The Abbotsford School District is located on the traditional and unceded territory of the Stó:lō people, the Semá:th First Nation and Mathxwí First Nation. With this, we respect the longstanding relationships that Indigenous Nations have to this land, as they are the original caretakers.
Why Abbotsford?
Located under an hour from Vancouver, the Abbotsford School District is settled in the heart of the beautiful Fraser Valley and surrounded by spectacular mountain views.
Learn more about the Abbotsford community: tourismabbotsford.ca // thefraservalley
Why the Abbotsford School District?
Every day, in every classroom and office at Abbotsford School District, our employees provide a world-class, innovative educational experience for over 19,000 students. We provide a workplace that fosters creativity, inspires excellence, and challenges everyone to embrace growth.
Working in public education is both challenging and rewarding, but at the Abbotsford School District we truly believe that every one of our employees has the opportunity to help children learn, grow, and succeed.
Position Summary:
The Communications Coordinator supports the work of the district’s Communications Department through public relation efforts and communications/marketing programs for the Abbotsford School District. This exempt position will be an integral member of the Operations Management team working on to build confidence in the public education sector.
This role is expected to be proactive in developing and implementing communications designed to further strengthen community understanding and support for public education.
Specific Responsibilities:
- Assists in positive marketing of public education in general and the Abbotsford School District in particular.
- Handles general requests for information and complaints from the public when the member of senior staff who has functional responsibility for that area is not available or requests assistance.
- Researches and writes monthly “Student Story” news pieces from each level of the organization to highlight and promote the innovate work of students and staff.
- Coordinates webpage maintenance—ensuring that new and consistent information (article links, stories, and events) is posted regularly.
- Keeps editorial calendar updated and populated for social media and newsletter content.
- Prepares posts, reels and videos for social media, and tracks analytics on all District networks.
- Assists with public relations special events as assigned, including the annual retirement dinner, long-service recognition and volunteer recognition events.
- Supports the preparation of newsletters, bulletins, annual reports, brochures, news releases, etc. Develops and/or assists with other district or school publications as requested.
- Through social media engagement and utilizing tools such as Meltwater, monitors online community opinion and attitudes towards public education and the school district and conveys this information to Senior Manager, Communications & Community Relations.
- Supports with web and social media training for school administrators and school clerical staff.
- Supports with the preparation of background materials for reports, publications and presentations as required by senior management.
- Performs other duties as assigned by supervisor.
Qualifications:
The successful candidate ideally possesses a diploma or university degree in communications, marketing, journalism, or related discipline, with 2-5 years of related experience, or an equivalent combination of training and experience.
- Must have the ability to maintain confidentiality and a professional, courteous attitude when dealing with staff, students and the public.
- Meticulous attention to accuracy and detail is required, along with the ability to work under pressure and to deadline, often with shifting priorities, under minimal supervision.
- Proven ability composing excellent written material in a variety of formats, and practical knowledge of CMS web management, social media, Office 365 and G-Suite environments.
- Highly collaborative style; experience developing and implementing communications strategies.
- Excellent writing/editing and verbal communication skills.