Communications Officer

JOB TITLE: Communications Officer
LOCATION: Brantford, ON

The Grand Erie District School Board is guided by our vision to Learn, Lead, and Inspire and our shared mission to build a culture of learning, well-being and belonging to inspire each learner. Grand Erie’s 4,000 employees provide quality education to approximately 28,000 full-time equivalent students who attend our 73 schools.  The Board spans a geographic area encompassing the City of Brantford and the Counties of Brant, Haldimand and Norfolk.  The head office is located in Brantford.

We’re a team building a culture of learning, well-being and belonging to inspire every learner.  We’re all learners, leaders and inspirers, working with kids, our communities and each other to build a stronger future. We offer outstanding colleagues and supportive leadership, a commitment to ongoing learning and an excellent compensation package.
Reporting to the Senior Manager, Communication and Community Relations, the Communications Officer is a strategist, skilled writer, client service representative, problem solver and communications influencer. This role is a communications generalist with a strong understanding of social media, media relations, communication planning, marketing, and community engagement. The Communications Officer will provide support and strategic advice to senior leaders and school administrators regarding communication and marketing of programs and initiatives. The Communications Officer is the link between Grand Erie and its key internal and external stakeholders through the effective use of communication.
Responsibilities:

• Lead marketing and communication programs and support in responding to media inquiries and emerging issues. 
• Work in all aspects of the development and delivery of marketing communications, encompassing all traditional, digital and social channels.
• Provide support and strategic advice to senior leaders and school administrators regarding communication and marketing of programs and initiatives.
• Skilled at writing for a variety of traditional and digital channels ensuring compliance with AODA guidelines and communications best practices. 
• Conduct daily media scans, proactively identifying and acting on risks and opportunities, drafting editorial content, articles and speaking points on issues to support all levels of the organization.
• Identify, plan, manage and execute media opportunities and coverage, draft news releases, visit schools and department events to provide digital news coverage.
• Deploy emergency communications and execute strategies for emergency response, school closures as required.
• The successful applicant may be required to work after hours based on system needs. 

Attributes:

• Adept at managing and responding to shifting priorities with the appropriate level of urgency.
• Experience with the development and execution of effective and targeted communications, media relations and issue management plans and the production of online and print publications.
• Experienced in building and maintaining strategic social media engagement and knowledgeable with evolving social media, mobile and other digital platforms.
• Highly developed interpersonal skills and the ability to build collaborative working relationships and provide exemplary service to internal and external stakeholders.
• You are politically astute and responsive to the needs and interests of diverse stakeholders.
• Demonstrated attention to detail and accuracy, ability to prioritize work, meet short deadlines, adhere to timelines and maintain confidentiality.

Qualifications:

• Candidates must have completed a post-secondary degree or diploma in public relations/communications or a related area.
• Three years minimum recent experience working in public relations/communications, preferably in a public sector organization.
• Applicable professional accreditation is an asset (APR, ABC, MCM etc.).
• Membership in professional association (CPRS, IABC, CACE, etc.) is an asset.
• Valid driver's license and use of a personal vehicle required

Job Specifications
Hours of Work	7 hours per day/35 hours per week
Rate of Pay	Salary Range $84,680 - $96,230 A competitive benefits plan is available through a provincial benefits trust plan (extended health, dental, life insurance, AD&D). OMERS pension plan. Opportunity for remote/hybrid work model for some positions. Flexible summer schedule.
Effective Date	As soon as can be mutually agreed upon
Posting Number	NU 1-26-27
Supervisor Title	Senior Manager, Communication and Community Relations
Is this an existing vacancy?	Yes
Apply to	Applicants may apply by clicking the button below by August 7, 2026 at 4:00 p.m.

All submissions are to include a complete cover letter, resume, qualifications, and the names of three (3) professional references at least one of which must be a current supervisor (one document if submitted electronically). All new employees are required to provide an original Police Record Check (which includes a “vulnerable sector search”) acceptable to the Board prior to the commencement of employment.

Applicants with a disability that requires an accommodation to enable their participation in the interview process should advise the Board when contacted for an interview.  Any assessment and selection materials and processes used in the interview process can be made available in an accessible format, upon request in advance.

All submissions are subject to a screening process and some applicants may not be granted an interview.

Grand Erie District School Board recognizes Six Nations of the Grand River and Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation, as the longstanding peoples of this territory. We honour, recognize, and respect these communities as well as all First Nations, Métis and Inuit Peoples who reside within Grand Erie District School Board. We are all stewards of these lands and waters where we now gather, learn and play, and commit to working together in the spirit of Reconciliation.