Manager, Communications

Surrey Schools (School District #36 Surrey); Surrey; On-site; CAD 104,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive Benefits Package

Extended Medical, Vision and Dental

Life Insurance, Short-Term and Long- •

Employee Family Assistance Program

Municipal Pension

13 Paid Holidays, plus Sick & Vacation

Job summary

Surrey Schools, the School District #36 in Surrey, BC, seeks a Manager of Communications for an 18-month term. The role leads corporate communications, digital strategy, media relations, events, and government relations, aligning plans with organizational goals.

The incumbent will drive internal and external communications, oversee KPIs, and coach a team to deliver high-quality results in a dynamic public sector environment.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in communications, public relations, or related field.
• 10–15 years’ progressive experience in strategic communications, media, issues management, and crisis communications.
• Public sector experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Execute communications strategy and deliver on goals and objectives.
• Lead the Communications team including goal setting, coaching and performance management.
• Collaborate across teams to develop a consistent Surrey Schools voice.
• Foster a collaborative work environment and professional growth.
• Lead media relations and issues management for Trustees and the Executive team.
• Create media materials: key messages, backgrounders, press releases, FAQs, advisories.
• Build relationships with Metro Vancouver media and other partners.
• Develop SD36 internal communications strategy and campaigns.
• Oversee internal communications tools and processes; mentor leaders.
• Provide direction on external digital campaigns and social platforms.

Skills

Leadership

Crisis comms

Stakeholder engagement

Written comms

Project management

Data analytics

Education

Master’s degree in communications

Job description

18-Month Term Assignment

The Surrey School District respectfully acknowledges that our schools reside on the traditional, unceded, and shared territories of Coast Salish peoples: The q̓íc̓əy̓ - Katzie, the q̓ʷa:n̓ƛ̓ən̓- Kwantlen and the SEMYOME - Semiahmoo First Nations, who have been stewards of this land since time immemorial.

Surrey Schools is the largest BC school district and the second-largest employer in Surrey. Surrey Schools provides quality education to over 82,000 students with 124 school sites and a variety of other learning facilities, offering a broad range of innovative programs and services to support the learning of our students. The Surrey School District team of approximately 13,000 employees works tirelessly every day to ensure that children are getting the best start they can, providing the preparation to be our leaders of tomorrow.

Our Commitment

Providing quality education extends beyond academic excellence; we are committed to creating and cultivating diverse, inclusive, and barrier-free environments for all applicants, employees, students, and their families.

Diversity, Equity, And Inclusion & Values

Our identity, as Surrey Schools, is expressed in the shared values of openness, fairness and belonging and recognizes the importance of diversity of identity and thought. We are an equal opportunity employer and welcome applicants from all backgrounds. We are committed to removing barriers and creating a workplace where everyone, regardless of their background, feels empowered to contribute their best.

Join us in our mission to provide the best start for children, preparing them to be the leaders of tomorrow.

If you are passionate about education, diversity, and making a positive impact, we invite you to explore opportunities with Surrey Schools.

Job Summary

Reporting to the Director of Communications, the Manager, Communications will assume strategic leadership across all integrated communications functions: corporate communications, digital, media and issues, events and government relations. The Manager, Communications is a strategic thinker, adept at developing and implementing communication plans that align with broader organizational goals and possess strong understanding of digital and social media strategy and management.

• This is a term assignment for 18-months*

Responsibilities

Strategic Communication

• Execute communications strategy and deliver on set goals and objectives.
• Provide leadership and direction to the Communications team, including goal setting, coaching, development, and performance management.
• Collaborate across teams to develop a strong, consistent voice for Surrey Schools.
• Foster a collaborative and supportive work environment that encourages teamwork and professional growth.

Media Relations and Issues Management

• Lead media relations and provide issues management support to Trustees and the Executive team.
• Create various media materials, including but not limited to key messages, fact sheets, backgrounders, press releases, FAQs and advisories.
• Collaborate closely with subject matter experts, external and internal partners for media events and activations.
• Build relationships with media in the Metro Vancouver media, including South Asian media.
• Serve as the organization’s secondary media contact and spokesperson.

Internal Communications

• Develop and execute SD36 internal communications strategy.
• Support recruitment and employee engagement campaigns.
• Manage and oversee internal communications tools.
• Advise leaders on internal communications processes to foster transparent, engaging dialogue and alignment with organizational values and goals.
• Establish and monitor KPIs to evaluate the effectiveness of communications and guide decision-making and continuous improvement.

Digital/Social Media Management

• Develop, implement, and evaluate comprehensive external digital communication campaigns.
• Provide oversight of website and all digital communications tools.
• Provide direction on multi-platform content strategy and editorial calendar.
• Review and expand current social media/digital strategy with additional platforms.

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Master’s degree and/or other advanced accreditation in communications, public relations, or related field.
• 10 to 15 years’ progressive experience in strategic communications, media, issues management, and crisis communications. An equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered.
• Public sector experience preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

• Significant leadership experience with the ability to motivate and develop a team through mentorship and coaching.
• Crisis communication experience and ability to handle sensitive issues with discretion.
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills with the ability to communicate and build trust with diverse groups.
• Expert knowledge of the principles and practice of effective communications, media/public relations, and marketing.
• The ability to think critically and view issues and challenges from multiple perspectives.
• Demonstrated ability to work with others in a consultative and collaborative manner.
• Effective decision-making, and problem-solving skills.
• Exceptional organizational, project management, and change management skills and proven ability to manage multiple priorities while delivering high-quality results.
• Demonstrated commitment to inclusion and belonging and building a caring and respectful workplace.
• Knowledge of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy legislation
• Financial acumen and demonstrated commitment to fiscally sound and responsible decisions.
• Data literacy including the ability to define and apply metrics and analytics to facilitate learning and decision-making.

What We're Offering

• Comprehensive Benefits Package
• Extended Medical, Vision and Dental
• Life Insurance, Short-Term and Long-Term Disability
• Employee Family Assistance Program
• Municipal Pension
• 13 Paid Holidays, plus Sick & Vacation Time
• Supportive workplace with a positive and productive work environment. Feel a sense of security and safety to act, speak, and reflect who you are

The salary range for this position is $103,613 to $129,516 per year with comprehensive benefits package and Municipal Pension.

Placement in the salary range is determined by an assessment of qualifications and ability to meet the key requirements of the job, and consideration of internal equity comparisons. The midpoint of the range represents an employee that possesses full job knowledge, qualifications, and experience for the position.

The closing date for this position is Friday, October 23, 2026 at 4:00 pm.

Surrey Schools recognizes the importance of accessibility and supporting the diverse needs of our community. If there is any accommodation you may require for your interview, whether related to accessibility or otherwise, please do not hesitate to advise and we will make every effort to meet your needs.

Successful applicants will be required to consent to a Criminal Records Search prior to employment. Only those applicants selected for interviews will be contacted. To all others, thank you for your interest.