COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER
Function and Purpose
Reporting directly to the Superintendent and Chief Executive Officer, the Communications Officer provides strategic communications support to the Superintendent, Board of Trustees, and Division leadership while leading the Division's communications, public engagement, media relations, and marketing activities.
The Communications Officer is responsible for advancing public understanding of the Division's vision, priorities, and achievements through strategic communications and stakeholder engagement. The role builds and maintains positive relationships with students, families, staff, communities, media, government, and educational partners, fostering trust, transparency, and confidence in the Division.
Working collaboratively across the organization, the Communications Officer supports consistent messaging, brand stewardship, website management, and social media practices throughout the Division. The position also provides leadership in public relations and communications planning to ensure the Division communicates effectively and proactively with its stakeholders
The Communications Officer also works collaboratively with school administrators and designated school-based staff to support consistent communications, branding, website management, and social media practices across the Division.
Duties
The Communications Officer must carry out professional responsibilities and provide services in accordance with Sturgeon Public Schools policies and procedures. Duties include, but are not limited to:
Develop, implement, and evaluate Division-wide communications, marketing, public engagement, and storytelling strategies that promote public understanding, trust, and confidence in Sturgeon Public Schools.
Provide strategic communications counsel to the Superintendent, Board of Trustees, and Division leadership, including support for emerging issues, sensitive matters, reputation management, and informed decision-making.
Develop and implement communication strategies and response plans for emergent, sensitive, and crisis situations.
Support Board communications by attending public Board and Committee meetings as required and assisting with the communication of Board priorities, decisions, and initiatives.
Develop and coordinate media releases, publications, speeches, presentations, web content, and social media communications.
Serve as the primary media relations contact and respond to inquiries from the public, media, and community organizations.
Identify and promote stories, achievements, programs, and initiatives that showcase the impact of Sturgeon Public Schools and celebrate student and staff success.
Coordinate Division websites, social media channels, branding standards, and digital communication platforms.
Support student recruitment, family engagement, and Division growth through targeted marketing and community outreach initiatives.
Build and maintain positive relationships with municipalities, community organizations, government partners, industry, and educational stakeholders.
Coordinate Division events, announcements, consultations, celebrations, and community engagement activities.
Collaborate with school administrators and designated school-based staff to support effective school communications, website content, and social media practices.
Capture or coordinate photography, video, and digital content that supports Division and school communication priorities.
Monitor communication trends, social media activity, and emerging technologies to support continuous improvement.
Other duties as assigned by the Superintendent.
Education and Experience
The Communications Officer possesses the education, experience, and professional expertise required to lead strategic communications initiatives and provide trusted communications support to the Superintendent, Board of Trustees, and Division leadership. The incumbent demonstrates experience in public-facing communications, stakeholder engagement, media relations, and digital communications.
Post-secondary education in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing, Public Administration, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Three to five years of progressively responsible communications, public relations, marketing, or community engagement experience.
Experience supporting senior leaders, boards, elected officials, or executive teams is considered an asset.
Experience in public education, government, or another public-sector environment is considered an asset.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
The Communications Officer demonstrates sound judgment, political acuity, and exceptional communication skills. The incumbent is able to manage competing priorities, build strong relationships with diverse stakeholders, and communicate complex information in a clear, accurate, and engaging manner.
Exceptional written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
Ability to provide strategic communications advice and develop effective communication plans.
Strong political awareness, professional judgment, and discretion when handling sensitive or confidential matters.
Ability to build and maintain positive relationships with trustees, staff, students, families, media, community organizations, and government partners.
Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
Proficiency with digital communication tools, websites, social media platforms, photography, video, and related technologies.
Understanding of public education and the communities served by Sturgeon Public Schools.
