Director, External Communications

Our employees are at the heart of everything we do. Together, we help people, businesses, and society prosper in good times and be resilient in bad times.

Our employee promise represents Intact’s commitment to you in exchange for living our Values, striving to do your best work, being open to change and investing in your career. In return, we promise to provide support, opportunities and performance-led financial rewards at a workplace where you can shape the future, win as a team and grow with us.

About the role

The Corporate Communications team leads Intact Financial Corporation’s internal and external communications in support of IFC’s business objectives and strategic roadmap. This includes:

• Supporting and amplifying the common elements that bring us together, define our unique culture and drive outperformance..

• Enhancing employee engagement across IFC – emphasizing what makes us a winning team.

• Protecting and promoting the IFC brand and reputation globally.

• Elevating IFC’s role in helping to build resilient communities where we do business.

• Amplifying IFC’s knowledge, expertise and thought leadership in our key markets.

The successful candidate will report to the Vice President of Communications.

The Director, External Communications, is responsible for

External Communications

• Building and executing on an external communications and public relations strategy, in partnership with our external PR firm, which builds up and protects IFC’s brand and reputation and which is aligned with IFC’s business objectives and strategy.

• Telling the Intact story across external channels in a compelling and engaging way to increase awareness and enhance Intact’s reputation with our customers, employees, shareholders, media and government.

• Acting as a trusted advisor on external communications’ risks and opportunities for senior leaders, Corporate Communications’ colleagues, business partners, and other internal stakeholders.

• Overseeing the development of different communication pieces, including key messages, Q&As, press releases, articles, speeches, social posts, blogs, etc.

• Managing IFC’s website and social media accounts and continuously enhancing these channels to provide an optimal user experience and achieve communications goals.

• Supporting leaders and spokespeople in preparation for speaking opportunities and media interviews.

• Monitoring, tracking and reporting on media coverage and social media engagement on a quarterly basis, in partnership with our external media monitoring firm.

Reputation Management

• Updating, maintaining, and testing crisis management plans on a yearly basis.

• Ensuring expert management of media requests and threats with speed and good judgment.

• Acting as Business Continuity and Risk Office (BCRO) for the Corporate Communications team.

• Serving as the VP’s alternate as Lead of the Crisis Communications Team (CCT) on an as-needed basis, and the External Communications lead on the Crisis Support Team (CST) and during CATs.

Business Partnerships

• Responsible for overseeing Corporate Communications’ internal business partnerships with Climate, Social Impact, Finance, Marketing, and Broker Communications & Marketing (BMC).

• Overseeing the execution of the climate and social impact communication strategies which positions Intact as a leader in building resilient communities.

• Overseeing communications of the quarterly financial results and the Annual Report process and content, working with a cross-functional team from Finance, IR, Strategy and Executive Comms.

Leadership

• Inspiring and leading a team to realize success through the development and execution of strategies and tactics that enhance IFC’s external communications strategy.

• Building up and fostering an environment of high performance and engagement, with a strong focus on managing priorities and top-notch execution.

• Establishing productive relationships with Corporate Communications’ team members and other internal and external stakeholders to instill collaboration and ensure alignment.

• Managing department resources, including managing our two key external suppliers (for PR and media monitoring) and associated budgets.

• Ensuring project plans and materials are socialized and have received appropriate approvals.

• Setting clear outcomes, KPIs and other success metrics for all projects; providing recommendations based on findings and learning.

What success looks like

• Demonstrated expertise at prioritization and continuously supports their team to focus on the things that matter.

• Expertly navigates our matrixed environment and builds strong, collaborative working relationships with Corporate Comms’ colleagues, business partners, leaders and other stakeholders across IFC.

• Established as a trusted advisor known for their expertise and storytelling capabilities.

• Lives the Intact Values, demonstrates care for people, is open and honest, and takes accountability.

• Drives change by challenging the status quo and energizes others with a “can-do” attitude.

• Leads by example.

Specific experience / requirements

• Bachelor's degree in communications/mass media/public relations, or any combination of equivalent education and experience.

• Minimum 10 years relevant experience working in communications.

• Minimum 5 years experience in people management.

• Exceptional strategic thinking skills combined with an action orientation.

• Stellar written and verbal communication skills.

• Proven organizational and prioritization skills.

• Ability to prioritize work and multitask in an environment with multiple deadlines and competing demands that may require longer hours.

• Ability to manage an extensive network of stakeholders.

• Ability to remain calm under pressure.

• Strong commitment to talent management and development.

• No Canadian work experience required however must be eligible to work in Canada.

• For candidates located in Quebec, bilingualism is required considering the necessity to interact on a regular basis with English speaking colleagues across the country

#LI-Hybrid

What we offer
 

Our hybrid work model provides the balance between working from home and enjoying meaningful in-person interactions.

Working here means you'll be empowered to be and do your best every day. Here is some of what you can expect as a permanent member of our team:

• A financial rewards program that recognizes your success

• An industry leading Employee Share Purchase Plan; we match 50% of net shares purchased

• An extensive flex pension and benefits package, with access to virtual healthcare

• Flexible work arrangements

• Possibility to purchase up to 5 extra days off per year

• An annual wellness account that promotes an active and healthy lifestyle

• Access to tools and resources to support physical and mental health, embracing change and connecting with colleagues

• A dynamic workplace learning ecosystem complete with learning journeys, interactive online content, and inspiring programs

• Inclusive employee-led networks to educate, inspire, amplify voices, build relationships and provide development opportunities

• Inspiring leaders and colleagues who will lift you up and help you grow

• A Community Impact program, because what you care about is a part of what makes you different. And how you contribute to your community should be just as unique.

We are an equal opportunity employer

At Intact, our Value of respect is founded on seeing diversity as a strength. We strive to create an accessible workplace where employees feel valued, included and encouraged to share their unique perspectives.

We encourage applications from individuals who are members of equity-deserving groups, including but not limited to women, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, Black people, and members of the 2SLGBTQI+ community.

As part of Intact’s commitment to reconciliation, we acknowledge that we work, meet and travel across the land currently called Canada, originally inhabited by First Nations, Metis and Inuit people. This history extends through many centuries and continues to evolve today.

We have policies to ensure equal access and participation for people with disabilities, including providing workplace adjustments (accommodations). A copy of applicable policies is available on request.

If we can provide a specific adjustment to make the recruitment process more accessible for you, please let us know when we reach out about a job opportunity. We’ll work with you to meet your needs.

Learn more about our recruitment process and your candidate journey here.

If you are an employee of Intact or belairdirect, please apply for this role on Internal Career Site.