Communication Officer (Contract)

Communications Officer Catholic Education Centre, Peterborough 35 hours per week $66,560 - $78,306 Closing: October 1, 2024 at 4:00 PM Temporary Contract until August 2025 _________________________________________________________________________ The Peterborough Victoria Northumberland and Clarington (PVNC) Catholic District School Board invites applications for the position of Temporary Communications Officer. WHO ARE WE? At PVNC Catholic, more than 2,300 dedicated staff work together to develop the intellectual, spiritual, mental, physical and emotional well-being of approximately 15,000 students in 30 elementary and 6 secondary schools. We are committed to creating a school board that reflects the diverse communities we serve and to ensure an equitable and inclusive work environment. We offer inclusive working and learning spaces in communities where you can live, work and thrive. Bowmanville, Courtice, Newcastle, Cobourg, Grafton, Campbellford, Peterborough and Lindsay are just some of the vibrant, diverse communities we serve. PVNCCDSB recognizes that, consistent with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, employment practices and procedures at all levels should reflect, demonstrate understanding of, and respond to a diverse population. In our efforts to ensure an inclusive, diverse and representative workforce, we will value, promote and encourage the hiring of staff from under-represented communities. WHAT YOU’LL BE DOING: Under the supervision of the Communications Manager, the Communications Officer will provide Board-wide strategic communications to support and promote the PVNCCDSB Vision, Mission, Strategic Priorities and the ongoing implementation of the multi-year strategic plan with the goal of building and maintaining positive relationships with all stakeholders including staff, students, parents/guardians, community members, and the general public. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES: Function as the Board’s primary storyteller to promote the Board’s vision and strategic priorities and to raise the Board’s profile in the communities we serve Travel to schools to identify, cultivate and highlight success stories of innovative student and staff achievement, programs, initiatives and deep learning to bring to life the Board’s vision and strategic priorities using a variety of communication tools Liaise with school communities and Board departments to develop and implement campaigns, strategies, and tactics within established budgets and timelines Develop and manage the Board’s digital communication tools including but not limited to social media platforms (Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube), the PVNCCDSB website and the Board’s monthly newsletter Support the Communications Manager with crisis communications, letters to school communities, media relations, the development of Board advertising and public relations tactics, and the development of comprehensive communication plans which includes research, planning, implementation and evaluation Provide strategic communication support to the Board’s HR department to assist in employee recruitment and oversee sourcing and inventory of board merchandise, communication assets and branded products to service the Board’s operational needs Facilitate internal graphic design requests and act as a liaison between Board departments and third-party graphic designers Work with departments and senior leaders to develop and post engagement projects on the Board’s consultation platform and ensure postings remain up to date and responsive to the public Develop, implement and sustain an effective employee recognition program Support the planning and coordination and promotion of special events held by the Board (i.e. school anniversaries, sod turnings, blessings, system-wide events, Catholic School Leadership awards, etc.) Oversee the Distribution of Communication Materials from External Groups to Schools process Undertake the departmental administrative duties as assigned WHAT YOU’LL BRING TO THIS POSITION: The following are minimum requirements of this position. An equivalent combination of education and experience may also apply. Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, public relations or related field or equivalent education and experience 2-4 years experience in progressively responsible communication position in the public or not-for-profit sector including corporate communications and public relations or as a journalist in a daily news role in a high-pressure, deadline oriented environment Demonstrated proficiency as a storyteller in multiple mediums Excellent written and verbal communication, including proofreading skills, research skills, note taking abilities, presentation skills, and strong attention to detail Extensive experience in social media management with a superior understanding of digital communication technologies Knowledge of public relations principles, guidelines, and best practices Demonstrated strong organizational, time management skills, attention to detail and ability to deliver results under tight timelines A strong working knowledge of photography, videography, video editing, graphic design and printing fundamentals is an asset Positive, energetic, motivated team player with the ability to deal with high pressure situations in a fast-paced work environment Excellent interpersonal skills, demonstrated professionalism, diplomacy and confidentiality, analytical, problem solving and strategic thinking skills Clean drivers abstract; driver’s license, insurance and access to a vehicle Criminal Background Check suitable to the Board is a condition of employment Strong computer skills (including an intermediate level of Microsoft Office knowledge) DOES THIS SOUND LIKE THE ROLE FOR YOU? Interested applicants are invited to apply directly to the posting on Apply to Education - Simplication by 4:00 p.m. on October 1, 2024. All applications should include the following: A detailed cover letter; A resume of qualifications and experience; A list of three (3) professional references with authorization to contact under MFIPPA. Please note that NO references will be contacted without your prior consent. While we welcome all applications, we will only respond to those who are short-listed for this role. Thanks in advance for your understanding and we wish you all the best in your career journey. WHAT NEXT STEPS COULD LOOK LIKE: Shortlisted candidates will be contacted via an email to participate in an interview (typically held in-person). We anticipate that candidates invited to interview will be contacted shortly after the posting closes. Please check your junk mail, as sometimes these invitations go directly to junk. The successful candidate must submit a satisfactory Criminal Record Check with Vulnerable Sector Screening, dated within 6 months of hire, prior to starting this position. PVNCCDSB is committed to achieving excellence in Catholic education. We leverage our inclusive organizational culture to further build upon our dynamic and diverse workforce, reflective of the communities we serve. In accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) and the Ontario Human Rights Code (OHRC), PVNCCDSB will work collaboratively and respectfully with you in all stages of the recruitment process and throughout your employment. For further information about what accommodation and accessibility look like at PVNCCDSB please refer to our website. If you require accommodation at any stage of the hiring process, please contact our Human Resources Officer at 705-748-4861 ext. 1212. In accordance with the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, the personal information provided is collected under the Education Act and will be used to determine eligibility for employment.