Communications Assistant, 1 position Permanent and 1 position Acting for 18 months

The Peel District School Board (PDSB) is a racially, culturally and linguistically diverse board that serves approximately 148,000 students and 17,000+ employees. In PDSB, 87% of students are racialized, non-white, representing 162 different ethnic backgrounds. Students in Peel have 121 different first languages. Student diversity also exists in terms of gender and gender expression, sexuality and in terms of ability and faith. A responsive and empathetic understanding of the lived experiences of the students and communities we serve is vital to those who will take on leadership roles within the PDSB. The workforce consists of teachers, office staff, custodial staff, education assistants and professional staff. The workforce is largely unionized through PDSB’s numerous affiliated bargaining agents.

Job Summary

A skilled communicator, proactive, flexible and well organized, you’re ready to meet competing deadlines in a fast-paced communications environment at Peel District School Board (PDSB).

Reporting to the Manager, Communications, you will be responsible for supporting all aspects of our communication and marketing strategies to promote various student success initiatives, including the development of materials, such as social media content creation and monitoring, as well as the coordination of communications projects and special events.

As a Communications Assistant, you will support the development and dissemination of internal and external communications. Your responsibilities will include drafting and editing various materials, coordinating with schools and board departments, and assisting in the planning and execution of events for students, parents, and staff.

Key Responsibilities

• Content Creation and Editing: Draft, edit, and proofread speeches, newsletter articles, news releases, and feature stories to ensure clarity and consistency
• Event Coordination: Assist in planning and implementing events, including booking keynote speakers, liaising with external agencies, and managing project timelines
• Stakeholder Engagement: Collaborate with schools and board departments to support communication initiatives and ensure alignment with organizational goals
• Digital Content Management: Manage sections of the Board’s internal and external websites, including writing and editing content, and coordinating with graphic design and video production teams to enhance web presence.
• Social Media Management: Assist in managing the Board’s social media channels by creating and scheduling engaging content, monitoring interactions, responding to comments and messages, and analyzing performance metrics to inform future strategies
• Media Relations Support: Contribute to the development of news releases and positive news stories to promote the Board's activities and achievements
• Crisis Communication Support: Assist with preparing and updating information for internal and external audiences during school-related incidents. This includes drafting messages, coordinating with relevant departments, and ensuring timely dissemination of accurate information across various communication channels

Qualifications

With your degree or diploma related to Public Relations, Communications or a related discipline, and proficiency with the Canadian Press style, you have a solid foundation for success in the role of Communications Assistant. You’ll also put to work the following experience, knowledge and abilities:

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Demonstrated organizational and time management skills
• Excellent research and note-taking abilities and proofreading skills
• Familiarity with social media platforms, as well as social media tools (such as Buffer and Canva).
• A proactive and flexible approach to work
• Excellent computer skills, including experience using Microsoft Suite, SharePoint, PowerPoint and other web development software
• Ability to prioritize and multitask, and work to deadlines in a fast-paced environment
• Demonstrated commitment to equity, inclusion, anti-racism, and anti-oppression, and to working in a diverse school community and/or work environment

Careers with the Peel District School Board

Commitment to Equity, Anti-Oppression and Anti-Racism

The Peel District School Board is committed to equity in employment. We are committed to equitable hiring practices that allow us to hire qualified staff who reflect the full diversity of the Region of Peel. We will provide reasonable accommodation (e.g. an accessible location, rescheduling of interviews that fall on Days of Significance etc.) based on any of the human rights protected grounds, during the hiring process if advised in advance. We are also committed to inclusion, anti-oppression and anti-racist practices while also supporting the continuous growth and development of an equitable and empowered education system at the PDSB.

Criminal Background Check

Successful candidates must provide a satisfactory Criminal Background Check prior to commencing employment. Please review the requirements for the Criminal Background Check.

We appreciate the interest of all applicants, but will only be contacting candidates whose skills, experience and qualifications best meet the requirements of the position. All communication to applicants regarding this job posting, including an invitation to complete skills assessments and/or a job interview if applicable, will be made through email. Candidates are encouraged to regularly check their email as listed on their TalentLink account.

Land Acknowledgement

The land upon which we work, live and sustain ourselves is the ancestral and treaty lands of the Miichizaagiig Anishinaabek also known today as the Mississaugas of the Credit, the rightful caretakers and title holders of this land. We also recognize the rich pre-contact history and relationships which include the Anishinaabek and the Onkwehonwe. Since European Contact, this land continues to be home to Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples. As responsible community members, we value the diversity, dignity and worth of all people. Colonialism displaced and dispossessed Indigenous peoples of their ancestral lands and continues to deny their basic human rights, dignities and freedoms. We are committed to learning true history to reconcile, make reparations and fulfill our treaty obligations to the Original Peoples and our collective responsibilities to the land, water, animals, and each other for future generations.

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