Director, Communications

Scotiabank; Old Toronto; On-site; CAD 80,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player seeks a Director of Communications to lead strategic initiatives in Canadian Banking. This pivotal role involves crafting compelling internal and external communications, enhancing employee engagement, and managing the Bank's reputation. You will drive a customer-focused culture, develop innovative media strategies, and foster a high-performance team environment. If you are a strategic thinker with a passion for impactful communication and team development, this opportunity is perfect for you. Join a forward-thinking organization dedicated to creating inclusive and accessible environments for all its employees.

Qualifications

• 8-10 years of experience in Communications, preferably in financial services.
• Exceptional ability to create effective print and online content.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategic internal and external communications for Canadian Banking.
• Develop media relations plans and manage executive communications.

Skills

Communications

Change Management

Written Communication

Verbal Communication

Strategic Thinking

Team Development

Financial Acumen

Job description

Join a purpose-driven winning team, committed to results, in an inclusive and high-performing culture.

The Director, Canadian Banking Communications has responsibility as a member of the Canadian Banking Communications leadership team, as well as the Global Communications, Sustainability, and Social Impact team, responsible for developing and delivering ongoing internal and external communication strategies and initiatives in support of the Canadian Banking business line and in alignment with all Bank initiatives.

Is this role right for you?

• Leads and drives a customer-focused culture throughout the team to deepen client relationships and leverage broader Bank relationships, systems, and knowledge.
• Creates and delivers strategic internal and external communications initiatives in support of leader communications and thought-leadership opportunities in support of the Branch, Contact Centre, and Retail Product leaders and businesses to:
• Support business objectives;
• Promote the Bank’s brand and manage external reputational issues;
• Enhance employee engagement;
• Promote a two-way, timely, honest, relevant, and concise communications approach and assess communications effectiveness through research and measurement;
• Support project teams and key partners in the communication of critical messages related to the successful execution of the Business line’s strategic priorities.
• Leads and designs robust, strategic, internal and external communications plans for the Canadian Banking leaders and their business lines to:
• Deliver thoughtful executive communications in support of business programs and initiatives that enhance the profile of leaders and initiatives of the various lines of business with key stakeholders;
• Communicate the business line strategy and the ongoing execution of the strategy to employees and key partner groups, as well as to the senior team;
• Provide overall strategic employee communications for the Canadian Banking Leadership teams such as quarterly messaging, newsletters, videos, and national roadshows (as deemed appropriate);
• Develop and direct wide-ranging, pro-active, and innovative media and public relations programs to communicate and advocate the businesses’ priorities and business objectives and support overall positioning and branding strategies; and serve as a spokesperson for the Bank on Canadian Banking issues and other issues as required that are highly-sensitive and put the Bank’s image and reputation at risk (e.g. AML legislation legal actions, fraud-related cases, M&A activity).
• Provide strong leadership in the creation and delivery of proactive and reactive media relations plans for Canadian Banking business;
• Foster and maintain a significant network of contacts within the print, broadcast, and online media (both working level media/beat reporters, as well as editorial staff and senior journalists);
• Identify opportunities for Canadian Banking spokespeople to be positioned as thought leaders by the media;
• Coordinate Canadian Banking spokespeople interviews and public speaking opportunities and monitor engagement with those interactions;
• Develop and provide advice and direction to the Canadian Banking leadership team on overall media response strategies;
• Maintain relationships with relevant industry associations.
• Direct day-to-day activities in a manner consistent with the Bank’s risk culture and the relevant risk appetite statement and limits. Communicate the Bank’s risk culture and risk appetite statement throughout their teams.
• Create an environment in which his/her team pursues effective and efficient operations of his/her respective areas in accordance with Scotiabank’s Values, its Code of Conduct, and the Global Sales Principles, while ensuring the adequacy, adherence to, and effectiveness of day-to-day business controls to meet obligations with respect to operational, compliance, AML/ATF/sanctions, and conduct risk.
• Build a high-performance environment and implement a people strategy that attracts, retains, develops, and motivates their team by fostering an inclusive work environment and using a coaching mindset and behaviors; communicating vision/values/business strategy; and managing succession and development planning for the team.

Do you have the skills that will enable you to succeed in this role?

• Minimum of 8-10 years of experience in Communications, preferably in a financial services environment.
• Experience in developing Communications and Change Management strategies.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills with a demonstrated ability to plan and create effective print and online content.
• A deep understanding of Canadian Banking’s structure and strategy, coupled with strong relationships across the network.
• Excellent demonstrated ability to take complex ideas and translate them into digestible key messages that resonate with the audience.
• Proven ability to attract, retain and develop high-performing teams and to foster a collaborative environment.
• Strong interest in communicating and driving strategy through effective communication and employee engagement tactics.
• Strong strategic thinking skills and financial acumen, with excellent attention to detail, and high-level accountability for the quality and timely completion of projects.
• Flexible and willing to take on new challenges as they present themselves.

Working Conditions

• The environment is fast-paced, complex, and demanding.
• Overtime hours including evenings and weekends may be required on limited or no notice to meet business demands and time-critical executive requests.
• Significant pressure may be experienced, due to tight deadlines and unanticipated executive requests.

Location(s): Canada : Ontario : Toronto

Scotiabank is a leading bank in the Americas. Guided by our purpose: "for every future", we help our customers, their families, and their communities achieve success through a broad range of advice, products, and services, including personal and commercial banking, wealth management and private banking, corporate and investment banking, and capital markets.

At Scotiabank, we value the unique skills and experiences each individual brings to the Bank and are committed to creating and maintaining an inclusive and accessible environment for everyone. If you require accommodation (including, but not limited to, an accessible interview site, alternate format documents, ASL Interpreter, or Assistive Technology) during the recruitment and selection process, please let our Recruitment team know. If you require technical assistance, please click here. Candidates must apply directly online to be considered for this role. We thank all applicants for their interest in a career at Scotiabank; however, only those candidates who are selected for an interview will be contacted.

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