Description
The Wellington Catholic DSB is committed to equity for all students and staff, and to delivering the highest quality education through a qualified workforce that reflects the diversity of the communities we serve. Upon request, we will provide reasonable accommodation in the hiring process to support applicants with disabilities. Please see the job opportunities page on our website for more details.
Job Posting 25-057
100% Permanent Communication and Community Engagement Lead
Location: Catholic Education Centre, 255 Speedvale Ave. W., Guelph
Anticipated Start Date: asap
Schedule: 34.5 hours per week
8:30am-4:30pm Monday-Thursday and 8:30am-4:00pm Friday
Grade 5 : Step 1 $74,403 - Step 5 $93,003
About the Wellington Catholic District School Board
The Wellington Catholic District School Board’s Catholic Education Centre is a located in the City of Guelph and the Board provides publicly funded Catholic education to over 9000 students in 22 schools throughout Wellington County. Wellington Catholic DSB prides itself in providing excellence in Catholic education and its track record of student achievement and student success. The board offers innovative programs and partnerships and continues to seek out new opportunities to provide unique learning experiences for our students. As a faith-based Catholic education system, we offer opportunities for students to learn about and experience their faith in our schools each day.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:
The successful candidate will report to the Director of Education and have the following key responsibilities:
- Provide communications support to Board departments
- Work with the Director and senior staff on internal and external board communication; offering advice based on best communications practices in print and web-based material from both content and design perspectives.
- Produce digital and print materials using superior research, writing, editing, and publishing skills. Examples include - but are not limited to - news releases; newsletters for employees and external audiences; correspondence; institutional advertisements; social media posts; key messages; and other materials.
- Support in the management of all internal and external communication tools, including - but not limited to - website and social media accounts.
- Proactively seek out positive news from within Wellington Catholic DSB to share with the community. Write press releases, media briefs, social media copy and internal copy.
- Execute Public Relations programming that amplifies our successes and strategic plan.
- Respond to and co-ordinate communication with the media, build and maintain positive relationships with media
- Implement communication strategies to increase parental and community engagement, student enrolment and retention, and help instill public confidence
- Develop and implement marketing and advertising strategies, board promotions
- Plan, co-ordinate and support special events
- Advise board and school administrative staff on effective communication strategies, including crisis communications and issues management
- Attend public board and standing committee meetings (may include evening meetings)
- Participate in select staff committees in a communications advisory and support role
- Liaise with external community partners and support development of new partner relationships
- Support community engagement initiatives and events
- Support senior staff in review and development of administrative procedures and policy management
- Assist in the development of internal communication structures to promote efficiency and district uniformity
- Other duties as assigned
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE:
- University degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, English, Marketing or related post-graduation certificate with equivalent experiences or alternative educational qualifications deemed to be comparable by the Board
- Five years of communications or public relations experience; experience in the public sector, an understanding of issues in education, and strong political acumen and successful experience collaborating with various levels of government are considered assets.
- Possess a valid Ontario Driver's License, have access to a vehicle and be willing to travel throughout the Board or as appropriate for the position
- Proven skills in research and analysis of media information using a variety of tools
- Up-to-date knowledge of emerging web and content management technologies and social media
- Previous experience and proven track record leading the development of a wide range of communications materials and strategies including news releases, advisories, reports, features and special articles, advising on content, format and appropriate vehicles for the dissemination of important information
- Experience working with the media and a demonstrated understanding of a newsroom
- Excellent interpersonal, oral and written communication skills
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
- Experience in issues management and crisis response during emergency situations
- Experience in project management in a collaborative environment involving cross-functional teams on time-sensitive tasks and for varied audiences
- Highly organized, with the ability to work under high pressure and tight timelines, and to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines
- Excellent judgement and political acuity to manage contentious issues and resolve concerns effectively and tactfully
- Understanding of the public sector, Catholic education, and educational issues in general
- Ability to work regularly with confidential data.
Interested and qualified applicants are invited to respond.
POSTING DATE: FRIDAY March 7, 2025
CLOSING DATE: FRIDAY, March 21, 2025 at 4:00pm
Applications received after the closing date will be reviewed only as needed until the position is filled.
Successful external candidates will be required to provide an original Criminal Record Check as a condition of employment. Please note that the CRC must be dated within 6 months of the date of acceptance of employment, and in most cases must include a Vulnerable Sector Screening. While we thank all applicants for their interest in working for the Wellington Catholic District School Board, we wish to advise that only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
In accordance with the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, personal information is being collected under the authority of the Education Act and will be used for employee recruitment and selection purposes.
