School District No. 20 (Kootenay-Columbia) is seeking a full-time (37.5 hours per week) Executive Assistant/Communications Specialist effective April 3, 2023. This position is exempt and therefore, excluded from union membership.

The School District

Located along the Canada-US border, halfway between Vancouver and Calgary, School District No. 20 (Kootenay-Columbia) is situated on the traditional and unceded territories of the Ktunaxa, Secwépemc, Sinixt and Syilx. We also acknowledge the many Metis and Inuit Peoples who are also guests on these lands. The Kootenay-Columbia School District is a vibrant learning community that inspires staff and student engagement, creativity, risk taking, and well-being, in an inclusive and caring learning environment. The District serves several communities, including Castlegar, Fruitvale, Montrose, Robson, Rossland, Warfield and Trail. With rich four-season recreational opportunities, safe and friendly communities, a reasonable cost of living, and local post-secondary options (Selkirk College), the District is the perfect place to work and play.

The Position: Working directly with the Superintendent and Secretary-Treasurer, the Executive Assistant/Communications Specialist is responsible for providing a broad range of senior administrative support including managing correspondence and communication flow between various stakeholders, management, and elected officials; developing and maintaining Board Meeting Agendas and Minutes; record retention and maintenance of confidential documents, and event schedule and coordination of the Board of Education. The Executive Assistant/Communications Specialist helps build and maintain positive relationships with all stakeholders via strategic communication. Liaising with media and communicating with the broader community are also important aspects of this role.

Qualifications: This position will appeal to an experienced individual interested in a detailed and challenging position. The successful candidate will possess superior interpersonal skills and have demonstrated organizational and planning abilities in addition to having:

Post-secondary education in Business Administration and/or a communications degree or equivalent training and experience in communications, journalism, public relations, or a related field

Minimum of 5 years recent and relevant experience

Ability to use a variety of Microsoft Office programs, such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook 365

Experience with web communications, internet technology, digital photography (ability to take publication-quality photographs in a variety of settings) and video

Sounds knowledge of current issues in public education

Ability to deal with sensitive issues and information

Proven experience in social media management across multiple platforms, including content plan development, content generation and distribution, reputation management, client relationship management, and use of social media management tools

Experience with crisis communication management

A high degree of judgement, discretion, and decision-making ability (with ability to work quickly, often under tight deadlines and pressures) and manage a number of projects simultaneously

Knowledge of business meeting protocol, including recording and transcribing of minutes

Ability to work under minimal supervision

Superior interpersonal, communication and resolution skills

Communications

Responsibilities

Establishes and maintains successful relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including effective working relationships with the media

Generates, organizes, prioritizes, and schedules social medial posts from a variety of sources (always ensuring accuracy of content and FIPPA compliance)

Ensures that all District announcements, developments, policies, programs, and milestones are well publicized and professionally executed

Monitors social and traditional media

Manages and updates content of School District website

Organizes public service/institutional and educational advertising (e.g. board meetings, student registrations, etc.)

Supports Senior Leadership in communicating the District’s learning/strategic plans through a variety of media channels

Supports Senior Leadership and Principals in communicating externally (media, community, and parents) and internally (staff)

Provides communications services, or other assistance as required, during critical incidents and emergency situations

Protects the District’s reputation monitoring social networks and independently responding to conversations and answering questions, when possible, about the District

Sets up and monitors analysis reports from a variety of sources (e.g. social media analytics, surveys, Google analytics) to determine the effectiveness of communications for future improvements

Provides social media policy and practices and implements as required

Assists in the development of a Communication Plan for the District

Executive Support

Responsibilities

Directly responsible for providing support to the Superintendent and Secretary-Treasurer by efficiently and effectively handling the administrative duties and responsibilities of these offices

Responsible for all matters pertaining to the Board’s corporate affairs including preparing board meeting agendas, minutes and correspondence.

Responsible for maintaining records and taking a lead role in records management through our records management program Laserfiche

Demonstrates sound judgment and tact in dealing with District trustees, staff, and the general public on a variety of matters

Acts as the general office manager for the District’s administration office

A competitive salary and benefits package is offered.

For further information please contact Marcy VanKoughnett, Assistant Superintendent, at mvankoughnett@sd20.bc.ca.

Electronic applications are required from all applicants . If you are qualified and interested in the above competition, please submit your electronic application including cover letter, resume (with references) and supporting documents to Marcy VanKoughnett, Assistant Superintendent – Human Resources by 12:00 (Noon), February 17, 2023 via www.makeafuture.ca/kootenay-columbia

Applicants agree to confidential reference checks, including all previous employers. The successful applicant will be subject to a criminal record search.

We appreciate your interest, but only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Competition # 23-E-01