Director Communications, Media Relations (18 Months Fixed Term)

Temporary Full Time

Director Communication, Media Relations (18-month term position)

Reporting to the Vice President, Communications, the Director Communications, Media Relations will play a key role in developing and executing the external communications strategy for Canada Life and Great-West Lifeco. Leading a team of media relations professionals, the Director will engage with business leaders to develop proactive external communications plans. They are also responsible for managing all media requests on behalf of the company.

Key Accountabilities:

1. Leads a team of media and public relations professionals who engage with line of business and corporate leaders to develop and execute media and public relations strategies to support business objectives.
2. Identifies proactive opportunities to generate positive earned media for the company to help build brand equity and build awareness of community relations activities.
3. Leverages messages that articulate the strategy and vision of the company in external and internal communications, as appropriate.
4. Monitors media for issues with reputational risk and engages with business leaders and the social media team to mitigate risk and protect the brand.
5. Builds relationships with members of the media to support the successful execution of the company’s media strategies.
6. Collaborates with the social media team to include in media and PR strategies.
7. Facilitates media spokesperson training for identified spokespersons.
8. Manages public news releases in-line with the company’s disclosure policy as a publicly traded company.
9. Responds to media questions and supports spokespersons on media interviews and external speaking engagements.
10. Promotes a culture of high performance, continuous improvement, and customer centricity.
11. Mentors and develops staff by creating a supportive and collaborative environment.
12. Identifies best practices in evolving media and PR practices on the team.

Qualifications & Capabilities:

1. Minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in communications, public relations, journalism, English, marketing or equivalent.
2. Minimum 8 years experience in external communications, preferably in the financial services sector, in Media & PR, financial communications, or issues management.
3. Minimum 3 years experience leading a team.
4. Demonstrated experience in developing and executing comprehensive external communication strategies in support of overarching corporate objectives.
5. Proven experience in delivering an external ‘voice’ through Media / PR initiatives and other, externally facing communication vehicles.
6. Experience in providing strategic counsel to senior leaders and developing communications to support senior leaders’ speaking commitments.
7. Passion for communications, and its role in driving engagement, creating connections and driving alignment across stakeholder groups.
8. Ability to work through organizational complexity and connect cross-functionally.
9. Ability to lead and influence others.
10. Demonstrated experience building collaborative relationships with business and functional leads.
11. Strong consultative and diagnostic skills.
12. Attention to detail, excellent organization skills, ability to multi-task and meet tight deadlines.
13. Strong project management and coaching skills.

The base salary for this position is between $89,800.00 - $166,300.00 annually. This represents base salary only and does not represent other variable compensation components of our total compensation (i.e., annual bonus, commission, etc). If you are selected to move forward in our recruitment process, your recruiter will be able to discuss additional details of our total rewards program with you.

Career opportunities will be open a minimum of 5 business days from the date of posting; closing dates will vary depending on the search activity. All applications received will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

Be your best at Canada Life- Apply today!

Being a part of Canada Life means you have a voice. This is a place where your unique background, perspectives and talents are valued, and shape our future success.

You can be your best here. You’re part of a diverse and inclusive workplace where your career and well-being are championed. You’ll have the opportunity to excel in your way, finding new and better ways to deliver exceptional customer and advisor experiences.

Together, as part of a great team, you’ll deliver on our shared purpose to improve the well-being of Canadians. It’s our driving force. Become part of a strong and successful company that’s trusted by millions of Canadians to do the right thing.

Canada Life serves the financial security needs of more than 13 million people across Canada, with additional operations in Europe and the United States. As members of the Power Financial Corporation group of companies, we’re one of Canada’s leading insurers with interests in life insurance, health insurance, investment and retirement savings. We offer a broad portfolio of financial and benefit plan solutions for individuals, families, businesses and organizations.

We are committed to providing an inclusive, accessible environment, where all employees and customers feel valued, respected and supported. We are dedicated to building a workforce that reflects the diversity of the communities in which we live, and to creating an environment where every employee has the opportunity to reach their potential.

It is our priority to remove barriers to provide equal access to employment. A Human Resources representative will work with applicants who request a reasonable accommodation during the application process. All information shared during the accommodation request process will be stored and used in a manner that is consistent with applicable laws and Canada Life policies. To request a reasonable accommodation in the application process, contact talentacquisitioncanada@canadalife.com.

Canada Life would like to thank all applicants; however, only those who qualify for an interview will be contacted.

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