Communications Coordinator

Windsor-Essex Catholic District School Board; Windsor; On-site; CAD 132,000 - 139,000; Full time

Job summary

Windsor-Essex Catholic District School Board is seeking a Communications Coordinator to lead media relations, digital content, and crisis communications across 44 schools and offices. The role focuses on promoting student achievement, faith-based learning, and staff excellence while maintaining brand consistency and accessibility.

The successful candidate will manage web content, social media, and marketing initiatives, draft compelling materials, and support senior leadership with timely,

Qualifications

• Degree or diploma in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing, Digital Media, or related discipline.
• 3–5 years of progressive experience in corporate communications, public relations, or media relations; education/public sector experience is an asset.
• Strong commitment to Catholic education values and Ontario mission.
• Working knowledge of CMS and web publishing.
• Experience managing multi-channel social media and analytics.
• Exceptional writing, editing, and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work under tight deadlines and handle sensitive information.
• Strong organizational skills with multi-project management.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute strategic communications initiatives highlighting the Board's values and benefits of Catholic education.
• Direct media relations, web and social media, and crisis communications for 44 schools and offices.
• Draft press materials and coordinate press conferences and media opportunities.
• Prepare messages and Q&A for senior leadership and spokespersons.
• Manage the Board's digital ecosystem: website, intranet, and social platforms.
• Create engaging digital content across articles, graphics, photos, and short videos.
• Monitor online discussions and respond to inquiries; analyze engagement metrics to refine strategy.
• Lead campaigns for kindergarten registrations, open houses, and international student programs.
• Ensure accessibility and privacy compliance for all web content.

Skills

Media relations

Content writing

Social media management

CMS

Digital communications

Crisis communications

Project management

Discretion & confidentiality

Education

Degree in Communications/Public Relations

Tools

Web CMS

Social media analytics

Job description

NOTICE OF NON-UNION VACANCY

POSITION: Communications Coordinator

LOCATION: Catholic Education Centre

SALARY: $132,470 - $139,442

Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer/Chief Education Officer, the Communications Coordinator plays a vital role in fostering meaningful engagement with all stakeholders including students, parents and caregivers, staff and school communities. Guided by the Board's vision and mission—to inspire students to follow the example of Jesus and empower them with the knowledge and skills needed to live purposeful, meaningful lives—the Coordinator directs communications that highlight student achievement, faith-filled learning, and staff excellence.

The Communications Coordinator is responsible for leading media relations, web and social media management, marketing initiatives, and crisis/emergency communications across WECDSB's 44 schools and administrative offices.

Duties and Responsibilities include:

• Develop and execute strategic communications initiatives that articulate the distinct values, virtues, and benefits of Catholic education.
• Ensure all communications reflect WECDSB's core mission: providing a safe, caring, responsive, and accepting learning environment rooted in Catholic teachings.
• Build public trust and enhance the board's brand by promoting stories of student success, faith in action, social justice, and community partnerships.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for local, regional, and educational media inquiries.
• Draft, edit, and distribute news releases, media advisories, statements, and media kits.
• Organize and coordinate press conferences, school visits, and media opportunities.
• Present positive news features on innovative programs, student achievements, and board initiatives to local outlets.
• Prepare key messages, background briefs, and Q&A to support senior leadership and board spokespersons.
• Manage and maintain the Board's digital ecosystem, including the public website, intranet portals, and official social media platforms (e.g., X/Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube).
• Plan, create, and publish engaging digital content (written articles, graphic design, photography, short-form video) showcasing daily life and special events in WECDSB schools.
• Ensure all web content complies with Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) standards and board privacy policies.
• Monitor online discussions, respond to public inquiries constructively, and analyze digital engagement metrics to refine strategy.
• Plan and execute promotional campaigns for kindergarten registration, secondary school open houses, international student programs, and specialized learning pathways.
• Oversee brand standards across all departments and schools, ensuring consistent tone, messaging, and visual identity.
• Write and produce publication materials, such as annual reports, newsletters, brochures, flyers, and digital advertisements.
• Support the development and implementation of emergency response protocols and crisis communication plans.
• Deliver rapid, accurate, and transparent communications to parents, staff, media, and the broader community during urgent situations, emergency lock-downs, weather disruptions, or public health events.
• Maintain availability for after-hours emergency response as needed.

Qualifications:

• Degree or diploma in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing, Digital Media, or a related discipline.
• Three (3) to five (5) years of progressive experience in corporate communications, public relations, or media relations. Experience in the education or public sector is considered an asset.
• A strong understanding of and dedication to supporting the mission, vision, and values of Catholic education in Ontario.
• Working knowledge of Web Content Management Systems (CMS).
• Experience managing multi-channel social media platforms and analytics.
• Exceptional writing, editing, and verbal communication skills with the ability to tailor content for diverse audiences.
• Excellent sound judgment, discretion, and confidentiality when handling sensitive issues.
• Ability to remain calm, focused, and efficient under tight deadlines and during emergency scenarios.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple competing projects simultaneously.

Accommodations for disabilities will be provided upon request to support participation in all aspects of the application process.

The WECDSB adheres to equitable hiring, employment and promotion practices and is committed to an inclusive workforce that reflects the diversity of our students.