Communications Officer

Lakeland Catholic School Division

Invites applications for a

Communications Officer

Full-Time (1.0 FTE)

Division Office – Bonnyville, AB

Overview: The Lakeland Catholic School Division is currently in search of a well-qualified individual to fill the position of a Communications Officer, with an intended commencement date of April 15, 2024. Working within a Catholic rural school division, the prospective candidate will report directly to the Superintendent of Schools, providing support and guidance to both the Board of Trustees and the Superintendent in developing and implementing communication strategies with the goal of fostering a positive internal and external environment among Lakeland Catholic Schools, faculty, parents, and communities. The incumbent will focus on enhancing community trust in the Division's integrity, as well as nurturing a sense of pride and dedication to the Division's mission and vision.

Responsibilities:

• Promote effective communications regarding the operations of the Division;
• Maintain, enhance, develop, and implement effective community relations;
• Promote and respond to media interest and requests of the Division;
• Maintains an exceptional standard of integrity and ethical leadership and assumes responsibility for ensuring effective communications between all stakeholders;
• Assist the Board of Trustees, the schools, and senior administration in setting and fulfilling their communications objectives (Aligns, develops and delivers key messages in support of various project activities, initiatives, and events);
• Support the Superintendent in maintaining and enhancing communication needs throughout the Division and into the broader community (Develop communication materials and communication for and on behalf of Lakeland Catholic);
• Provide the Board of Trustees with meeting summaries as required through board spotlights and highlights;
• Proactively manage issues through strategic internal and external communications planning in a manner that maintains or enhances Lakeland Catholics’ brand and reputation;
• Effectively manage a communications budget to achieve organizational goals;
• Oversee maintenance of the Division website: including editing, writing, and updating content while adhering to FOIP regulations, as well as regularly reviewing school websites to ensure that communications are in line with Division objectives;
• Demonstrate annually to the Superintendent the effectiveness of the Division Communications Plan and the case for adaptive changes in the future;
• Collaborate with legal counsel to provide legally defensible responses;
• Advise principals and senior management staff about information that can be released without a formal request;
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Superintendent.

Qualifications/Skills:

· Committed to being a model and witness to Christ-centered education values and beliefs;

· Post-secondary diploma or degree in communication, public relations, journalism, or other related field;

· Three or more years related experience in communications;

· Understanding of an educational environment would be considered an asset;

· Ability to provide graphic design support to the Division as requested by preparing a wide variety of print material for both internal and external audiences, including newsletters, brochures, notices and marketing materials;

· Understanding of current FOIP orders and reviews;

· Demonstrates strong analytical and problem-solving skills, able to proactively generate new ideas, initiatives, and approaches. Possesses the ability to assess complex situations quickly;

· Strong consultation, negotiations and conflict resolution skills;

· Strong technical writing skills and the ability to convey complex information so that it is understood by a broad range of stakeholders;

· Advanced skills in Microsoft Office Suite including Adobe Creative Suite and web-based applications including Office 365;

· Excellent organizational, planning and project management skills; the ability to multi-task is essential;

· Demonstrate strong digital and social fluency;

· Excellent team and customer service skills;

· Ability to take initiative and work independently with minimal supervision.

Lakeland Catholic School Division provides competitive compensation along with a comprehensive benefits package. Individuals who are dedicated to Catholic Education are encouraged to submit their application. Please ensure that your resume highlights your personal and professional qualifications, as well as relevant experience. Applicants can email or fax their resume, along with three references and a pastoral letter (if applicable) to:

Kayla Collins

Coordinator of Human Resources & Staff Wellness

4810-46th Street, Bonnyville, Alberta, T9N 2R2

Phone (780) 826-3764 Fax (780) 826-7576

Email: kcollins@lrcssd.ca

We appreciate your interest in the position; however, only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. Please note references may be contacted as part of the shortlisting process.

This position will remain open until a suitable candidate is found.

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

• Dental care
• Disability insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Extended health care
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• RRSP match
• Vision care
• Wellness program

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Work Location: In person

Expected start date: 2024-04-15