Director Communications (Individual Insurance Canada)

This role will be responsible for developing communications strategies that articulate the strategic objectives of this business line externally to protect and enhance our reputation with media, advisors, and other audiences, and internally to connect colleagues to our overarching IIC objectives.

In the execution of your responsibilities, this position will collaborate with other members of the Canada Segment communications team (Group Benefits, Manulife Bank, Affinity), as well as Communications Global Practice Areas (media relations, events, thought leadership, issues management, content) to drive initiatives forward and ensure continuous improvement of our work. This role will have one (1) direct report.

Position Responsibilities :

• Develop end-to-end integrated communications plans and bring them to life through innovative programs and tactics.

• Drive comprehensive internal and external communications support for the Individual Insurance Canada business to effectively engage and inform external audiences and internal stakeholders.

• Build strategic partnerships with key Canada Segment and global business partners to capture and share relevant information that ensures colleagues are connected to our global mission, understand our strategy and the role they play in it, take pride in the products and services we offer, and are engaged in our award-winning culture.

• Oversee and effectively manage all issues related to Individual Insurance Canada. Provide business stakeholders with guidance and counsel, and lead responses to mitigate any potential reputational impact.

• Collaborate with Canada Segment and global communications colleagues to ensure consistent messaging, positioning, and language.

• Oversee the development and maintenance of internal communication channels, such as intranet, executive messages and newsletters, and town hall meetings.

• Monitor and measure the effectiveness of communication initiatives and adjust strategies as needed to drive engagement and understanding.

• Lead one (1) full-time staff member, overseeing goal planning, achievement assessments, and employee development plans.

Required Qualifications:

• 10+ years of relevant work experience gained in external and internal communications at a publicly traded company, preferably in the financial services industry.

• Insurance industry experience is an asset.

• Experience across multiple communications disciplines (e.g. strategy communication, transformation messaging, engagement, people, culture, brand, issues management, and storytelling).

• An acute understanding of the media landscape in Canada. Proven relationships in financial, business, and personal finance media across trade and top-tier outlets.

• Experience managing executives through communications strategies, thought leadership initiatives, and media interviews.

• Experience in navigating media issues and providing strategic counsel to minimize or mitigate reputational risks.

• Proactive idea generator and critical thinker.

• Ability to multi-task and manage multiple work streams at a fast pace, with acute attention to detail, completeness and accuracy.

• Track record of success handling multiple projects and the ability to tie results to strategic business objectives.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in communications, marketing, English, journalism, or related field. Preferred

When you join our team:

• We’ll empower you to learn and grow the career you want.

• We’ll recognize and support you in a flexible environment where well-being and inclusion are more than just words.

• As part of our global team, we’ll support you in shaping the future you want to see.

#LI-Hybrid

About Manulife and John Hancock

Manulife Financial Corporation is a leading international financial services provider, helping people make their decisions easier and lives better. To learn more about us, visit https://www.manulife.com/en/about/our-story.html.

Manulife is an Equal Opportunity Employer

At Manulife/John Hancock, we embrace our diversity. We strive to attract, develop and retain a workforce that is as diverse as the customers we serve and to foster an inclusive work environment that embraces the strength of cultures and individuals. We are committed to fair recruitment, retention, advancement and compensation, and we administer all of our practices and programs without discrimination on the basis of race, ancestry, place of origin, colour, ethnic origin, citizenship, religion or religious beliefs, creed, sex (including pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions), sexual orientation, genetic characteristics, veteran status, gender identity, gender expression, age, marital status, family status, disability, or any other ground protected by applicable law.

It is our priority to remove barriers to provide equal access to employment. A Human Resources representative will work with applicants who request a reasonable accommodation during the application process. All information shared during the accommodation request process will be stored and used in a manner that is consistent with applicable laws and Manulife/John Hancock policies. To request a reasonable accommodation in the application process, contact recruitment@manulife.com.

Salary range is expected to be between

If you are applying for this role outside of the primary location, please contact recruitment@manulife.com for the salary range for your location. The actual salary will vary depending on local market conditions, geography and relevant job-related factors such as knowledge, skills, qualifications, experience, and education/training. Employees also have the opportunity to participate in incentive programs and earn incentive compensation tied to business and individual performance.

Manulife offers eligible employees a wide array of customizable benefits, including health, dental, mental health, vision, short- and long-term disability, life and AD&D insurance coverage, adoption/surrogacy and wellness benefits, and employee/family assistance plans. We also offer eligible employees various retirement savings plans (including pension and a global share ownership plan with employer matching contributions) and financial education and counseling resources. Our generous paid time off program in Canada includes holidays, vacation, personal, and sick days, and we offer the full range of statutory leaves of absence. If you are applying for this role in the U.S., please contact recruitment@manulife.com for more information about U.S.-specific paid time off provisions.