Bilingual Communications and Marketing Coordinator

Conseil scolaire FrancoSud; Calgary; On-site; CAD 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Conseil scolaire FrancoSud is seeking a Communications Coordinator to advance public communications, media relations, and school division branding. You will lead strategic plans, advise senior leadership on messaging, and coordinate with vendors to deliver high-quality materials.

The role requires strong bilingual communication skills in French and English, experience in media relations, and the ability to manage projects, events, and digital channels. Travel may be required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Marketing, PR, Journalism, Business Administration, or related field.
• Progressive experience in strategic communications, marketing, public relations, or corporate communications with project supervision.
• Excellent verbal and written communication in both French and English.
• Experience in media relations, strategic writing, digital communications, brand management, campaigns, and crisis communications.
• Knowledge of the education sector or Alberta Francophone community is an asset.
• A portfolio demonstrating communications and marketing achievements is an asset.
• Demonstrated leadership and ability to prioritize in a complex environment.
• Exceptional writing, editorial skills, and the ability to tailor messages to diverse audiences.
• Proficiency with digital platforms, social media, WordPress, and analytics practices.
• Ability to work with external service providers and brief creative teams.
• Willingness to travel; valid driver’s license.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and update strategic communications and marketing plans aligned with the organization's priorities.
• Advise the Executive Director on communication strategies, messaging, audiences, and reputational risks.
• Establish standards, calendars, and workflows to ensure consistency and timely delivery.
• Supervise and mentor the Communications Officer; manage projects and timelines.
• Coordinate external vendors and partners within budgets and quality standards.
• Prepare and distribute corporate communications including press releases and newsletters.
• Serve as primary media relations contact and coordinate interview requests.
• Monitor media and digital channels; recommend strategies based on data.
• Develop marketing campaigns to boost enrollment, retention, and community engagement.
• Oversee website, social media, digital platforms, and branding consistency.
• Plan press conferences, official announcements, and institutional events.

Skills

Leadership

Communication skills (bilingual)

Editorial skills

Strategic thinking

Crisis communications

Education

Bachelor's degree in Communications, Marketing, PR, Journalism, or related field

Tools

WordPress

Job description

Nature Of The Position And General Responsibilities

The Communications Coordinator primarily supports public communications, media relations, organizational promotion, and visibility initiatives.

Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Develop, implement, and update strategic communications and marketing plans aligned with the organization's strategic plan and priorities.
• Advise the Executive Director and leadership team on communication strategies, institutional positioning, target audiences, key messaging, and reputational risks.
• Establish communication standards, processes, editorial calendars, and approval workflows to ensure consistency, quality, and timely delivery.

Supervision and Collaboration with the Communications Officer

• Supervise, mentor, and work closely with the Communications Officer; assign projects, establish priorities, and monitor timelines and deliverables.
• Foster the professional development, creativity, collaboration, and accountability of the Communications Officer.
• Coordinate external vendors and specialized partners, as required, while ensuring compliance with FrancoSud's budgets and quality standards.

Corporate Communications and Media Relations

• Prepare, review, and distribute corporate communications, including press releases, executive messages, speeches, newsletters, reports, public notices, and informational materials.
• Serve as the primary contact for media relations, coordinate interview requests, and prepare organizational spokespersons.
• Conduct media and digital monitoring, identify emerging issues, and recommend appropriate communication strategies.

Marketing, Digital Communications, and Brand Management

• Develop FrancoSud's marketing strategy and design integrated campaigns to increase student enrollment, improve student retention, strengthen community engagement, and showcase the achievements of the School Division and its schools.
• Define target audiences, objectives, communication channels, timelines, and key performance indicators (KPIs); analyze campaign performance and recommend data-driven improvements.
• Oversee the editorial governance of the website, social media channels, digital platforms, and mass communication tools.
• Ensure consistent application of FrancoSud's visual identity, brand standards, and institutional voice across all communications produced by the School Division and its schools.

Crisis Communications, Public Relations, and Events

• Contribute to the development and continuous improvement of emergency and crisis communication protocols.
• Under the direction of the Executive Director, coordinate communications during urgent, sensitive, or high-profile situations that may have media or reputational implications.
• Promote and highlight the achievements of students, employees, schools, and community partners.
• Plan and support press conferences, official announcements, public consultations, ceremonies, and other institutional events.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Marketing, Public Relations, Journalism, Business Administration, or a related field; an equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered.
• Progressive experience in strategic communications, marketing, public relations, or corporate communications, including experience coordinating projects and supervising staff.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in both French and English.
• Experience in media relations, strategic writing, integrated marketing, digital communications, brand management, promotional campaigns, and crisis communications.
• Knowledge of the education sector, Alberta's Francophone community, or the public sector is considered an asset.
• A portfolio demonstrating communications and marketing achievements is considered an asset.
• Demonstrated leadership, sound professional judgment, and the ability to prioritize effectively in a complex environment.
• Exceptional writing and editorial skills, political awareness, and the ability to tailor messages to diverse audiences.
• Creativity, strategic thinking, attention to detail, discretion, and outstanding organizational skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate effectively with executive leadership, departments, schools, partners, and community stakeholders.
• Proficiency with digital platforms, social media, content management systems (WordPress), and modern performance measurement and analytics practices.
• Ability to work effectively with external service providers and prepare clear, well-structured creative briefs for web, video, and graphic design projects.
• Flexibility to work occasional evenings or weekends to support events, emergencies, or crisis situations.
• Willingness to travel occasionally to schools and communities served by FrancoSud. A valid driver's license is required.
• Commitment to maintaining strict confidentiality and complying with approval protocols and applicable legislative requirements.