolled in VSB come from varied backgrounds and lived experiences and are encouraged to explore and share their unique selves and gifts. Our commitment to students goes beyond academics. Students’ overall well-being and sense of belonging are equally important. We strive to build a school system where every student can be their authentic self and succeed throughout their learning journey. In doing this work, we champion equity and accountability by making evidence-based decisions. As a learning organization, humility is our guidepost as we seek to continually improve student outcomes in service to them, their families, and the broader community. Our work is guided by the VSB Education Plan. For more information about our school district, visit https://www.vsb.bc.ca/.

THE OPPORTUNITY: COMMUNICATIONS AND ENGAGEMENT LEAD

We are currently seeking a Communications and Engagement Lead to join our valued team of storytellers who shape the narrative about public education in Vancouver. Our communications team is integral to the District’s mission, vision and guiding principles of collaboration, engagement, excellence, inclusion and transparency. As Communications and Engagement Lead, you will work alongside educators, business leads and school administrators in an exciting, progressive and dynamic school district.

The Communications and Engagement Lead is an experienced strategic communications practitioner who operates with a high degree of independence and sound judgment. This role leads the development, implementation and evaluation of communications and engagement plans, strategies and tactics that support District priorities, major initiatives, organizational change and high-profile issues. The Lead provides trusted counsel to senior leadership, anticipates risks, issues and opportunities and delivers high-quality communications products that are clear, accessible and aligned with VSB’s priorities. The Lead supports decision-making and helps maintain public trust by managing issues and reputational risk, leading inclusive public engagement and translating complex or sensitive information for diverse audiences.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic communications leadership

• Lead the full lifecycle of strategic communications initiatives, from research and planning through implementation and evaluation.
• Proactively and independently assess business needs, audience considerations and the operating environment to identify communications risks and opportunities and determine appropriate strategies and approaches.
• In a fast-paced environment, manage complex, high-profile and sensitive files, including organizational change, issues management and matters of public interest.
• Establish clear objectives and measures and use results to strengthen future communications and engagement work.

Advice and counsel

• Provide proactive strategic communications advice to the senior leaders, District management and school administrators, grounded in strong judgment, political acuity and an understanding of the public sector environment.
• Anticipate issues and emerging risks and recommend clear, evidence-informed response approaches aligned with best practice and organizational context.
• Act as a trusted advisor to business areas, supporting decision-making and helping to align communications and engagement with VSB’s priorities.
• Provide communications support for Board operations and matters requiring co-ordination with the c hair or trustees.

Public engagement leadership

• Lead public engagement processes aligned with IAP2 principles, including scoping, interest holder and audience analysis, planning, materials development, facilitation, implementation and evaluation.
• Advise on engagement approaches that are inclusive, accessible and culturally responsive to diverse school communities.
• Develop engagement plans, surveys, presentations, discussion materials and supporting communications.
• Analyze engagement input, identify key themes and translate findings into clear decision-support insights, including reports to the Board.
• Communicate how public input was considered and advise project teams on closing the loop with participants.

Content leadership and quality assurance

• Develop complex, high-profile and impactful communications materials, including communications plans, key messages, issue and briefing notes, speaking notes, news releases, web content, feature stories, social media content, presentations and community communications.
• Develop public-facing communications products, including web stories, podcast content, videos and other digital materials, in collaboration with communications colleagues and subject matter experts.
• Provide editorial oversight and final review of public and high-profile internal communications to ensure accuracy and alignment with District voice, plain language, accessibility standards and Canadian Press style.
• Translate complex or sensitive information into clear, accessible and audience-appropriate communications.
• Guide staff in applying accessible, inclusive and culturally responsive communications practices.

Media relations and issues management

• Lead media relations activities, including developing strategies, responding to media inquiries, preparing spokespeople and managing responses to complex or sensitive requests.
• Assess reputational risk and guide appropriate responses to issues affecting the District and school communities.
• Support crisis and issues communications, including after-hours or time-sensitive responses as needed.
• Prepare and coach senior leaders and Board members for media interviews, public presentations and engagement activities.
• Co-ordinate communications and messaging with government, community partners, agencies and other external stakeholders on sensitive matters and joint initiatives.
• Provide on-call communications support based on a rotating schedule.

Team support and contribution

• Provide informal mentorship, technical guidance and peer support to communications team members to strengthen quality, consistency and strategic alignment.
• Review communications materials and coach colleagues and internal partners on strategic communications, public engagement and issues management.
• Model strong practice in strategic communications and public engagement.
• Provide direction to external contractors or consultants as required.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of communications processes, tools and standards.

This position is currently 100% in-person at the VSB Education Centre at 1580 West Broadway, Vancouver.

QUALIFICATIONS

• A bachelor’s degree in communications, public relations, journalism or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• A minimum of seven years of progressive experience in strategic communications, including demonstrated experience leading complex strategic communications initiatives in a public sector or similarly complex environment.
• Demonstrated experience providing senior-level counsel and managing high-profile, sensitive issues, reputational risk and time-critical communications.
• Experience supporting or leading public engagement processes in a public sector or community-based environment is considered a strong asset.
• Experience managing and responding to media requests, developing media strategies and preparing spokespeople is considered an asset.
• IAP2 training or certification is considered an asset.
• Accreditation through the Canadian Public Relations Society or International Association of Business Communicators is considered an asset.
• Experience in a multi-union, public sector environment is considered an asset.

A successful candidate must be available to work some evenings and weekends, provide on-call support on a rotating schedule and travel to school and community engagement sites. A class 5 driver’s license is required.

COMPENSATION

The compensation package will be commensurate with the qualifications and experience of the successful candidate. The salary range for the position is $95,045 - $111,818 and a competitive benefits package including Municipal Pension Plan, Deferred Savings plan, Extended Health, Dental, Group Life, Long Term Disability, and 4 weeks of paid time off (pro-rated from start date). Further details can be provided through the recruitment and selection process.

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