Senior Communications Specialist

Job Overview

The Senior Communications Specialist – Life is responsible for leading the development and execution of communication plans that inform, engage, and build awareness and understanding of strategic initiatives for Wawanesa’s Life insurance operations (Wawanesa Life) and Wawanesa Mutual, primarily with employees. They will create innovative and compelling content (in various mediums) to promote programs, support business objectives and foster employee engagement. Reporting to the Manager, Communications - Internal this role also works directly and maintains deep relationships with senior leaders and stakeholders within the Wawanesa Life company.

Job Responsabilities

• Working closely with Wawanesa’s Life Executive Leadership Team, develop and execute communications strategies to engage employees and support the business, ensuring alignment with corporate-wide plans and messaging.
• Provide communications guidance and support to Wawanesa Life’s Executive Leadership Team. Establish and lead bi-weekly communications meetings with executives.
• Develop presentations and speaking points to support Life’s quarterly employee meetings (virtual, hybrid, and in-person events).
• Collaborate with a variety of business partners to develop and manage company-wide internal communications initiatives and projects, including strategic business initiatives and organizational changes, ensuring programs are effectively communicated to appropriate stakeholders.
• Take a leading role in the development of internal communication tactics including employee messages, FAQs, surveys, Intranet content, key messages, scripts, and speeches to support business strategies.
• Partner with colleagues and subject matter experts across the organization to source and develop engaging stories aligned with Wawanesa’s purpose, values, and business strategies.
• Measure the effectiveness of communication outcomes against project / team goals through data collection and regular measurement reporting.
• Remain agile and adjust to changing timelines when necessary to ensure successful outcomes.
• Collaborate with the internal Marketing team or external creative agencies to develop content such as videos and presentations.
• Provide day-to-day communications advice and guidance to internal clients and key business partners.
• Develop communications to share with Wawanesa’s broker partners about our Life offering as needed.

Qualifications

• 8+ years communications experience in a corporate environment.
• Bachelor’s degree or college diploma in Communications, Journalism, English, Marketing or related discipline.
• Exceptional writing, editing, proofreading and presentations skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills and a proven ability to build relationships, influence others with skill / diplomacy working with people at all levels of the organization.
• Experience developing and executing internal communication plans, and employee engagement initiatives.
• Exceptional attention to detail including well-developed analytical skills and strategic thinking.
• Experience and confidence working with senior executives and cross-functional, cross-regional teams.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality while handling sensitive information.
• Experience writing/creating/producing materials across a variety of platforms (electronic, print, social media, video) and for different audiences.
• Experience planning and managing content on an internal Intranet platform (SharePoint knowledge an asset). Exceptional project management skills: detail oriented, superior organizational skills, able to manage multiple projects simultaneously under tight deadlines.
• Self-motivated, able to work independently and to thrive as part of a team.
• Availability on a 24/7 basis as needed for emergency communication.
• Experience with event production an asset.
• Experience as a media spokesperson an asset.
• Fluency in French an asset.

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