Job Description

Description :

About this opportunity

At Meridian our aspiration is to integrate our purpose into everything we do for people, the planet, and communities. We believe that our greatest opportunity is to create opportunity and meet people where they are.

Key Responsibilities:

Responsible for overseeing and aligning all public relations, media, and external communications efforts to promote and protect Meridian\xe2\x80\x99s reputation. The successful candidate will take a holistic view of Meridian\xe2\x80\x99s diverse external stakeholder groups when developing campaigns to deliver a clear, consistent brand narrative.

This role requires strong collaboration skills with the ability to work across departments to support external stakeholder outreach efforts. The successful candidate will oversee the external communications strategy and provide counsel to Communications Advisors to ensure all campaigns and media relations activities are in alignment and in support of external communications goals.

To facilitate strong integration between marketing and external communications efforts, the Senior Manager, External Relations will also provide executive communications support to the Chief Marketing and Digital Officer.

Media Relations

• Proactively assess day-to-day media and social media environment and identify issues, trends and current events to seize opportunities for increased coverage/exposure for Meridian.
• Lead the response to interview requests, proactively gain media interviews and prepare Meridian spokespeople to effectively represent the credit union.
• Provide strategic media relations counsel, support and preparation to CEO, ELT members and broad base of Meridian spokespeople managing all interactions in the media relations cycle.
• Maintain the press section of meridiancu.ca with news and other content that is relevant for media
• Research and update editorial/story pitch calendar on an ongoing basis. Identify and build relationships with key consumer, business, trade and community press and online influencers.
• Manage day-to-day interactions with outsourced PR agencies and media monitoring vendors.
• Responsible for ongoing media monitoring of print, broadcast and on-line coverage.
• Manage and track ongoing media relations budget.

External Stakeholder Relations

• Work with Line of Business Communications Advisors and the Marketing team to develop and implement the external communications strategy that positions Meridian
• In collaboration with relevant departments and communications advisors, assess the communications needs and opportunities of Meridian\xe2\x80\x99s external stakeholders and lead the development of campaigns, tactics and content to meet those needs.
• Evaluate and report on the effectiveness of external communications strategies and campaigns.

Issues Management/ Crisis Communications

• Provide strategic communications counsel, planning, support and advice as required to support internal business partners (e.g. issues management).
• Exercise expert judgment in identifying and responding to complex or negative issues or inquiries and exhibit leadership in developing strategic and timely responses that protect our corporate reputation.

Executive Communications Support to Chief Digital and Marketing Officer (CDMO)

• Provide strategic communications counsel, planning and support to the CDMO and his business areas.
• Work in conjunction with the Director of Corporate Communications to ensure alignment with other business areas and support the channel strategy.
• Develop briefings, presentations and other communication tools to support employee understanding of CDMO business/strategic objectives.
• Measure the effectiveness of implemented communications plans.

Commitment to Continuous Learning

• Maintain knowledge of PR/communications trends and practices by participating in continuing education courses, professional organizations and seminars; reading current literature; and maintaining professional contacts in the community.

Corporate Writing/Collateral Development

• Write and maintain all Meridian media relations and corporate communications collateral pieces.
• Strategize, research and write a range of communications products and materials including but not limited to: news releases, key messages, backgrounders, questions and answers, speeches, award submissions.

Knowledge, Experience and Skills:

• Senior-level communications professional with proven, hands-on experience in executing corporate and local public relations campaigns.
• Ability to align and integrate PR strategies and tactics with the strategic marketing plan, social activity, corporate thought leadership, business strategy and brand vision.
• Work directly with executive level stakeholders.
• Strong writing and editing skills in both traditional and digital formats.
• Ability to work on several projects simultaneously, adhering to tight deadlines and communicating progress to senior leadership.
• A desire to work in a fast-moving, dynamic, team-oriented environment with the ability to manage multiple clients simultaneously.
• The ability to envision, articulate and realize both process and program improvements and innovation.
• Working knowledge of social media platforms required (Twitter; Facebook; etc.).
• Computer literate in Microsoft Window applications required.
• University / College degree in a related discipline required.
• Maintaining good knowledge of industry trends.

Office Location:

3330 Bloor Street West, Toronto OR 75 Corporate Park Drive, St. Catharines.

Meridian has a remote work policy that allows flexibility for employees to work remotely but also requires regular time in the office for purposeful meetings to collaborate, innovate and build effective relationships with your team, your colleagues and your leader which is very important to us.

What\'s in it for you?

• We have an inclusive and collaborative working environment that encourages creativity, curiosity, and celebrates success!
• We provide you with the tools and technology needed to delight your candidates and clients!
• You\'ll get to work with and learn from diverse industry leaders, who have hailed from top organizations around the world
• Hybrid work arrangements with in-person office time to collaborate, innovate and build relationships with your colleagues
• This isn\'t your typical "corporate" job. We work hard and we have fun!

Who we are:
Meridian is Ontario\xe2\x80\x99s largest credit union, and second largest in Canada, helping to grow the lives of our more than 360,000 Members. Meridian has more than 75 years of banking history and is 100% owned by its members. With 89 retail branches and 15 Business Banking Centers across Ontario and $ 30B in assets under management, Meridian offers a full range of financial products and services to its retail, business banking and wealth members. With over 2000 employees and corporate offices located in Toronto and St. Catharines, Meridian has a track record of creating and delivering innovative new offerings and is committed to investing in the communities that we serve. Our plan is to build on our momentum as we deliver on our purpose - helping our members achieve their best life.

Find our story here:

Experience the Difference!

Meridian committed to promoting an inclusive, accessible environment, where all employees and customers feel valued, respected and supported. We are dedicated to employing a workforce that reflects the diversity of our communities and Members in which we live and serve.

Qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or disability.

Please note that due to the volume of applications, only those under consideration will be contacted for an interview.

Thank you for your interest in Meridian Credit Union.

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Meridian Credit Union