Director, Communications

The Director, Canadian Banking Communications has responsibility as a member of the Canadian Banking Communications leadership team, as well as the Global Communications, Sustainability and Social Impact team, responsible for developing and delivering ongoing internal and external communication strategies and initiatives in support of the Canadian Banking business line and in alignment with all Bank initiatives.
Provides strategic direction, leadership and oversight for internal and external communications for the Canadian Bank and the Canadian Banking Communications Team ensuring business strategies, plans and initiatives are supported in compliance with governing regulations, internal policies and procedures.

Is this role right for you?

• Leads and drives a customer-focused culture throughout the team to deepen client relationships and leverage broader Bank relationships, systems and knowledge.
• Creates and delivers strategic internal and external communications initiatives in support of leader communications and thought-leadership opportunities in support of the Branch, Contact Centre and Retail Product leaders and businesses in order to:
• Support business objectives;
• Promote the Bank's brand and manage external reputational issues;
• Enhance employee engagement;
• Promote two-way, timely, honest, relevant and concise communications approach and assessing communications effectiveness through research and measurement; and,
• Support project teams and key partners in the communication of critical messages related to the successful execution of the Business line's strategic priorities.
• Leads and designs robust, strategic, internal and external communications plans for the Canadian Banking leaders and their business lines to:
• Deliver thoughtful executive communications in support of business programs and initiatives that enhance the profile of leaders and initiatives of the various lines of business with key stakeholders;
• Communicate the business line strategy and the ongoing execution of the strategy to employees and key partner groups, as well as to the senior team;
• Provide overall strategic employee communications for the Canadian Banking Leadership teams such as quarterly messaging, newsletters, videos and national roadshows (as deemed appropriate);
• Develop and direct wide-ranging, pro-active and innovative media and public relations programs to communicate and advocate the businesses' priorities and business objectives and support overall positioning and branding strategies; and, serve as a spokesperson for the Bank on Canadian Banking issues, and other issues as required, that are highly-sensitive and put the Bank's image and reputation at risk (e.g. AML legislation legal actions, fraud-related cases, M&A activity).
• Provide strong leadership in the creation and delivery of proactive and reactive media relations plans for Canadian Banking business;
• Fostering and maintaining a significant network of contacts within the print, broadcast and online media (both working level media/beat reporters, as well as editorial staff and senior journalists);
• Identifying opportunities for Canadian Banking spokespeople to be positioned as thought leaders by the media;
• Coordinating Canadian Banking spokespeople interviews and public speaking opportunities and monitoring engagement with those interactions;
• Developing and providing advice and direction to the Canadian Banking leadership team on overall media response strategies; and,
• Maintaining relationships with relevant industry associations.
• Directs day-to-day activities in a manner consistent with the Bank's risk culture and the relevant risk appetite statement and limits. Communicates the Bank's risk culture and risk appetite statement throughout their teams.
• Creates an environment in which his/her team pursues effective and efficient operations of his/her respective areas in accordance with Scotiabank's Values, its Code of Conduct and the Global Sales Principles, while ensuring the adequacy, adherence to and effectiveness of day-to-day business controls to meet obligations with respect to operational, compliance, AML/ATF/sanctions and conduct risk.
• Builds a high-performance environment and implements a people strategy that attracts, retains, develops and motivates their team by fostering an inclusive work environment and using a coaching mindset and behaviours; communicating vision/values/business strategy; and, managing succession and development planning for the team.

Do you have the skills that will enable you to succeed in this role?

• Minimum of 8-10 years of experience in Communications, preferably in a financial services environment.
• Experience in developing Communications and Change Management strategies.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills with a demonstrated ability to plan and create effective print and online content.
• A deep understanding of Canadian Banking's structure and strategy, coupled with strong relationships across the network.
• Excellent demonstrated ability to take complex ideas and translate them into digestible key messages that resonate with audience
• Proven ability to attract, retain and develop high-performing teams and to foster a collaborative,
• Strong interest in communicating and driving strategy through effective communication and employee engagement tactics.
• Strong strategic thinking skills and financial acumen, with excellent attention to detail, and high-level accountability for the quality and timely completion of projects.
• Flexible and willing to take on new challenges as they present themselves.

Working Conditions

• The environment is fast-paced, complex and demanding
• Overtime hours including evenings and weekends may be required on limited or no notice to meet business demands and time-critical executive requests
• Significant pressure may be experienced, due to tight deadlines and unanticipated executive requests