THE VANCOUVER SCHOOL BOARD WELCOMES APPLICATIONS FOR THE POSITION OF:
COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST
THE ORGANIZATION: VANCOUVER SCHOOL BOARD (SCHOOL DISTRICT 39)
With deep gratitude and respect, we are honoured to be learning and unlearning on the ancestral and unceded lands of the xʷməθkʷəy̓ əm (Musqueam), Sḵwxwú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation) & səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh Nation).
At the VSB, we are proud to provide exceptional learning experiences for students. As a large, urban school district, VSB is one of Canada’s most diverse school systems. We embrace Indigenous ways of knowing and learning and work to expand Indigenous perspectives across the curriculum and within our 110 schools and programs, where more than 50,000 students learn and grow.
Equity and inclusivity are at the forefront of our approach to education. More than 7,700 staff work to create learning environments where every student thrives by prioritizing students’ needs, applying evidence-informed practices and building relationships. VSB’s culture reflects the diversity of our city. Students enrolled in VSB come from varied backgrounds and lived experiences and are encouraged to explore and share their unique selves and gifts. Our commitment to students goes beyond academics. Students’ overall well-being and sense of belonging are equally important. We strive to build a school system where every student can be their authentic self and succeed throughout their learning journey. In doing this work, we champion equity and accountability by making evidence-based decisions. As a learning organization, humility is our guidepost as we seek to continually improve student outcomes in service to them, their families, and the broader community. Our work is guided by the VSB Education Plan. For more information about our school district, visit .
THE OPPORTUNITY: COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST
We are currently seeking a Communications Specialist to join our valued team of storytellers who shape the narrative about public education in Vancouver. Our communications team is integral to the District’s mission, vision and guiding principles of collaboration, engagement, excellence, inclusion and transparency.
The Communications Specialist is a generalist who develops engaging content and supports a broad range of communications activities across VSB . The role contributes to strategic communications planning, storytelling, social media, media relations as well as issues and crisis management.
Working within VSB’s award-winning communications team, the Specialist tells authentic, engaging and informative stories using a variety of formats and channels. This includes feature stories, social media content, videos, photography, podcasts, infographics, web content, news releases and other communications products.
The Specialist works closely with communications colleagues, District departments, school administrators and staff to understand communications needs and deliver strategic, audience-focused solutions. The role requires creativity, strong judgment, careful attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a collaborative, fast- paced and results-oriented environment.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Storytelling
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Proactively identify and develop stories that highlight student learning, staff achievements, District initiatives and school community activities. Create clear, engaging and accessible content across multiple formats such as feature stories, web content, social media posts, podcast episodes, news releases and newsletters.
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Manage podcast production, including topic development, guest co-ordination, research, recording, editing, promotion and publication.
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Manage the editorial calendar to plan, create, schedule and publish content across the District’s website, social media platforms and podcast.
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Monitor digital channels and analyze website, social media, podcast and campaign performance to identify audience questions, emerging conversations, communications risks, opportunities and areas for improvement.
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Translate complex or sensitive information into clear, audience-appropriate communications and apply sound judgment when handling confidential or time-sensitive information.
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Ensure content is current, accurate , accessible and aligned with VSB’s priorities, visual identity, Canadian Press style, plain language and communications standards.
Communications planning
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Work with internal clients to develop and implement communications plans for District initiatives, programs, campaigns and events.
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Identify communications objectives , audiences, risks and opportunities and recommend appropriate messages, channels and tactics.
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Develop key messages, timelines and communications materials and co-ordinate implementation with internal partners.
Media relations and issues support
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Support responses to media inquiries by gathering information and preparing draft responses, key messages and background materials.
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Draft news releases, media advisories, statements and other media materials.
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Support media interviews, announcements and events, including spokesperson preparation, logistics and on-site co-ordination.
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Monitor media and social media coverage and identify emerging issues, misinformation and reputational risks.
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Support issues and crisis communications by preparing notifications , FAQs, updates and other time-sensitive materials.
Team support and contribution
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Build effective working relationships with District departments, school administrators, staff and other internal partners.
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Collaborate with communications colleagues to ensure activities are accurate , timely and aligned across channels.
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Support District events, announcements, public engagement activities and organizational initiatives.
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Maintain communications files, the editorial calendar, digital assets and the communications outbox .
This position is currently 100% in-person at the VSB Education Centre at 1580 West Broadway, Vancouver.
QUALIFICATIONS
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A diploma or bachelor’s degree in communications, public relations, journalism, digital media, marketing or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
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A minimum of five years of communications experience, preferably within a large public sector or similarly complex organization.
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Demonstrated experience developing and implementing communications plans.
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Strong experience researching, writing, editing and producing content for a range of audiences and channels.
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Demonstrated experience managing social media platforms, websites and other digital channels.
- Experience using content management systems, social media management platforms, web analytics and digital engagement tools.
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Experience producing podcasts, photography, video and multimedia content.
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Experience supporting media relations and issues or crisis communications is considered an asset.
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Proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite or comparable design, video, photography and audio production software.
The successful candidate must be available to work some evenings and weekends, provide on-call support on a rotating schedule and travel to school and community engagement sites. A class 5 driver’s license is required.
COMPENSATION
The compensation package will be commensurate with the qualifications and experience of the successful candidate. The salary range for the position is $85,879 - $101,034 and a competitive benefits package including Municipal Pension Plan, Deferred Savings plan, Extended Health, Dental, Group Life, Long Term Disability, and 4 weeks of paid time off (pro-rated from start date). Further details can be provided through the recruitment and selection process.
TO APPLY
To be considered for this position, please apply via makeafuture.ca and include a cover letter and resume along with your application by 12:00 pm on Friday August 14, 2026.
- Click "Apply Now" under Management positions
- Upload all supporting documents. Your application must include a cover letter, resume and your last 3 direct supervisors/managers as references.
- Answer the job posting questions
- Once your application has been submitted you will receive a confirmation email.
Additional Information for Applicants:
As a public body, the personal information provided in this application is collected and used by the Vancouver School Board (“VSB”) in accordance with section 26(c) of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (“FIPPA”), RSBC 1996, c.165, as amended. This information will be used by VSB staff for the purpose of evaluating your qualifications, experience, and suitability for this position. It may also be used to verify the information provided, conduct reference checks, and/or contact you about next steps in the job competition. Pursuant to section 30 of FIPPA, the VSB takes reasonable security measures to protect the personal information within its custody and control, including what has been provided in this application. Should you have any questions about the collection and use of your personal information, please email .
