External Communications Specialist Job In Markham

Job Description

External Communications Specialist page is loaded

External Communications Specialist

Individually we are people, but together we are Aviva. Individually these are just words, but together they are our Values – Care, Commitment, Community, and Confidence.

Aviva Canada has an immediate opening for a passionate Communications Specialist to join our External Communications team. We are looking for someone who can support a lively press office, drive proactive media outreach, act quickly and efficiently on time-sensitive inbound requests, and develop strong working relationships with our key media partners across the country.

As an integral member of a hard-working team, your knowledge of public relations and the Canadian business media landscape will help you implement national PR and thought leadership campaigns – improving and building awareness of Aviva Canada’s brand.

Based at our head office location in Markham (hybrid work model), the individual will work closely and collaboratively with teams across the business to deliver high quality responses to inbound media requests, as well as timely and impactful proactive communications and strategic media campaigns.

Does this sound like your next role? Read on!

What you'll do:

• Lead and support the company’s PR strategy including sourcing innovative approaches and building internal relationships to gain ideas and input

• Serve as a point person on all proactive and reactive media matters related to regional and national public relations campaigns in English and French

• Develop timely and opportunistic communications materials crafted to attract the attention of journalists, while maintaining Aviva Canada’s standards and appropriately representing our brand

• Track and report on media metrics as it relates to media coverage and PR campaigns; manage media monitoring

• Support senior leaders by crafting key messages and prepare them for proactive campaigns, speaking events as well as responses to critical customer or industry issues

• Support Head of External Communications in issues management and ad-hoc projects

• Other copy writing as required – such as web copy, social copy, internal messaging and articles as well as thought leadership pieces for various audiences

• Work with third-party vendors and global colleagues, successfully managing relationships, projects, invoicing and contracts as required

What you'll bring:

• At least 8 years in a corporate environment with relevant media relations experience, preferably in industries such as insurance, professional services, banking, or general B2B

• Completed undergraduate or college diploma in journalism, communications or public relations, or any other equivalent experience

• Strong writing, proof reading and editing skills in English. French, while not a requirement, will be considered an asset

• Demonstrated experience in implementing and delivering communications strategies and ability to prioritize tasks based on relative importance and urgency

• Works well under pressure. Ability to effectively and professionally handle tough issues and manage multiple projects simultaneously, in a sophisticated, matrix organization

• Demonstrates good judgment, solid critical thinking skills, and exercises flexibility amid ambiguity

• A positive attitude along with a genuine enthusiasm to support what the team is trying to achieve. The ability to embrace our collaborative culture is paramount

What you’ll get:

• Compelling rewards package including base compensation, eligibility for annual bonus, retirement savings, share plan, health benefits, personal wellness, and volunteer opportunities.

• Outstanding Career Development opportunities.

• We’ll support your professional development education.

• Competitive vacation package with the option to purchase 5 extra days off per year

• Employee driven programs focused on gender, LGBTQ+, origins, diversity and inclusion

• Corporate wellness programs to support our employees’ physical and mental health

• Hybrid flexible work model

Aviva Canada has an accommodation process in place to provide accommodations for employees with disabilities. If upon commencement of employment you require a specific accommodation because of a disability, please contact your Talent Acquisition Partner so that an appropriate accommodation can be arranged. This process applies throughout your career with Aviva Canada.

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About Us

We help our 18 million customers to save for the future and manage the risks of everyday life. To give these customers the best possible products and service we know we must make Aviva the most attractive choice for talented, entrepreneurial people with diverse backgrounds and an evolving range of expertise and insight.

So, we’re passionate about helping our 22,000 people to do the best work of their lives, to enable them to make a positive difference to the lives of our customers.