Job Specification
Position Title:
Web Communications Coordinator
Job Code:
02705 - Information Officer 3
Purpose of Position :
To develop and deliver web communications products and services for the Provincial Schools Branch. To provide writing and editing expertise to ensure compliance of web content with industry and government standards. To provide specialized web expertise and advice to support strategic communications planning with a view to promoting public, stakeholder and media awareness and understanding of the mission and vision of the Provincial Schools Branch.
Duties / Responsibilities :
The Provincial Schools Branch manages the administration of provincial programs, policies and operations of schools for students with special needs in Ontario.
Within the Provincial Schools Branch, involving multiple school sites with diverse provincial and local stakeholder groups, the Web Communications Co-ordinator works with the Strategic Communications Specialist and performs the following duties:
1. Provides specialized web expertise and advice for the development and implementation of web communications strategies to promote public, stakeholder and media awareness of the Provincial Schools Branch. Researches, identifies and recommends advances in new web-based technology and web publishing opportunities to support the development of web communications plans, strategies, products and services.
2. Leads the development, design, monitoring and control of the Provincial Schools Branch's website development and design projects, including coordinating the cost analysis for each project, preparing detailed project plans, developing project budgets for approval, and controlling approved budget expenditures.
3. Leads the development of the structure and content of the Branch's website and other web communications products. Determines and implements appropriate web-based tools to effectively meet the Branch's communication and marketing objectives. Consults with branch management to collect content for the website. Writes, edits or coordinates the writing and editing of web materials and ensures they meet industry and government standards for plain language and clearly written text on public web sites.
4. Liaises with Branch management to provide advice and consultation on web communications concepts, processes, technologies, applications and content management systems to support the development of strategies to meet the Branch's communication and marketing needs.
5. Develops and implements website management systems, guidelines and standards, and monitors website quality. Monitors the regular maintenance of the website to ensure that information and linkages remain timely and accurate including the archiving of obsolete information and the inputting of new/changed information. Monitors and analyzes web metrics, usage patterns and stakeholder feedback. Evaluates website effectiveness, identifies concerns and issues related to website content, linkages or management, and develops recommendations on methods/strategies for resolution.
6. Transforms educational outreach initiatives into viable online learning materials that support an online learning community.
7. Assists the Strategic Communications Specialist in strategic communications planning and implementation activities and corporate projects to support the Branch's communication and marketing objectives.
8. Participates in ministry-wide or inter-ministerial initiatives regarding implementation of web communications projects.
Knowledge :
Position requires knowledge of communication principles and practices, and communication planning methods. Knowledge of the World Wide Web and Internet, Intranet and Extranet systems and their capabilities/application for web communications and service delivery. Knowledge of current desktop Internet applications, networking and groupware systems, Internet protocols and applications, UNIX administration and leading-edge technologies to coordinate activities related to the development and management of the Branch's website. Knowledge of project management including project planning and budgeting to coordinate all stages of web design/development projects within tight deadlines. Knowledge of the Provincial Schools Branch programs and services to ensure the accuracy and quality of website content in order to meet the Branch's communication objectives. Knowledge of applicable legislation (e.g. Ontarians with Disabilities Act. Ontario Human Rights Code, Government Advertising Act and the French Language Services Act) and government and I&IT policies to ensure website compliance with government and legislative requirements. Knowledge of research methods and writing/editing styles and techniques to research, write and edit content for websites.
Skills :
Reasoning and analytical skills to determine web communications requirements for Provincial Schools Branch and to coordinate the design and development of web communications products and services to meet the Branch's communication and marketing needs. Analytical skills to develop and implement project plans (resource requirement, budgets). Reasoning skills to determine the appropriate website design, structure and content to effectively promote and communicate the Branch's programs and services. Problem solving skills to identify website technology issues and to identify, develop, and implement solutions. Consultation and oral communication skills to determine web communications objectives in consultation with management, provide web communications advice to Branch management, and provide technical direction to staff and external contractors related to web communications projects. Writing and editing skills to write/edit content for the website using appropriate communications techniques and standards, and to prepare business cases, RFP's and contracts. Negotiation, facilitation and assertiveness skills to coordinate arrangements with external contractors, and to resolve problems with project team and clients.
Freedom of Action :
Position works within industry and government policies, guidelines, procedures and standards for web communications products and website management. Position exercises judgement by acting as the technical specialist for the Branch's web communications activities; developing and managing the Provincial Schools Branch website structure, content and linkages, and providing project leadership to website design and development projects. Position exercises judgement by monitoring and assessing the ongoing quality and effectiveness of website content and structure, and initiating changes as required. Position exercises judgement by reviewing leading-edge technical hardware and software developments and trends, and identifying/recommending technical opportunities/solutions for the Branch's website. Work is reviewed by the Director for website quality and ability to meet communications objectives and deadlines. Position works closely under the guidance of the Strategic Communications Specialist to discuss website project development and implementation problems, and to clarify the interpretation of the Branch's communications plans, objectives and priorities.