Director, Public Relations and Communications

The Work Proactive and reactive media relations to increase EQB’s presence in top-tier, mainstream press (across technology, business, financial, consumer & lifestyle beats), showcasing how we are changing the future of bankingDevelop and pitch earned media stories about EQB and its brands – EQB, Equitable Bank, EQ Bank/Banque EQ, Concentra Trust as required – to mainstream and emerging media outlets as well as niche centres of influence to ensure stories support business goals and resonate with target audiencesWork closely with our content, data and business teams to develop trend stories based on target personas and content-specific insightsSupport Executive Leadership Team directly with visibility and thought leadership initiativesProvide operations oversight of reporting to showcase the value PR adds to our organizationWork closely with internal communications teams to provide counsel and support as needed for internal initiativesBuild connections with key media organizations and journalists through a mix of traditional, digital and social Field reactive media calls quickly and effectivelyAdvises leaders as needed on media protocol, provides guidance on what makes a good story and offers feedback on story ideas that may not work.Coordinate media training with agency and/or conduct media training as requiredBrief and prep executive-level spokespeople for media interviews and speaking engagements with expert counselMonitor daily to keep abreast of industry news; share relevant stories with senior leaders (for possible comment of LinkedIn)Create and disseminate twice-weekly media digests to an internal audienceSupport the investor relations team with media relations and writing, including for quarterly earnings and ad hoc requests (such as for prime rate increases or bonds issuance)Support all areas of the bank with press release writing and editing, as well as select additional supportCollaborate regularly with internal teams, such as marketing, product, social media, legal, risk, compliance, ESG and strategy and corporate developmentSupport the Integration Management Office as required for long-term functional planningWork with the VP Marketing and Senior Director, EQ Bank Marketing to create and manage occasional PR activationsIn the event of a crisis or issue, lead communications efforts across the enterprise and provide media relations support to the crisis/issues management teamCreates continual content for online newsroomMaintains an editorial calendar that can be shared with executivesLets Talk about youUndergraduate degree or diploma in Journalism, Communications or Public Relations, or an equivalent combination of experience and formal educationA minimum of 12 years’ experience in a media relations role, in-house or with an agency; agency experience is strongly preferredProven skill in pitching and landing earned media storiesKnowledge of stakeholders and requirements of communicating in the banking sector and as a publicly traded entity requiredKnowledge of French is an assetLeading media training for executivesAbility to operate independently, organize ideas from other marketing team members and disseminate information to cross-functional peersExcellent written and verbal communication skillsAbility to work on big strategy plans as well as day-to-day tasksAbility to think both creatively and strategicallyAbility to run multi-channel and audience PR campaigns that deliver measurable results and meet objectivesDeadline-oriented, inquisitive, with great follow-up and reporting skillsCreativity in securing coverage and buzz with traditional outletsDeep understanding of social media Project and budget management skillsResponds well under pressure with strict time limitQuick and enthusiastic learner What we offer [For full-time permanent roles] Competitive discretionary bonus Market leading RRSP match program Medical, dental, vision, life, and disability benefits Employee Share Purchase Plan🏽 Maternity/Parental top-up while you care for your little one Generous vacation policy and personal days Virtual events to connect with your fellow colleagues Professional development and comprehensive Career Development program A fulfilling opportunity to join one of the top FinTechs and help create a new kind of banking experienceThe incumbent will be working hybrid and in office time will be spent working from Equitable Bank’s additional office space located at 2200-25 Ontario Street, Toronto, ON.