Communication Officer

Communications Officer - Contract Position

The Communications Officer is responsible for producing a variety of internal and external written communications, as well as communication strategies and plans.

This position will work closely with the manager on media relations, issues management, writing, presentations and some special events. Assistance with crisis response and crisis communications is also an important part of the job.

As the corporate storyteller, the Communications Officer must be able to recognize potential stories of interest to the news media, parents and district staff, and have solid research, interview, writing, proofreading and editing skills to present those stories in the most effective way. The work often involves visiting schools and other district sites and events to photograph and document activities to share with internal and external audiences. The role also can require occasional after hours/weekend work.

Duties include posting information in a timely and organized way to the district’s website, as well as maintaining an engaging social media presence for the district.

TYPICAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop and execute communication strategies to help Surrey Schools achieve its goals.
• Develop and execute communication plans for internal and school community-focused district projects and programs.
• Identify school & district stories of interest to news media; prepare and distribute supporting news media materials in the appropriate format and style for television, radio or print.
• Respond to media inquiries effectively and appropriately to meet the needs of the school district and journalists.
• Plan, research, write and produce professional communications on deadline using a variety of communication tools and in the appropriate format and style for the purpose and the audience of the communication.
• Identify , research and produce district information and stories of interest for district staff.
• Liaise with and assist school and district administrators, as well as provincial government officials with event planning and announcements.
• Photography of school and district events for use in print , social media and online publications.
• Produce web content for district pages in the proper style, as well as social media communications . , particularly Twitter and Facebook.
• Monitor and respond appropriately to social media posts, comments and inquiries.
• Perform other related duties, as required .

JOB REQUIREMENTS

• Exceptional writing, editing and proofreading skills, and the ability to adapt tone and style to various audiences and media, including print, broadcast and web.
• Superior knowledge of, and adherence to Canadian Press style.
• Clear understanding of the principles and practices of public relations, issues management and communications strategies and plans.
• Solid grasp of design, layout and desktop publishing principles, including advanced knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite, MS Word and other MS Office applications.
• Knowledge and experience in managing online communications, including social media.
• Knowledge of digital photography and related software.
• Excellent project management and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work effectively under time constraints and meet deadlines.
• Ability to accomplish assignments with minimal supervision and self-assign appropriately.
• Experience with SharePoint is an asset.
• Ability to speak and/or write more than one language is an asset.

TRAINING & EXPERIENCE

• A diploma in communications, public relations, journalism or similar communications-related discipline from a post-secondary institution recognized by the district.
• Minimum five years' experience in a related position, or a combination of training and experience.

LICENSES, CERTIFICATES AND REGISTRATIONS

• Valid B.C. Driver's License (Class 5).
• CPRS, IABC or CACE membership

This is a unionized position that offers an hourly wage rate of $38.68 per hour plus a liberal benefit package including pension, health, vacation, and sick benefits.

Surrey Schools recognizes the importance of accessibility and supporting the diverse needs of our community. If there is any accommodation you may require for your interview, whether related to accessibility or otherwise, please do not hesitate to advise and we will make every effort to meet your needs.

Note: Only those applicants selected for interviews will be contacted. To all others, thank you for your interest.