Communications Specialist 

Permanent, Full Time (1.0 FTE), starting as soon as possible 

One of our core values at St. Michaels University School is respect. With this in mind, we acknowledge that our school rests in the heart of Straits Salish territory, a living culture with its own rites, ceremonies, and unfolding history. We honour the Esquimalt, Songhees, and W̱SÁNEĆ peoples – whose homelands we share and whom we recognize as our neighbours. 

Reporting to the Director of Marketing and Communications, the Communications Specialist has a strong background in copywriting and editorial for different media and audiences. The primary purpose of the role is to provide communications support and oversight for St. Michaels University School (SMUS) that meets the needs of our internal and external community members and stakeholders. This role is effectively the storyteller of the school and works as a part of the Marketing and Communications team. 

In support of a wide variety of departments and SMUS initiatives, the Communications Specialist’s duties will include storytelling/writing, editing, proofreading, newsletter building, supporting copy for digital and marketing content and working with various departments to better align strategic priorities and goals. This role will also include managing freelance writers, content planning and content oversight for our main print publications. 

Work Environment: 

Department hours of work are from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM Monday to Friday.  
This position is in a shared office environment, in-person at the 3400 Richmond Road campus location. 
Due to the nature of this role, the Communications Specialist will occasionally need to be available outside of regular work hours for evening or weekend work to be present for student activities/events such as awards celebration, concerts, major sporting games, etc.   
 

Key Responsibilities and Expectations: 

Content: 

Plan and create weekly news content (including writing stories, reporting on school events, conducting interviews and crafting social media posts) that appeals to our audiences while meeting the school’s strategic objectives; 
Plan, source material for, write and send regular newsletters to the school community and administrative staff; 
Execute a content strategy that is focused on creating and distributing relevant and valuable stories and messaging that aligns with our admissions, advancement and external program marketing goals, and the school’s strategic plan; 
Manage and update writing standards for the school through the maintenance of a consistent Writing Style Guide; 
Project manage the content curation and editing for the SMUS School Ties magazine 
Create and implement processes to optimize content collection and dissemination 
Stellar writing, proofreading and editing skills are required (understanding of news writing techniques, Canadian press style and a keen sense of newsworthiness – what makes a story interesting from the audience’s perspective); 
Good understanding of story fundamentals and brand voice is required (effective character, trajectory, hook, authenticity/details and calls-to-action); 
Excellent interviewing skills are required (how to ask effective questions and develop rapport/trust with story subjects); and, 
Ability to incorporate and balance objectives of all departments to oversee production of strategic, compelling stories is required. 
 

Digital Media and Website Support: 

Regularly update content on SMUS website including adding news stories, updating existing content and writing content for a marketing landing page 
Support with social media account management (Facebook, Instagram, TiKTok, YouTube and LinkedIn). This will include social listening as well as content writing, editing, publishing and updating. 
 

Media Relations: 

Support media relations for the school and develop press releases to distribute; 
Support the growth of our media relations in international markets to increase visibility; 
Manage and foster relationships with media outlets for coverage opportunities both locally and internationally. 
 

The successful candidate will have the following skills, background and interests: 

Post-secondary education in communications, journalism, public relations, marketing or a related field, along with a minimum of 3-5 years’ experience in communications and content marketing. 
Thrives in a fast-paced environment with the ability to multi-task and keep tabs on multiple story leads at a time. 
E-mail newsletter experience with software such as MailChimp. 
Outstanding writing, storytelling, proofreading and editing skills. 
Experience with Content Management Systems such as Drupal and WordPress. 
Experience crafting written content for multiple mediums such as print, website, social media, advertorials, event programs and/or marketing campaigns. 
Well-developed project management skills with the proven ability to manage multiple projects at once while meeting tight deadlines. 
Ability to create and edit a wide variety of print and digital publications. 
Proficient in the Adobe suite of programs, Microsoft Office, and Google Suite. 
High level of attention to detail and a strong understanding of the importance of adherence to brand voice, tone and style. 
Enthusiastic, energetic, and a self-starter. 
The ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a team. 
Ability to be tactful and demonstrate excellent judgment. 
Experience in digital media content creation (photo or video with Digital Single Lens Reflex (DSLR) cameras, smart phone, gimbals, or other relevant devices) considered an asset. 
 

Pay Range:  

Annual pay range: $75,000 – $85,000 

Criminal Record Check: 

Must pass and maintain a clear Solicitor General criminal record check for the purpose of working with children. 

Application Details: 

Please apply by 2:00 pm on Friday, May 16th, 2025. 

About St. Michaels University School: 

Located in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada, St. Michaels University School (SMUS) is a Junior Kindergarten to Grade 12 day and boarding school with a global reputation for academic excellence. 

Our students from over 30 countries all over the world have opportunities in academics, athletics, arts, leadership, service and outdoor education, and are inspired by an extraordinary staff committed to character growth and preparing students for what lies ahead in life. The school’s Mission shapes these endeavours: Our school seeks the excellence in all of us, with passion and compassion. We are a community shaped by the pursuit of truth and goodness, providing outstanding preparation for life. 

At St. Michaels University School, we seek to employ and empower individuals who wish to forge impactful relationships and careers that place our students at the centre. We firmly believe that expanding our diversity while adjusting our practice will lead to becoming the community we envision – a place where staff and students share a sense that they fully belong.