Strategic Communications, Manager

INTERNAL & EXTERNAL POSTING EO 10

Salary Range: $116,282 – 136,802

The Peterborough Victoria Northumberland and Clarington Catholic District School Board (PVNCCDSB) is seeking a Strategic Communications Manager.

Responsible for the development and implementation of an internal and external communications plan that reflects and promotes the Board's Vision and Strategic Priorities, and for ensuring that the Board provides proactive, responsive, open, transparent, and two-way communication with students, parents, staff, trustees, parishes, media, provincial partners, and community members.

Key Responsibilities

• Supports the ongoing communication and implementation of the Board's Multi-Year Strategic Plan

• Utilizes internal and external information sources (ex., news releases and media relations) to inform the Board's key audiences about relevant events and activities, policies, positions and responses to issues affecting the Board.

• Acts as a Board spokesperson, providing timely and accurate responses to the media on a variety of topics. Assists the Director, Senior Administration and appropriate Board staff in preparing for media interviews.

• Provides strategic communications advice, counsel and support to senior administration, trustees, and to school and Education Centre staff.

• Monitors local, provincial and national news coverage as well as social media channels to identify potential controversies that could impact the Board's public image.

• Develops, recommends, plans, and implements marketing and advertising initiatives to promote the Board, schools, and various programs and services.

• Manages the Board's consultative platform, working with internal departments to establish two-way communication channels with key stakeholders and ensuring members of key publics have the opportunity to provide valuable feedback to the Board.

• Responds to crisis events, providing strategic counsel to Board leadership in the area of crisis communication and supporting school and Board staff as a member of the crisis response team.

• Responsible for the production of a variety of internal and external publications and multimedia supports (e.g. newsletters, media releases, reports, videos, brochures, Director's Annual Report, etc.) that reflect the Board's Vision and Strategic Plan.

• Provides proactive media relations to build trust with local journalists, ensuring timely and accurate responses to media inquiries while working to promote the Board's mission, vision, values, and strategic priorities, as well as good news stories about Catholic Education.

• Ensures the Board remains adaptable to emerging trends and technologies in the social media environment, utilizing the most appropriate social media tools and technologies to enhance communication and learning.

• Oversees the Records and Information Management office and the development/maintenance of a program of records and information management that ensures efficient, effective and economical organization, storage, retrieval, and disposition of records and information in compliance with applicable legislative and operational requirements.

• Facilitates and processes Freedom of Information requests and completes the Board's Year-End Statistical Report to the Ontario Information and Privacy Commissioner. Ensures policy and administrative procedures regarding Privacy, Freedom of Information and Records Management are in place and are being adhered to by staff. Has a thorough understanding of legislation and policy that governs Freedom of Information/Protection of Privacy.

• Provides ongoing professional learning for Board staff related to communications, Freedom of Information, etc.

• Provides communication support for special events held by the Board (i.e. school anniversaries, sod turnings, blessings, system-wide events, Catholic School Leadership awards, etc.). Promotes these events through social media and other communication tools.

Supervision

This position has direct supervisory responsibility for the Communications Officer and Records and Information Management Coordinator.

Qualifications

The following are the minimum requirements of this job. An equivalent combination of education and experience may also apply.

• 3-5 years of experience in a progressively responsible communication position, preferably within a publicly funded Catholic education environment.
• A graduate of a recognized university with a degree in communications, public relations, or a related field.
• Accreditation in Public Relations (APR) is beneficial
• Experience as a media spokesperson and ability to develop and implement quick responses to critical issues.
• A strong working knowledge of graphic design of communication layouts, posters, brochures, etc.
• Must have a high level of tact, discretion and good judgment.
• Exceptional writing, editing and presentation skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills and a customer service orientation.
• Proficiency with MS Office, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Strong computer skills, including advanced proficiency in social media applications.
• Exceptional organizational, time management and multi-tasking skills.
• Clean driver's abstract, driver's license, insurance and access to a vehicle
• A Criminal Background Check deemed acceptable to the employer is a condition of employment.

Applications

Please submit your application electronically, through Job Code: 3986445 , no later than 9:00 a.m. Friday, October 24, 2025.

PVNCCDSB is committed to creating an accessible and inclusive workplace. We leverage our inclusive organizational culture to further build upon our dynamic and diverse workforce, reflective of the communities we serve. In accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) and the Ontario Human Rights Code (OHRC), we will work collaboratively and respectfully with you in all stages of the recruitment process and throughout your employment. For further information about what accommodation and accessibility look like at PVNCCDSB please refer to our website.

If you require accommodation at any stage of the hiring process, please contact Hilary Howran at 705-748-4861 ext. 1193 or email

Only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. In accordance with the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, the personal information provided is collected under the Education Act and will be used to determine employment eligibility