Manager, External Communications

Aviva; Oakville; Hybrid; CAD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Aviva Canada seeks a passionate Manager for its External Communications team to lead PR strategies and engage proactively with media partners. The role requires expertise in media relations, strategic communication planning, and a background in corporate communication. As part of a collaborative team, you will contribute to enhancing Aviva's brand through strategic media campaigns and high-quality media engagement.

Benefits

Base compensation and eligibility for annual bonus

Health benefits

Competitive vacation package

Professional development support

Corporate wellness programs

Hybrid flexible work model

Qualifications

• At least 5-7 years in a corporate environment with relevant media relations experience.
• Strong writing, proofreading, and editing skills.
• Able to manage multiple projects simultaneously.

Responsibilities

• Lead and support the company's PR strategy.
• Cultivate and maintain relationships with media contacts.
• Develop and implement media strategies.

Skills

Media relations experience

Writing and editing skills

Critical thinking skills

Project management

Interpersonal skills

Education

Undergraduate or advanced diploma in journalism, communications, or public relations

Job description

Individually we are people, but together we are Aviva. Individually these are just words, but together they are our Values – Care, Commitment, Community, and Confidence.

Aviva Canada has an immediate opening for a passionate Manager to join our External Communications team. We are looking for someone who can lead a bustling press office, drive proactive media outreach, act quickly and efficiently on time-sensitive inbound requests, and build strong working relationships with our key media partners and internal collaborators.

As an integral member of a high-performing team, your knowledge of public relations and the Canadian business media landscape will help you implement national integrated public relations and thought leadership campaigns, improving and building awareness of Aviva Canada’s brand and reputation.

The individual will work closely and collaboratively with teams across the business to orchestrate timely and impactful proactive communications and strategic media campaigns, deliver high quality responses to inbound media requests, support the Head of External Communications in managing issues and providing strategic counsel to senior executives and business partners.

Does this sound like your next role? Read on! What you’ll do:

• Lead and support the company’s PR strategy including sourcing innovative approaches and building internal relationships to gain inputs and consensus

• Identify, develop and pitch compelling story angles that align with Aviva’ Canadas brand narrative and business priorities, consistently driving coverage that enhances brand reputation

• Develop and implement earned media strategies that position Aviva as a leading voice in insurance and financial services, driving high impact media coverage across national, trade and digital outlets

• Cultivate and maintain positive relationships with key reporters, editors, and producers in national and regional media to proactively place stories and secure ongoing coverage, and manage proactive and reactive media requests.

• Provide strategic counsel to business partners on sensitive issues, and lead key messages creation and delivery for media interviews and speaking events

• Track and report on media metrics as it relates to media coverage and PR campaigns; support the team on media monitoring where needed

• Support Head of External Communications in issues management and ad-hoc projects

• Other copy writing as required – such as social copy, internal messaging and thought leadership pieces for various audiences

• Work with third-party consultants, vendors and global colleagues, successfully managing relationships, projects, invoicing and contracts as required

What you’ll bring:

• At least 5-7 years in a corporate environment with relevant media relations experience, preferably insurance, professional services, banking, or other highly regulated industries

• Completed undergraduate or advanced college diploma in journalism, communications or public relations, or any other equivalent experience. Strong writing, proof reading and editing skills

• Works well under pressure. Able to effectively and professionally handle tough issues and manage multiple projects simultaneously, in a sophisticated, matrix organization

• Demonstrated experience in driving and delivering communications strategies and able to prioritize tasks based on relative importance and vitality

• Demonstrates good judgment, solid critical thinking skills, and exercises flexibility amid ambiguity

• A positive demeanour along with a genuine passion to support what the team and business are trying to achieve. The ability to embrace our collaborative culture is paramount

What you’ll get:

• Compelling rewards package including base compensation, eligibility for annual bonus, retirement savings, share plan, health benefits, personal wellness, and volunteer opportunities.

• Outstanding Career Development opportunities.

• We’ll support your professional development education.

• Competitive vacation package with the option to purchase 5 extra days off per year

• Employee driven programs focused on gender, LGBTQ+, origins, diversity and inclusion

• Corporate wellness programs to support our employees’ physical and mental health

• Hybrid flexible work model

Please note that we may use AI tools to help us through the recruitment process. This is an existing position which has been posted both internally & externally.

Aviva Canada has an accommodation process in place to provide accommodations for employees with disabilities. If upon commencement of employment you require a specific accommodation because of a disability, please contact your Talent Acquisition Partner so that an appropriate accommodation can be arranged. This process applies throughout your career with Aviva Canada.

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