Description
Reporting to the Superintendent/CEO, the Director, Communications is responsible for internal and external communications, branding, public engagement, and issues management. The Director leads the Communications team and the development and implementation of the school district’s strategic communications plan. The Director provides strategic advice to the Board of Education and Executive Committee, and is the chief spokesperson for the school district on day to day issues.
Key Responsibilities:
Lead media relations and issues management and provide strategic advice and guidance to Trustees and the Executive team on strategy, responses, tactics and best practices to ensure effective stewardship of the school district’s brand.
Provide leadership and direction to the Communications team, including goal-setting, coaching, development, and performance management. Foster a collaborative and supportive work environment that encourages teamwork and professional growth. Promote a culture of continuous improvement and innovation within the department.
Develop, implement, and evaluate comprehensive external communication strategies and initiatives to effectively reach target audiences and enhance engagement. Conduct surveys, focus groups, and interviews to gather qualitative feedback.
Engage with government (municipal, provincial and federal), media outlets, DPAC, unions, Indigenous leaders, Fraser Health, partner agencies, and other external entities to facilitate information sharing, coordinate communication efforts, and advance the school district’s interests and priorities.
Serve as the organization’s primary media contact and spokesperson. Prepare district publications and news releases, manage requests for information.
Oversee the organization's online presence, including website content, social media channels, and digital marketing campaigns.
Advise leaders on internal communications strategies that foster transparent, engaging dialogue and alignment with organizational values and goals. Direct crisis communications.
Establish and monitor mechanisms, metrics, and performance indicators to evaluate the effectiveness of communications and guide decision-making and continuous improvement.
Generate reports and presentations and communicate findings and insights to the Board of Education and Executive team.
Develop and manage the departmental budget, negotiating contracts and agreements, monitoring expenditures, and ensuring all district policies and guidelines are followed.
Qualifications:
Education & Experience:
Master’s degree and/or other advanced accreditation in communications, public relations, or related field. Ten to fifteen years’ progressive experience in strategic communications, media, issues management, and crisis communications. Public sector experience preferred. An equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered.
Skills:
Significant leadership experience with the ability to motivate and develop a team through mentorship and coaching.
Crisis communication experience and ability to handle sensitive issues with discretion.
Excellent interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills with the ability to communicate and build trust with diverse groups.
Expert knowledge of the principles and practice of effective communications, media/public relations, and marketing
The ability to think critically and view issues and challenges from multiple perspectives.
Demonstrated ability to work with others in a consultative and collaborative manner.
Effective decision-making, and problem-solving skills.
Exceptional organizational, project management, and change management skills and proven ability to manage multiple priorities while delivering high-quality results.
Demonstrated commitment to inclusion and belonging and building a caring and respectful workplace.
Knowledge of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy legislation
Financial acumen and demonstrated commitment to fiscally sound and responsible decisions.
Data literacy including the ability to define and apply metrics and analytics to facilitate learning and decision-making.
Proficiency in Office365 and digital media platforms.
What we're offering
Comprehensive Benefits Package
- Extended Medical, Vision and Dental
- Life Insurance, Short-Term and Long-Term Disability
- Employee Family Assistance Program
- Municipal Pension
13 Paid Holidays, plus Sick & Vacation Time
Onsite Fitness Room in the Surrey Head Office
Supportive workplace with a positive and productive work environment. Feel a sense of security and safety to act, speak, and reflect who you are
The salary range for this position is $169,861 to $188,734 per year with comprehensive benefits package and Municipal Pension.
Placement in the salary range is determined by an assessment of qualifications and ability to meet the key requirements of the job, and consideration of internal equity comparisons. The midpoint of the range represents an employee that possesses full job knowledge, qualifications, and experience for the position.
Qualified applicants can apply at www.surreyschools.ca/page/27/careers.
The closing date for this position is April 30, 2024 at 4:00pm.
Note: Successful applicants will be required to consent to a Criminal Records Search prior to employment. Only those applicants selected for interviews will be contacted. To all others, thank you for your interest.
