Communications Specialist

THE VANCOUVER SCHOOL BOARD WELCOMES APPLICATIONS FOR THE POSITION OF:

COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST

THE ORGANIZATION: VANCOUVER SCHOOL BOARD (SCHOOL DISTRICT 39)

With deep gratitude and respect, we are honoured to be learning and unlearning on the ancestral and unceded lands of the xʷməθkʷəy̓ əm (Musqueam), Sḵwxwú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation) & səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh Nation).

At the VSB, we are proud to provide exceptional learning experiences for students. As a large, urban school district, VSB is one of Canada’s most diverse school systems. We embrace Indigenous ways of knowing and learning and work to expand Indigenous perspectives across the curriculum and within our 110 schools and programs, where more than 50,000 students learn and grow.

Equity and inclusivity are at the forefront of our approach to education. More than 7,700 staff work to create learning environments where every student thrives by prioritizing students’ needs, applying evidence-informed practices and building relationships. VSB’s culture reflects the diversity of our city. Students enrolled in VSB come from varied backgrounds and lived experiences and are encouraged to explore and share their unique selves and gifts.

Our commitment to students goes beyond academics. Students’ overall well-being and sense of belonging are equally important. We strive to build a school system where every student can be their authentic self and succeed throughout their learning journey. In doing this work, we champion equity and accountability by making evidence-based decisions. As a learning organization, humility is our guidepost as we seek to continually improve student outcomes in service to them, their families, and the broader community.

Our work is guided by the VSB Education Plan. For more information about our school district, visit

THE OPPORTUNITY: COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST

We are currently seeking a Communications Specialist to join our valued team of storytellers who shape the narrative about public education in Vancouver. Our communications team is integral to the District’s mission, vision and guiding principles of collaboration, engagement, excellence, inclusion and transparency.

The Communications Specialist is a generalist who develops engaging content and supports a broad range of communications activities across VSB. The role contributes to strategic communications planning, storytelling, social media, media relations as well as issues and crisis management.

Working within VSB’s award-winning communications team, the Specialist tells authentic, engaging and informative stories using a variety of formats and channels. This includes feature stories, social media content, videos, photography, podcasts, infographics, web content, news releases and other communications products.

The Specialist works closely with communications colleagues, District departments, school administrators and staff to understand communications needs and deliver strategic, audience-focused solutions. The role requires creativity, strong judgment, careful attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a collaborative, fast-paced and results-oriented environment.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Storytelling

• Proactively identify and develop stories that highlight student learning, staff achievements, District initiatives and school community activities. Create clear, engaging and accessible content across multiple formats such as feature stories, web content, social media posts, podcast episodes, news releases and newsletters.
• Manage podcast production, including topic development, guest co-ordination, research, recording, editing, promotion and publication.
• Manage the editorial calendar to plan, create, schedule and publish content across the District’s website, social media platforms and podcast.
• Monitor digital channels and analyze website, social media, podcast and campaign performance to identify audience questions, emerging conversations, communications risks, opportunities and areas for improvement.
• Translate complex or sensitive information into clear, audience-appropriate communications and apply sound judgment when handling confidential or…