Manager, Communications - Media Relations

Socket.dev; Montreal (administrative region); On-site; CAD 78,000 - 144,000; Full time

Job summary

Canada Life is seeking a Manager, Communications – Media Relations to lead external communications strategies for Canada. Reporting to the AVP, Communications, Media and Stakeholder Relations, you will guide media relations to support business objectives, strengthen Canada Life's reputation and raise awareness of our products and community impact.

In a fast-paced environment, you will collaborate across Communications and other business areas to ensure consistent messaging, oversee media

Qualifications

• 7+ years of communications experience

Responsibilities

• Build relationships with business and Community Relations leaders and provide strategic 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.

Skills

Media relations

Public relations

Strategic communications

Writing/editing

Project leadership

Stakeholder relations

Spokesperson prep

Cross-team collaboration

SharePoint Online

Microsoft 365

Education

Post-secondary education in communications

Tools

SharePoint Online

Microsoft 365

Job description

Permanent Full Time

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.

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

The base salary for this position is between $78,000 - $144,300 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’reunited by a shared purpose: to improve the financial,physicaland mental well-beingof Canadians. Our company is trusted by 1 in 3 Canadians and contributes to the strength of communities across the country.

We’relooking for people who live our values everyday: we step up, we do the right thing, and we deliver – for our customers,communitiesand 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:

We’re committed to supporting our employees through every stage of their career. Here’s what you can expect as a full-time or part-time permanent team member:

• Career Development: Opportunities for career advancement, access to industry-leading learning programs and up to$2,000 annuallytowardseducation 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 andpersonal days,we support communityinvolvement with avolunteer day.

• Financial Security:Company-matching pension plan,share ownership program andadditionalinvestment options.

• Rewards and Recognition:Employee recognition programs, service milestone celebrations, employee discounts and more!
• Emphasis onCommunity:We provide aworkplace whereemployeesfeel connected and supported throughEmployee Resource Groups (ERGs),mentorshipprograms,socialclubsandevents.

Learn moreabout Canada Life.

We’recommitted 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 handledin accordance withapplicable laws and Canada Life policies.

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