Description:
We are looking for a Manager, Communications – Media Relations
Reporting to the AVP, Communications, Media and Stakeholder Relations, you will help develop and execute external communications strategies for Canada Life. Your primary focus will be leading media and public relations activities that support business objectives, strengthen Canada Life's reputation and increase awareness of our products, services and community impact. You will also contribute to broader communications initiatives, including internal communications, issues management and thought leadership programs as needed.
In this fast-paced and complex environment, you will work to make a difference as a collaborative member of our Communications team.
What You Will Do
- Build strong relationships with business and Community Relations leaders and provide strategic communications counsel that supports business objectives and reputation goals.
- Identify proactive opportunities to generate positive earned media and promote Canada Life's expertise, leadership and community impact.
- Monitor emerging issues and reputational risks, helping to develop communications strategies and responses when required.
- Manage media relations activities, including media inquiries, interview coordination, spokesperson preparation, news releases, public announcements and thought leadership opportunities.
- Lead communications projects from concept through execution, including strategy development, stakeholder alignment, content creation, approvals, implementation and post-project evaluation.
- Partner with colleagues across Communications and other business areas to ensure consistent messaging, positioning, timing and audience considerations across channels.
- Support a collaborative, high-performing team culture by sharing expertise, and contributing to team priorities.
What You Will Bring
- Post-secondary education related to communications, along with 7+ years of communications experience. A combination of education and experience will also be considered.
- Exceptional writing, editing and communications planning skills, with experience developing strategies for diverse audiences and stakeholders.
- Proven experience leading media relations and public relations initiatives, including news releases and media events.
- Strong project leadership skills, with experience independently managing complex communications initiatives from planning to completion while coordinating multiple stakeholders, competing priorities and tight deadlines.
- Excellent relationship-building and collaboration skills, with the ability to influence and work effectively across teams, functions and geographic locations.
- Strong judgment and decision-making skills, particularly when managing sensitive, confidential or reputationally significant matters.
- Highly organized with strong attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.
- Working knowledge of SharePoint Online and Microsoft 365 tools would be considered an asset.
- Media relations experience within financial services, wealth management, insurance or other regulated industries would be considered an asset.