Communications Advisor

Communications Advisor
Monday – Friday, 35 hours per week
$78,188 to $91,949 per annum

Closing Date & Time
September 17, 2024 02:00 PM EST/EDT

Reporting to the General Manager of Communications and Public Relations, the Communications Advisor provides clients with strategic advice, options and/or approaches using various communication tools and strategies to meet communications objectives and reach targeted audiences; Works to strengthen relationships between the Board, its employees, parents/guardians/caregivers, partners and Trustees through the development and coordination of various communications projects and issues management.

Key responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Providing guidance and support in preparing for and responding to controversial issues, political matters, breaking news emergencies, reputational crisis, labour or staff issues, or tragic events;
• Coordinates media and public relations strategies that protect and promote the OCDSB’s reputation;
• Collecting and compiling relevant and timely information to clearly communicate complex district issues to staff, families, and other stakeholders through messaging, letters or scripts, news releases/statements and social media content;
• Sharing important information with the OCDSB community, ensuring the OCDSB is accurately presented in the media, and highlighting key initiatives and campaigns for media coverage;
• Acting as central OCDSB point of contact for responding to media inquiries seeking information or interviews;
• Monitoring, reviewing, and analyzing comments and conversations on OCDSB’s social media sites;
• Providing guidance and strategic planning to lead or assist OCDSB clients with campaigns, initiatives, and events;
• Coordinating marketing and advertising initiatives.

 Qualifications

• Post-secondary education in Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, Journalism or related field of study and a minimum of 5 years experience in communications, public relations, journalism, or marketing; An equivalent combination of education and experience may also be considered.
• Experience in a politically-focused environment (e.g., school board, post-secondary institution, or government) is considered an asset.
• Knowledge of intercultural communications principles and practices.
• Interpersonal and communication (oral and written) skills to exchange, clarify and provide information, direction and support to Board personnel and the public; and demonstrates sensitivity to diverse community and social issues.
• Organizational skills, as well as time management techniques for planning and prioritizing work; coordinating activities and/or special events; and managing multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Strong writing skills for editing, drafting and creating media releases, announcements and speeches and other materials.
• Political and institutional acumen; sensitivity to stakeholder voice and confidentiality; consultation and facilitation skills.
• Ability to foster and maintain effective working relationships with diverse audiences, and demonstrate appropriate confidence to earn credibility and trust at all levels (internal and external).
• Computer skills, including social media platforms and desktop publishing, presentation software and project management applications.
• Access to reliable transportation for occasional travel to other school or administrative sites.

Application Process: The Ottawa-Carleton District School Board uses Apply to Education (ATE) to manage applications for all job competitions. OCDSB employees can apply to this job posting using their existing ATE account at ocdsb.simplication.com.

External Applicants: If you do not have an existing ATE account, you will be asked to create one at https://ocdsb.simplication.com Choose ECE, EA & Support Staff as the job category. Once you have set up your account, you can search for the job and then apply. You must upload a resume and covering letter which outlines your qualifications and suitability for the this position.

Applications will be considered in accordance with the Union Exempt Employee Handbook.

How to apply:
1. Apply as instructed by the employer below.*
2. Please send a copy of your application to ee_application@ottawa-worldskills.org so we can inform the employer directly about your application.
3. Please format the file name of your application like this: First Name_Last Name_Position_ Competition Number or Reference Number.

*Please submit your cover letter and résumé online through the “Career Opportunities” section of their Careers page at:

https://network.applytoeducation.com/Applicant/jobposting/jobdetails.aspx?JOB_POSTING_ID=cdf23d6d-9b96-4f49-9af4-48645b49c308&PAGE=1&locale=en&maf=0