Dir Communications, Media Relations - Toronto, Montreal, Winnipeg, London - Canada Life Comm.,Marketing, GR Jobs

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. The Director will engage with business leaders to develop the external communications strategy to support business objectives.

Key Accountabilities:

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.
Identifies proactive opportunities to generate positive earned media for the company to help build brand equity
Leverages messages that articulate the strategy and vision of the company in external communications, as appropriate
Monitors media for issues with reputational risk and engages with business leaders and the social media team to mitigate risk and protect the brand
Build relationships with members of the media to support the successful execution of the company’s media strategies
Collaborates with social media team to include in media and PR strategies
Facilitates media spokesperson training for identified spokespersons
Manages public releases in-line with the company’s disclosure policy as a publicly traded company.
Supports spokespersons on media interviews and external speaking engagements
Promotes a culture of high performance, continuous improvement, and customer centricity
Mentors and develops staff by creating a supportive and collaborative environment
Identifies best practices in evolving media and PR practices on the team

Qualifications & Capabilities:

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