About the role

Senior Public Affairs Advisor shaping Desjardins' national thought leadership and media strategy. Elevating executives and experts through communications, content, and Canadian financial-media engagement.

Responsibilities

Lead the development, implementation and evolution of Desjardins' thought leadership platform outside of Quebec
Identify strategic themes, establish governance and processes, partner with subject matter experts and executives, coordinate cross-functional contributors, and measure performance
Develop and maintain relationships with key media contacts to pitch stories and secure media coverage
Position Desjardins executives and subject matter experts as trusted voices on economic, financial and socio-economic issues
Develop and execute communications plans aligned with company goals and divisional needs
Write and edit press releases, articles and other public relations content
Provide executives and communicators with expert counsel and recommendations, including reputation management
Pitch and present to management and executive councils
Develop proactive communications initiatives using earned and paid strategies
Evaluate PR activities, collect data, benchmark results, and provide data-driven recommendations
Provide insights and recommendations based on trends and knowledge of the Canadian financial market and economy

Bachelor's degree in communications, public relations, marketing, journalism or in a related field
A minimum of seven years of relevant experience
Other combinations of qualifications and relevant experience may be considered
Experience developing or leading thought leadership, executive positioning, expert profiling, or corporate narrative initiatives
Experience building communications programs, frameworks or processes from concept through implementation
Experience collaborating with senior leaders and subject matter experts to translate complex business issues into compelling external content and communications opportunities
Experience in media relations
Experience as a spokesperson
Experience in project management
Experience in strategizing, planning, and executing communications initiatives
Experience in addressing PR issues to manage public perception
Experience in preparing speeches and training spokespeople
Experience creating content for multiple platforms (e.g., social media, blogs, newsletters)
Expert proficiency in English, both oral and written
Advanced knowledge editing and proofreading
Advanced intermediate knowledge of the Canadian financial market and a sound understanding of the economy
Action oriented, Ambiguity, Complexity, Customer Focus, Differences, Drive results, Nimble learning, Strategic mindset

Competitive salary and annual bonus
4 weeks of flexible vacation starting in the first year
Defined benefit pension plan that provides predictable, stable income throughout retirement
Group insurance including telemedicine
Reimbursement of health and wellness expenses and telework equipment