Director, Public Relations and Communications

Toronto - Canada

Monthly Salary: Not Disclosed

Posted on: 18 hours ago

Vacancies: 1 Vacancy

Job Summary

Join a Challenger

Being a traditional bank just isnt our thing so we challenge ourselves to get creative in providing innovative banking solutions for Canadians.

How do we get there With a talented team of inquisitive and agile challengers that break through the status quo. So if youre passionate about redefining the future of bankingwhile having funthis could be your next big opportunity.

Our company continues to grow and today we serve more than 780000 customers acrossCanadathrough Equitable BankCanadasChallenger Bank and have been around for more than 50 years. Equitable Banks wholly-owned subsidiary Concentra Bank supports credit unions acrossCanadathat serve more than six million members. Together we have over$138 billionin combined assets under management and administration with a clear mandate to drive change in Canadian banking to enrich peoples customers have named our EQ Bank digital platform () one of the top banks in Canada on the Forbes Worlds Best Banks list since 2021.

Purpose of the job

We are looking for a passionate experienced media-savvy and hands-on head of PR and Communications. This is a contract is 12-M position located in Toronto reporting into the VP Marketing. This person is an expert at developing and executing multi-channel and multi-tactic external communication strategies and public relations/affairs activities that support marketing investor relations government relations and executive visibility. Youll lead a team providing strategic oversight guidance and execution to support business strategy and help spread the word on how we are driving change in banking to enrich peoples lives. This is an exciting opportunity for someone with a passion for building great brands through effective PR and has a background in financial technology or consumer PR and/or journalism.

The Work!

Proactive and reactive media relations to increase EQBs presence in top-tier mainstream press (across technology business financial consumer & lifestyle beats) showcasing how we are changing the future of banking
Develop and pitch earned media stories about EQB and its brands EQB Equitable Bank EQ Bank/Banque EQ Concentra Trust as required to mainstream and emerging media outlets as well as niche centres of influence to ensure stories support business goals and resonate with target audiences
Work closely with our content data and business teams to develop trend stories based on target personas and content-specific insights
Support Executive Leadership Team directly with visibility and thought leadership initiatives
Provide operations oversight of reporting to showcase the value PR adds to our organization
Work closely with internal communications teams to provide counsel and support as needed for internal initiatives
Build connections with key media organizations and journalists through a mix of traditional digital and social
Field reactive media calls quickly and effectivelyCoordinate media training with agency and/or conduct media training as required
Brief and prep executive-level spokespeople for media interviews and speaking engagements with expert counsel
Monitor daily to keep abreast of industry news; share relevant stories with senior leaders and enterpriseCreate and disseminate twice-weekly media digests to an internal audience
Support the investor relations team with media relations and writing including for quarterly earnings and ad hoc requests
Support all areas of the bank with press release writing and editing as well as select additional support
Collaborate regularly with internal teams such as marketing product social media legal risk compliance ESG and strategy and corporate development
Support the Integration Management Office as required for long-term functional planning
Work with the VP Marketing and Senior Director EQ Bank Marketing to create and manage occasional PR activationsIn the event of a crisis or issue lead communications efforts across the enterprise and provide media relations support to the crisis/issues management team

Lets Talk about you!

Undergraduate degree or diploma in Journalism Communications or Public Relations or an equivalent combination of experience and formal education
A minimum of 12 years experience in a media relations role in-house or with an agency; agency experience is strongly preferred
Proven skill in pitching and landing earned media stories
Knowledge of stakeholders and requirements of communicating in the banking sector and as a publicly traded entity required
Knowledge of French is an assetLeading media training for executives
Ability to operate independently organize ideas from other marketing team members and disseminate information to cross-functional peers
Excellent written and verbal communication skillsAbility to work on big strategy plans as well as day-to-day tasks
Ability to think both creatively and strategically
Ability to run multi-channel and audience PR campaigns that deliver measurable results and meet objectives
Deadline-oriented inquisitive with great follow-up and reporting skills
Creativity in securing coverage and buzz with traditional outlets
Deep understanding of social media
Project and budget management skills
Responds well under pressure with strict time limit
Quick and enthusiastic learner

What we offer For full-time permanent roles

Competitive discretionary bonus

Market leading RRSP match program

Medical dental vision life and disability benefits

Employee Share Purchase Plan

Maternity/Parental top-up while you care for your little one

Generous vacation policy and personal days

Virtual events to connect with your fellow colleagues

Annual professional development allowance and a comprehensive Career Development program

A fulfilling opportunity to join one of the top FinTechs and help create a new kind of banking experience

The incumbent will be working hybrid and in office time will be spent working from Equitable Banks additional office space located at 2200-25 Ontario Street Toronto ON.

Equitable Bank is deeply committed to inclusion. Our organization is stronger and our employees thrive when we honour and celebrate everyones diverse experiences and tandem with that commitment we support and encourage our staff to grow not just in their career path but personally as well.

We commit to providing a barrier-free recruitment process and work environment for all applicants. Please let us know of any accommodations needed so that you can bring your best self to the application process and candidates considered for hire must successfully pass a criminal background check and credit check to qualify for hire. While we appreciate your interest in applying an Equitable recruiter will only contact leading candidates whose skills and qualifications closely match the requirements of the position.

We cant wait to get to know you!

Required Experience:

Director

Join a ChallengerBeing a traditional bank just isnt our thing so we challenge ourselves to get creative in providing innovative banking solutions for Canadians. How do we get there With a talented team of inquisitive and agile challengers that break through the status quo. So if youre passionate abo...