Board Policies & Administrative Procedures

Administrative Procedure 455: ROLE OF COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER

Background

The Communications Officer functions as a strategic communication advisor in order to help set priorities and align purposeful communication to achieve the Division’s organizational goals and objectives.  The Communication Officer works collaboratively with Board of Trustees, Executive Staff, as well as cross-departmentally in the Division and with various levels of staff in Westwind School Division to provide counsel and strategic communication direction. 

Guided by the Division’s mission statement, vision, mandate, beliefs and values, the Communications Officer will oversee the responsibilities outlined below.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES   

1. Communications
   1. Develops effective communication campaigns, programs and tactics that deliver a positive brand identity for the Division, including but not limited to branding, event marketing, public relations and advertising.
   2. Manages Westwind social media channels with regularity to promote engagement with stakeholders.
      Ensures positive working relationships with media outlets and proactively manages these contacts to ensure open communication.
   3. Monitors media channels for coverage related to the Division and its schools and shares coverage within the Division.
   4. Supports the celebration of staff and students through promotion internally and externally as appropriate.
   5. Produces written work, photographs and/or video to promote the Division, its people and its programs.
   6. Supports the Division's accountability processes through the collection and presentation of meaningful data related to communications efforts.
   7. Supports the creation and implementation of training programs on social media, communications and other skills for Division staff.
   8. Supports the development and implementation of a strategic plan for advancing communications in the Division that supports Division priorities and goals.
      
      
2. Community Relations
   1. Supports the Division's community engagement initiatives.
   2. Supports the maintenance of positive and effective relations with stakeholders
   3. Co-ordinates a gathering of School Councils three times annually to build community and cohesion among school council organizations.
      
      
3. Promotions/Marketing
   1. Supports the promotion of Division and school programs through the development of materials such as media advisories, promotional photography and other materials.
   2. Supports the implementation of marketing campaigns aligned with Division priorities.
      
      
4. Fiscal Responsibility
   1. Operates in a fiscally prudent and responsible manner.
      
      
5. Policy/Administrative Procedures
   1. Assists the Superintendent in the planning, development, implementation and evaluation of Board policies and administrative procedures within areas of responsibility.
   2. Manages Board policies on the Division website.
   3. Ensures the application of Board policies and administrative procedures as required in the performance of duties.
   4. Makes accessible to the public the Board Policy Handbook and the Administrative Procedures Manual in accordance with FOIP and in a timely and courteous manner.
      
      
6. Organizational Management
   1. Within areas of responsibility, demonstrates effective organizational skills resulting in compliance with all legal and Board mandates and timelines and adherence to Superintendent directives.
   2. Contributes to a Division culture which facilitates positive results, effectively handles emergencies and deals with crisis situations in a team-oriented, collaborative and cohesive fashion.
7. Professional Practices
   1. Models high standards of ethical conduct and a commitment to personal and professional growth.
   2. Represents the Division in a positive, professional manner.
   3. Models excellent time management skills and an ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
   4. Deals effectively with the public in a timely and courteous manner.
   5. Maintains a professional attitude and appearance.
   6. Demonstrates an ability to work in a team-oriented, collaborative environment.
   7. Demonstrates an understanding and provides support for Board governance structures and Division priorities.
   8. Commits to life-long learning and participates in meaningful professional development.
   9. Maintains membership in appropriate professional associations for the benefit of the Division's communication needs.
   10. Maintains confidentiality in all matters pertaining to the Division and its operation.
   11. Establish and maintain professional working relationships with all levels of the organization
        

References

Section 20, 60, 61, 96, 113, 116, 117 School Act

Employment Standards Code

Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act

Labour Relations Code

Occupational Health and Safety Act

Funding Manual for School Authorities

Approved: August 21, 2018

Last Updated: July 31, 2019