Senior Public Relations Advisor

As a Senior Public Relations Advisor, you will play a pivotal role in promoting our internal experts and executives within the industry and media. You will engage with external stakeholders, utilizing key contacts and market knowledge to amplify and promote Desjardins to business and finance/economic journalists. Your ability to craft compelling narratives that resonate with our target audiences will be crucial. Additionally, your skill in analyzing, processing, and interpreting complex information will be essential in developing effective communications plans and providing expert counsel to stakeholders. You will need to be detail-oriented with a strong ability to organize and coordinate complex projects.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain relationships with key media contacts to pitch stories and secure media coverage to promote Desjardins. You will also act as a spokesperson when required.
• Develop and execute communications plans that align with company goals while supporting different divisions within Desjardins. Tailoring your strategy, tactics, messages and audiences to deliver impactful communications strategies.
• Write and edit press releases, articles and other public relations (PR) related content to engage a diverse stakeholder group on various platforms.
• Work alongside executives and other communicators to provide expert counsel and sound recommendations that are in the best interest of the organization, including reputation management. This includes pitching and presenting to management and executive councils.
• Develop proactive, compelling communications initiatives leveraging earned and paid strategies to promote Desjardins, its experts and expertise to targeted audiences.
• Evaluate PR activities by collecting data, benchmarking and measure the impact of your communications initiatives. You will report on your findings and provide data-driven recommendations.
• Provide insights and recommendations based on trends and your knowledge of the Canadian financial market and the economy.

What we offer

• Competitive salary and annual bonus
• 4 weeks of flexible vacation starting in the first year
• Defined benefit pension plan that provides predictable, stable income throughout retirement
• Group insurance including telemedicine
• Reimbursement of health and wellness expenses and telework equipment

* Benefits apply based on eligibility criteria.

What you bring to the table

• Bachelor's degree in communications, public relations, marketing, journalism or in a related field
• A minimum of seven years of relevant experience
• Please note that other combinations of qualifications and relevant experience may be considered
• Experience in media relations
• Experience as a spokesperson
• Experience in project management
• Experience in strategizing, planning, and executing communications initiatives
• Experience in addressing PR issues to manage public perception
• Experience in preparing speeches and training spokespeople
• Experience creating content for multiple platforms (e.g., social media, blogs, newsletters)
• Expert proficiency in English, both oral and written due to the nature of the duties or work tools or because the position involves interactions with English-speaking partners, members and/or clients
• Advanced knowledge editing and proofreading
• Advanced intermediate knowledge of the Canadian financial market and a sound understanding of the economy

Action oriented, Collaborates, Communicates effectively, Complexity, Courage, Ensures accountability, Interpersonal Savvy, Strategic mindset

Trade Union (If applicable)

At Desjardins, we believe in equity, diversity and inclusion. We're committed to welcoming, respecting and valuing people for who they are as individuals, learning from their differences, embracing their uniqueness, and providing a positive workplace for all. At Desjardins, we have zero tolerance for discrimination of any kind. We believe our teams should reflect the diversity of the members, clients and communities we serve.

If there's something we can do to help make the recruitment process or the job you're applying for more accessible, let us know. We can provide accommodations at any stage in the recruitment process. Just ask!

Job Family: Communications (FG)

Unposting Date: 2025-04-26