School District No. 57 (Prince George) 

Prince George School District #57 - Make A Future

TITLE: Communications and Community Relations Advisor

DEPARTMENT: Corporate Office

REPORTS TO: Superintendent of Schools

SALARY RANGE: $73,491.00 to $91,863.00

CORE RESPONSIBILITIES:

The Communications and Community Relations Advisor reports directly to the Superintendent and is responsible for the development of high-value strategic communications that promote student achievement, build awareness of the School District’s mandate, strengths and achievements and enhance the organization’s overall engagement with the wider communities it serves.  The Communications and Community Relations Advisor will provide critical strategic communications support to the Superintendent, the Board of Education Chair, Board of Education and Senior Administration team. 

The Communications and Community Relations Advisor oversees the enhancement and maintenance of all district communications methods and tools, ensuring the School District maintains a leadership position as an innovative, responsible, responsive and accountable organization. In this capacity, the Advisor leads the School District’s media strategy with a focus on issues management, reputation management, promotion and the delivery of School District information, news and accomplishments in support of the organization’s strategic priorities. 

The Communications and Community Relations Advisor provides communications expertise and support in all School District public relations, media relations and general communications activities, and takes a leading role in the development and execution of public engagement, community relations and strategic planning activities.

SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provides leadership and guidance to the Senior Administration team and the Board of Education in strategic communications planning, issues and reputation management, media relations, advertising and publicity, event planning, announcements, and large public education / consultation campaigns;
• Designs, facilitates and provides strategic communications advice on the School District’s public consultation initiatives, process and tools, designs and conducts public opinion and attitude surveys and informs Senior Administration of current issues discussed in public consultation, manages public consultation events ensuring fair and equal participation for attendees;
• Develops and oversees the execution and measurement of the School District’s communication goals; delivers targeted communication programs that build quality awareness; ensures the School District’s community position aligns with its strategic direction; provides leadership to ensure that the communication of School District programs, services and initiatives reach parents, stakeholder groups, staff and external organizations;
• Identifies, develops, enhances, and manages communications resources, including the School District website and School District social media accounts, to professionally and accurately represent the School District. Provides technical training to content managers, schools and staff as required and plans and oversees design and technical upgrades in conjunction with Information Technology;
• Identifies and monitors emerging communications issues and develops effective and timely issue management strategies; Manages and provides support for all media relations issues by monitoring and analyzing media coverage and coordinating press conferences, joint press releases, major announcements, and responses to media inquiries and opportunities. Provides advice to Senior Administration on strategies to address public concerns or complaints;
• Provides strategic writing support covering complex and / or sensitive information for internal and external audiences, including the planning, coordinating, writing and editing of news releases, letters, brochures, reports, presentations / speeches, School District newsletters and other publications;
• Determines priorities of School District initiatives, including the timing of public announcements; manages the development and release of information about emerging issues and identifies appropriate audiences for this messaging; determines framing and messaging of contentious and / or sensitive issues; determine how to avoid or address and potential reputational damage to the School District;
• Provides tactical advice to the Senior Administration team and the Board of Trustees on public relations strategies for complex issues and addressing media enquiries;
• Prepares briefing notes, communication plans, press releases, School District materials, advertising, visual objectives and other creative concepts and marketing or communications initiatives for approval by the Superintendent;
• Seeks, builds and maintains relationships with a network of communications partners (internal and external); keeps current with communications best practices and monitors education-related issues as they emerge in other districts that may be relevant to School District No. 57 (Prince George);
• Assists in the development and implementation of Communications and Community Relations policies and procedures;
• Participates in meetings / committees as required; and
• Performs other related duties / responsibilities as assigned.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• A University Degree in journalism, communications, public relations or related discipline;
• A minimum of 5 years of experience in progressively responsible communications and public relations/marketing roles;
• A demonstrated track record of success as a strategic communications leader in a complex, public sector organization;
• Demonstrated experience leading, directing and executing internal and external communications strategies, public consultation processes, and planning, preferably in an educational setting or another public sector;
• Effective verbal and written communication skills;
• Experience managing multiple projects with superior organizational skills, including the ability to work effectively under pressure, multitask and meet demanding deadlines;
• Well-developed leadership, interpersonal, communication, and service organization skills;
• Ability to work collaboratively with elected officials in pursuit of shared goals including the ability to operate in a political environment with considerable public involvement.
• Politically astute, sensitive to cultural matters, and strong problem-solving skills;
• Proficient in use of current communication and marketing applications, systems and tools, including Adobe InDesign, Adobe Photoshop and the WordPress Content Management System.

The successful candidate will be required to complete a criminal record check.

APPLICATION PROCESS:

Apply at https://www.makeafuture.ca/bc-schools-and-districts/prince-george-school-district-no-57/.  Applications must be received by January 31, 2022 at 12:00 pm and should include a detailed cover letter and resume outlining your experience and suitability for this position. Please include three current professional references. For further information please contact Anne Christensen, Human Resources Manager at achristensen@sd57.bc.ca.  Only those applicants shortlisted for an interview will be contacted.