Senior Manager, Strategic Communications

at  Toronto District School Board

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Requires occasional travel across TDSB sites.
  Work Year : 12 Months
  Location : 5050 Yonge Street (Wheelchair Accessible) (Hybrid Work Eligible)
  If you would like additional information on the role, please contact GeneralInquiries@tdsb.on.ca and include “Senior Manager, Strategic Communications” in the subject line.
  Only applicants selected for an interview will be contacted. Applications will not be acknowledged in writing.

WE STRIVE TO MEET THE ACCOMMODATION NEEDS OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES. APPLICANTS ARE ENCOURAGED TO MAKE THEIR NEEDS FOR ACCOMMODATION KNOWN IN ADVANCE DURING THE APPLICATION PROCESS.

The TDSB follows a hybrid work structure where some employees may be able to work remotely at times, based on operational requirements. Please refer to Policy P103 , Flexible Working Arrangements for more information.

OVERALL PURPOSE:

Reporting to the Executive Officer, Communications and Public Affairs, the Senior Manager, Strategic Communications will provide leadership and strategic expertise to enhance the Board’s capacity and capability with respect to strategic communications, working in close collaboration with the Office of the Director of Education and other senior team members.

The Senior Manager will:

• Provide leadership and expertise in strategic communications to enhance the Board’s reputation, image, and credibility.
• Lead the development and execution of comprehensive communication plans to support the Multi-Year Strategic Plan.
• Provide counsel to senior leadership, staff, and trustees on communication strategies tailored to diverse school communities and stakeholders; and
• Provide leadership to Strategic Communications Unit staff.

SUMMARY OF DUTIES:

• Work closely with senior staff and trustees to lead the development, implementation and monitoring of internal and external corporate communications strategies and communication plans.
• Lead various communication projects, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and collaborating with other departments for successful execution.
• Provide briefings and proposals to the senior team, ensuring they are fully consulted and briefed on strategic communication and public engagement initiatives. Prepare, review, and present reports and briefing notes to obtain necessary approvals for these initiatives.
• Provide counsel and advice to the senior team, other senior staff and trustees related to effective strategic communications strategies to mitigate issues that may arise among stakeholders and with government officials.
• Identify and mitigate reputational risks through proactive communication strategies, adapting approaches as issues arise to safeguard Board priorities.
• Collaborate with the Office of the Director of Education to develop communication materials, ensuring consistency and alignment with organizational messaging.
• Work with the Communications Management team to develop and implement Departmental goals.
• Participate in the development of the Departmental budget and operational plans including tracking and monitoring expenditures.
• Establish short-term and annual goals and objectives for the Strategic Communications Unit team, with quantitative and qualitative measurements against which to measure success.
• Responsible for the management of staff, including recruitment and selection, training and development, coaching, and performance evaluation.
• Initiate and oversee capacity building for Departmental staff to effectively address specialized communications/outreach functions.
• Assume leadership responsibilities in the absence of the Executive Officer.
• Provide leadership in fostering equity and inclusiveness in the development and implementation of programs and services; and
• Other duties as assigned.
• University degree in a related field (e.g., Journalism, Political Science, Communications, Public Administration) with eight years progressively responsible experience in communications/public affairs, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Highly developed expertise in strategic communications, reputational risk management, and project management to provide leadership and direction of complex communication projects and initiatives.
• Extensive experience working in a public sector environment, preferably in the education sector and/or mass media function, with a strong understanding of the public sector decision-making process and the need to be transparent and accountable to stakeholders.
• Demonstrated experience developing and implementing corporate communications strategies and plans to support organizational goals, strategic direction, and government relations objectives.
• Strong political and business acumen to navigate highly politicized environments.
• Strong strategic thinking skills and experience in taking strategic concepts and proposals to the senior team for approval.
• Superior oral communication and interpersonal skills to effectively build and maintain strong working relationships and partnerships with a diverse range of internal and external stakeholders and provide sound counsel.
• Excellent written communication skills for various media to convey information clearly and concisely.
• Successful managerial experience with strong leadership, mentoring and team building skills.
• Experience in budgeting, including expenditure control.
• Detail-oriented with a focus on quality and accuracy.
• Ability to distill complex information into clear and concise presentations.
• Excellent time management, problem-solving, and planning abilities to manage competing priorities effectively; and
• Proven ability in promoting equitable practices which value inclusiveness and diversity.