External & Client Communications Manager-(Hybrid)

Central 1 Credit Union; Toronto; Hybrid; CAD 95,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a dynamic External & Client Communications Manager to enhance client engagement through strategic communication initiatives. This role is pivotal in developing communication programs that resonate with clients and members, ensuring a consistent and credible message. You will collaborate with various teams to lead projects, manage crisis communications, and create impactful content. This innovative firm values work-life balance and offers a hybrid work environment, making it an exciting opportunity for professionals looking to make a significant impact in the financial services sector.

Benefits

Work-life flexibility

Hybrid work environment

Generous annual vacation allotment

Flexible benefits plan

Retirement Plan with matched contributions

Learning platform access

Wellness Flex Fund

Day off to volunteer

Corporate discounts

Qualifications

• University degree in Communications or related field required.
• 6+ years of experience in communications roles preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop and manage client-focused communication strategies.
• Lead external communications projects and manage crisis communications.

Skills

Strategic Communications

Client Management

Crisis Management

Analytical Skills

Problem-Solving

Written Communication

Verbal Communication

Deadline Management

Education

University degree in Communications

6+ years in communications roles

Tools

WordPress

Salesforce

Google Analytics

MS Office 365

Job description

Central 1 cooperatively empowers credit unions and other financial institutions to deliver banking choice to Canadians. Central 1 provides critical services at scale to enable a thriving credit union system. We do this by collaborating with our clients, developing strategies, products and services to support the financial well-being of their more than 5 million diverse customers in communities across Canada. For more information, visit www.central1.com.

What we offer:

• Work-life flexibility
• Hybrid work environment
• One time allowance to set up your office for remote first employees
• Variable annual incentive plan
• Generous annual vacation allotment
• Top-notch flexible benefits plan including family building and gender affirmation
• Retirement Plan, matched contributions at 6%
• Access to a learning platform and educational assistance support
• Access to a virtual wellness platform
• Career development opportunities
• Wellness Flex Fund to support personal interest and activities
• Day off to volunteer in your community and other paid time off options
• Corporate discounts

*subject to employment agreement

Job Summary:

The External & Client Communications Manager plays a vital role in developing and maintaining communication programs that our clients and members can rely on. This role works closely with client-facing teams, product owners, and the broader communications and marketing team to create a client-centric experience built on credibility, consistency, and authenticity.

What you’ll be doing:

Client-Focused Communication Strategy

• Develop, implement, and manage client-focused strategies, key messages, and tactics to enhance engagement in a B2B environment
• Increase the profile of Central 1 and its member credit unions while aligning communication efforts with business priorities and strategic objectives.

Project & Strategic Initiative Leadership

• Lead external communications projects and strategic planning initiatives, collaborating with the larger communications team or key corporate projects.

Client & Internal Collaboration

• Work with clients and internal teams to share knowledge, stay informed of industry trends, and foster collaboration in the financial services sector.

Communications Best Practices & Process Improvement

• Stay up to date with communications best practices and adopt them when appropriate.
• Identify and address issues in communication processes to improve efficiency and effectiveness.

Crisis Communications Management

• Lead and support the crisis communications plan to ensure a timely and effective response to potential issues.

Event & Webinar Support

• Assist in managing client-facing events, including webinars, speaking engagements, and in-person events.

Content Development & Management

• Develop and maintain a variety of communications materials, such as: positioning statements and messaging, executive overviews and news releases, client email communications and scripts and website content and other relevant materials.

Product & Service Knowledge

• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of Central 1’s products and services to effectively communicate value to clients and members.

Additional Responsibilities

• Perform other duties as needed to deliver exceptional service and support Central 1’s business and strategic goals.

What you'll have:

Education & Experience:

• A University degree in Communications, Public Relations, or a related field, or equivalent education and experience
• 6+ years of progressively senior experience in communications roles.
• Experience in financial services or B2B corporate environments is highly preferred.

Certifications:

• Certification in CMP, SCMP (GCCC, IABC), or APR (CPRS) is a plus.

Communication & Strategic Leadership:

• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills with proven experience in strategic communications planning for complex organizations with multiple stakeholders.
• Skilled in managing issues, adapting to shifting priorities, and demonstrating strong customer service, client management, and leadership abilities.
• Develop and implement communication plans that align with business objectives.
• Identify opportunities to enhance communications with clients, members, and the broader industry.
• Set clear goals, meet deadlines, build relationships, take ownership of outcomes, and work with a sense of urgency.

Technical Proficiency:

• Experience with web content management systems (e.g., WordPress), communication tools (e.g., Pardot, Salesforce), and analytics platforms (e.g., Google Analytics).
• Proficiency with MS Office 365, including Teams.

Social Media & Analytics:

• Experience using social media platforms (LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube) for business purposes.
• Proficiency with analytics tools to measure and report on effectiveness.

Writing Expertise:

• Strong writing skills tailored for various B2B (and potentially B2C) audiences.

Deadline Management:

• Ability to meet deadlines in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.

Decision-Making & Critical Thinking:

• Ability to make sound decisions, particularly with a focus on reputation management.

Analytical & Problem-Solving:

• Strong analytical, planning, organizational, and change management skills.
• Solid business acumen with a focus on strategic communications.

Salary range: $95,000-$110,000

The salary range represents the job rate determined for the successful candidate who is fully competent in the role. The actual salary will vary depending on market conditions and relevant job-related factors such as knowledge, skills, qualifications, experience, and education/training.

#LI-Hybrid

Central 1 is an equal opportunity employer and committed to building an inclusive workforce by creating an environment where everyone feels like they belong and has the opportunity to be successful. We welcome all applicants to join our diverse workforce and we will provide an accessible candidate experience including, but not limited to accommodations to interview sites and alternate formats upon request to our Recruitment team.