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 solid, 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

📌 Manager, Communications (Surrey)
🏢 Surrey Schools (School District #36 Surrey)
📍 Surrey