Director, Communications

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.