Communications Coordinator

Chinook's Edge School Division; Innisfail; On-site; CAD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

A large school district in Alberta is seeking a full-time Communications Coordinator to enhance public engagement and trust in education. Responsibilities include developing a comprehensive communications plan, managing media relations, and creating engaging content across various platforms. Ideal candidates will have a degree in communications and successful experience in similar roles, along with excellent written and verbal communication skills. This position is pivotal in promoting the positive initiatives of the school division, while supporting students and staff.

Benefits

Opportunity for professional development

Collaborative work environment

Access to cultural and recreational opportunities

Qualifications

• Experience in a similar leadership role is preferred.
• Ability to assess complex situations and provide reasonable solutions.
• Strong graphic design skills for digital content.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a division communications plan.
• Coordinate media relations opportunities.
• Monitor effective communication networks with stakeholders.
• Prepare leadership for media interactions.

Skills

Successful communications experience

Advanced verbal and written communication skills

Project management skills

Proficiency with Microsoft, Google, Adobe products

Media relations and event support skills

Social media management

Collaborative teamwork

Crisis management expertise

Education

Post-secondary degree/diploma in communications, journalism, public relations or equivalent

Job description

Chinook’s Edge School Division invites applications from accomplished and qualified professionals for the position of full-time Communications Coordinator at Division Office in Innisfail, commencing in January, 2026.

Responsibilities

Reporting to the Superintendent, the Communications Coordinator is responsible for the development and execution of an effective communications program that will increase awareness, understanding, engagement, trust and support of public education in Chinook’s Edge School Division.

Preferred Qualifications

• Successful communications experience in a similar leadership role
• Post‑secondary degree/diploma in communications, journalism, public relations, or equivalent
• Advanced verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to relate to varied audiences
• Ability to manage a wide variety of projects, diverse tasks, initiatives and competing priorities
• Demonstrated proficiency with Microsoft, Google, Adobe products, or similar applications
• Outstanding media relations and event support skills
• Social media management including digital content development and graphic design
• Ability to work collaboratively and effectively with a wide variety of teams, groups, and external partners
• The ability to assess complex and sensitive situations to determine reasonable solutions and decisions

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, implement and evaluate a division communications plan that provides direction for promotional materials and engagement strategies
• Develop and monitor effective communication networks with schools, students, staff, leaders, parents, as well as media, community, business, and government to profile the good news about CESD
• Coordinate media relations opportunities including news releases, photo opportunities, and news interviews to profile initiatives and activities in CESD
• Develop, design, produce and coordinate a variety of written and digital communications, promotional materials, including advertising, speech‑writing, letter writing, and key messages
• Assist with division events as required
• Create content and maintain special sections of the division website, and coordinate information on various other social media as advised
• Monitor and provide advice on school websites
• Provide communications guidance and support to the central office leadership team, the Board of Trustees, schools, and departments
• Prepare the Board Chair and/or the Superintendent to meet with the media to ensure accurate, timely and consistent information is released during promotional, crisis or incidental events
• Provide communications input and support to the division and to schools during crisis and sensitive times. Ensure media are handled fairly and are given appropriate, accurate and consistent information in a timely manner
• Document and synthesize ideas with clarity, and develop solutions or action plans accordingly
• Be vigilant of current priorities and identify available communication opportunities to: 1) attain good news story ideas for development 2) ensure consistent branding, image and communication strategies 3) identify emerging issues and trends that may impact the division
• Provide training and support for division staff on various communication‑related topics
• Fulfill other duties as assigned by the Superintendent

We ask that applicants prepare both a cover letter and resume, complete with the names and telephone numbers of three current work‑related references. Cover letters can be addressed to Mike Garrow, Associate Superintendent–People Services, Chinook’s Edge School Division. Applications for this posting will only be accepted by using the 'Apply' link on this page, and will no longer be accepted by email.

Applications will be accepted until 11:59 pm, Sunday January 4, 2026. The successful applicant will be required to provide a Criminal Record and vulnerable sector check.

Chinook’s Edge is one of the largest school divisions in the province, serving over 11,000 students in 40 Central Alberta schools between Calgary and Red Deer. Our schools are located in 13 small communities that sprawl east and west from the Highway 2 corridor, conveniently providing Chinook’s Edge staff and families with the best of both worlds: a friendly, healthy and affordable small‑town lifestyle combined with the proximity to big city amenities! Plus, the world‑famous Rocky Mountains are a short drive away. Chinook’s Edge values collaboration as well as staff and student wellness. Our family‑friendly communities boast easy access to exciting cultural and recreational opportunities, and our highly regarded quality learning environments make us a desirable division in which to live, learn, work and play! For more information on Chinook’s Edge School Division, please check our website.

By virtue of the submission of an application, the applicant agrees that the principal or designate can contact previous employers for the purpose of conducting confidential reference checks whether or not the applicant has listed a reference for that employer.

While we thank all applicants for their interest, only those individuals selected for interviews will be contacted. Resumes of individuals not granted an interview will not be kept on file.

We respectfully acknowledge that the schools within Chinook’s Edge School Division are situated on Treaty 6 and 7 land, home of the First Nations (Dene, Nehiyawak (Cree), Nakoda, Anishinaabe, Niitsitapi (Blackfoot Confederacy), Tsuu T’ina), the Métis Nation of Alberta, and Inuit Peoples. From the majestic mountain views, vast prairies, and skies of the chinook arch, we express gratitude for the beauty and abundance these lands provide. In recognizing the harmony of earth, plants, water, and wind that breathe life into all we do, we strive to learn and grow as a community while cherishing individual differences. This land acknowledgment represents our commitment to reconciliation, connecting us to those who once walked these lands and forging a path together for the generations to come.