Director, Communications

Canada Life; Toronto; On-site; CAD 114,000 - 164,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Career Development

Health & Wellness

Time Off

Financial Security

Rewards and Recognition

Emphasis on Community

Job summary

Canada Life is seeking a Director of Communications to act as a strategic advisor to executives and to shape internal and external communications for national audiences. The role includes guiding the communications team, developing strategic plans aligned with business goals, and influencing outcomes through high‑impact messaging.

The ideal candidate will lead with a collaborative, proactive approach, leveraging change management principles and a strong writing portfolio to elevate the company

Qualifications

• Post-secondary degree in communications or related field.
• 10+ years of related experience.
• Proven ability to develop and execute internal and external communications strategies.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic communications counsel to executives and leaders.
• Lead the development of internal and external communications plans.
• Coach and develop team members in best practices and change management.
• Collaborate with cross-functional partners to ensure consistent messaging.

Skills

Strategic communications

Writing & editing

Leadership & coaching

Change management

Cross‑functional collaboration

Project management

Relationship management

Bilingual (FR/EN)

SharePoint Online

Attention to detail

Education

Post-secondary degree in communications

Tools

SharePoint Online

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Permanent Full Time

We are looking for a Director, Communications.

Given the size and scope of our organization, we have the flexibility for this position to be located in the following head office locations: London, Toronto, Winnipeg, Montreal.

As Director of Communications, your primary role will be to serve as a strategic advisor to executive leaders and to develop and execute strategic internal communications for divisional and national audiences.

You’ll also contribute to the development of external messaging supporting our company brand and executive thought leadership, and guide the efforts of team members.

The successful candidate for this role will be a proven communications leader, adept in providing communications counsel, developing strategies and executing on engaging communications plans and coaching a team.

In this fast-paced and complex environment, you’re empowered to make a difference as a leader and collaborative member of our Communications team.

What you will do:

• Work closely with executive and senior leaders, forging strong relationships and offering strategic communications counsel to influence business results
• Be an active contributor across our Communications team, collaborating in the delivery of a consistent strategic communication support model across our business
• Develop strategic communication plans aligned to business strategy and deliver solutions that support business results
• Coach your team member(s) in the development of plans for specific programs/initiatives using a forward-thinking, holistic approach informed by change management best practices
• Collaborate effectively with partners within business and functional areas
• Present strategic solutions to internal client groups to illustrate concepts and gain feedback; anticipate potential issues and proactively address them
• Provide hands‑on communications support for members of your business partners’ senior leadership teams
• Explore new ideas, methodologies, and alternative ways to reach outcomes as part of our broader team
• Lead team members in the delivery of strategic and tactical communication guidance and support, coaching from a big picture perspective aligned with business strategy and our company brand
• Lead team thinking, build and maintain team morale, and actively draw in others to contribute expertise as needed
• Lead team efforts to address problems and recommend solutions
• Collaborate with other team members on creative solutions to meet project goals and schedules
• Collaborate with cross-functional team members to ensure consistent messages, positioning, timing and language for various internal and external audiences
• Manage projects to deliver on communication plans and timelines

What you will bring:

• Completion of a post‑secondary degree relating to communications, and at least 10 years of related experience; a combination of education and work experience will also be considered
• Outstanding communication skills with a demonstrated ability in writing and communications strategy development
• Outstanding creativity skills and proficiency employing a broad range of communications tactics – from presentation tools such as PPT to interactive email, video, infographics, social media and evolving digital platforms
• Strong collaboration and relationship‑building skills and ability to work well with a national team in different locations
• Demonstrated relationship management skills at senior levels of the organization
• Forward thinking, a problem‑solver with project management skills and the ability to execute strategic plans
• Experience leading or mentoring the development of others
• Ability to effectively manage and deliver multiple projects in a quality and timely manner, independently and under pressure
• Demonstrated attention to detail and a sense of urgency
• Comfortable with ambiguity and flexibility to adapt to a changing environment
• Ability to handle sensitive/confidential information appropriately
• Proficiency with common office software
• Working knowledge of SharePoint Online would be considered a strong asset
• As this position is posted in several locations, we specify that bilingualism is an asset (fluent in French and English) but is required for Quebec only as the position will regularly serve our clients with French and English‑speaking needs.
• Reliability Status Security Clearance – this can only be completed with candidates who receive an offer of employment. This is a personal security status that is required as a condition of employment before an employee can gain access to Protected B information, assets or work sites as outlined by the Government of Canada website. The cost of submitting these checks will be covered by Canada Life.

The base salary for this position is between $114, 200 - $164,200 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.

Grow with Canada Life

We’re united by a shared purpose: to improve the financial, physical and mental well-being of Canadians. Our company is trusted by 1 in 3 Canadians and contributes to the strength of communities across the country.

We’re looking for people who live our values everyday: we step up, we do the right thing, and we deliver – for our customers, communities and each other. Are you someone who always strives to do the right thing, who steps up for themselves and others, and who delivers with impact? Then we want to hear from you!

What we offer

• Career Development: Opportunities for career advancement, access to industry‑leading learning programs and up to$2,000 annually towards education reimbursement.
• Health & Wellness:Flexible health and dental benefits, plus a $5,000 mental health benefit to support your well‑being.
• Time Off:In addition to regular vacation and personal days, we support community involvement with a volunteer day.
• Financial Security:Company-matching pension plan,share ownership program and additionalinvestment options.
• Rewards and Recognition: Employee recognition programs, service milestone celebrations, employee discounts and more!
• Emphasis on Community: We provide a workplace where employees feel connected and supported through Employee Resource Groups (ERGs), mentorship programs, social clubs and events.

Learn more about Canada Life.

We’re committed to removing barriers and ensuring equal access to employment. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation during the application process may contact [e-mail]. All information provided will be handled in accordance with applicable laws and Canada Life policies.

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