Strategic Communication Director

Definity is the parent company to some of Canada’s most long-standing and innovative insurance brands, including Economical Insurance, Sonnet Insurance, Family Insurance Solutions, and Petline Insurance. Our ambition is to be one of Canada’s leading and most innovative property and casualty insurers. We can’t do that without our people, so we embrace and encourage a culture that’s collaborative, ambitious, rewarding, and empowering.

We offer a flexible, hybrid work experience where employees work from the office and virtually depending on the type of work they are doing and who they are working with. Bring your true self and be a part of our journey. It’s better here.

Are you our ideal candidate?

As an organization aiming to achieve a bold growth strategy, we are seeking a leader in strategic communication who will report to the AVP, Corporate Communication as part of the Integrated Marketing & Communication (IMC) Team. This role will be accountable for promoting and protecting the reputation of Definity, and responsible for enhancing our M&A communication strategy and readiness capabilities. This role will work closely with and advise senior leaders throughout the organization.

While the role does not have direct reports, it is responsible for knitting together the necessary strategy and tactics from across the Corporate Communication function (including public and media relations, social media, broker communications, and employee communications) to provide effective oversight in communication planning and management of emerging issues.

Additionally, this role will partner closely with the Corporate Strategy Office to enhance communication capabilities for M&A integration readiness in close partnership with our Change Management and Sales & Distribution teams.

This role is an excellent fit for a communication professional with demonstrated senior experience in strategic communication and proven leadership skills with the ability to work cross-functionally with multiple stakeholders and business units.

Who we’re looking for:

• You provide leadership by embracing values and behaviours and naturally inspire others
• You have achieved success in delivering and executing effective communication strategies in a dynamic and constantly evolving environment · You’re a strategic thinker who is well-organized, resourceful, efficient, and have impeccable attention to detail
• Your written and oral communication skills are exceptional
• You have strong business acumen with a demonstrated aptitude for making complex issues simple in communications to key audiences
• You’re able to collaborate with others and advocate between teams to achieve results
• You’re capable of navigating and operating within a fast-paced environment

Your responsibilities:

• Lead the integration of strategic communication requirements into internal and external communication planning to support M&A readiness, issues management, and corporate strategic objectives
• Leverage your familiarity with strategic communications planning and best practices to align and influence teams that support our key audiences: employees, brokers, media, customers, and investors
• Lead communication planning and strategy for M&A scenarios, including the development of playbooks, market research, and governance
• Ensure a consistent and efficient communications operation in event of an integration, responsible for leading the communication pre- and post-merger
• Lead executive communication strategies, including key message development, speechwriting, and in some cases media training or advising. This includes thought leadership, annual disclosures, and leadership events
• Lead communication strategic planning for company milestones including achievements within the corporate strategy
• Lead proactive issues management and crisis communication protocols for IMC, including mitigation plans, active monitoring, and management of known issues 

Experience and skills:

Must have at least 10 years of progressive professional experience in communications, ideally at a public company

Strategic understanding of reputation management and corporate communication to support a variety of audiences, with B2B experience an asset

A high degree of personal ethics, integrity, and responsibility with an ability to deal with sensitive issues and safeguard confidential information

A strategic thinker who is always looking for opportunities to improve communications and increase efficiency

Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, collaboration skills, sound judgment, and well-developed interpersonal skills

Knowledge of French is an asset but not a requirement

Education:

• University degree in English, Communications, or Journalism
• Post-graduate certification in related discipline an asset

We also take potential into consideration. If you don’t have this exact experience but you know you have what it takes, be sure to tell us why in your application.

Salary Range: $97,000 - $178,800

Interested in this role, but don't meet every requirement? We encourage you to apply! We know from experience that a candidate doesn't need 100% of the qualifications listed to bring incredible value to our team. We're actively seeking diverse backgrounds and perspectives to help us make insurance better. At Definity, inclusion, diversity, and equity aren't just "nice to have" — they're essential to our success.

What's in it for you?

• Hybrid work schedule for most roles
• Company share ownership program
• Pension and savings programs, with company-matched RRSP contributions
• Paid volunteer days and company matching on charitable donations
• Educational resources, tuition assistance, and paid time off to study for exams
• Focus on inclusion with employee groups, support for gender affirmation surgery, access to BIPOC counsellors, access to programs for working parents
• Wellness and recognition programs
• Discounts on products and services

Actual salary for the role may vary depending on work location of the successful candidate and other factors including but not limited to, skills, education, experience, working conditions and the local labour market.  In addition to base pay, eligible employees may participate in various incentive plans which are paid out at the discretion of the company and subject to individual and company performance.

Go ahead and expect a lot — you deserve it.
It's better here — but don't take our word for it. Definity was named by Great Place to Work® as one of the Best Workplaces™ in Canada for women, for youth, and for inclusion.

Our inclusive work environment welcomes diversity and supports accessibility. If you require accommodation at any time during the recruitment process, please let us know by contacting [email protected].

Background checks
This role requires successful clearance of background checks (including criminal checks and leadership references).

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