Internal Communications Specialist

**Why FirstOntario?**

FirstOntario Credit Union is one of the largest credit unions in Ontario. We are a trusted co-operative financial institution dedicated to providing competitive banking products and services and a quality Member service. More than 118,000 Ontarians choose FirstOntario for their financial needs - from chequing and savings accounts to loans and mortgages and highly qualified investment advice. Our Membership does more than save you money on fees, it also makes you an Owner. At FirstOntario, we believe the best way to ensure our success is by supporting the communities we serve. That's why our policies include volunteering our time, talent and resources to worthy local causes and events. It's also why we reinvest our profits in the same places they're earned, and why we sponsor programs that promote financial literacy and economic development.

**Job Overview**

The Internal Communications Specialist is accountable for creating and implementing internal/employee communications content, programs and forums which create excitement, drive engagement, align teams and individuals and shape culture.

**Role**
- Ensure internal messages are communicated to employees in a clear, timely and effective manner, using a high impact writing style and format
- Create specific communications action plans, timelines, and defined deliverables that support the communication of internal messages helping FirstOntario shape culture, drive engagement, and deliver results
- Collaborate with internal stakeholders to integrate employee communications content into overall company goals and messaging
- Support the development of an employee communications strategy and execution of the strategy
- Review and edit communications drafted by internal stakeholders and the executive team and make recommendations to ensure messaging is consistent with internal strategy and tone
- Collaborate and support the work of various internal project teams and working groups
- Continually improve, measure, and evaluate effectiveness of employee communications strategy and methods
- Oversee content and user experience for intranet, looking for ways to enhance, engage and promote its benefits
- Represent the Communications team through various projects, events and company-wide initiatives
- Consider health and safety as a primary concern to ensure the overall well-being of yourself and others
- Perform other duties as we may need you to do

**Required Skills**:

- Have a post-secondary degree in Communications, Journalism, or related field, and three (3) to five (5) years of professional experience in internal/corporate/employee communications and financial services
- Have working knowledge of the Canadian Press (CP) Style Guide
- Have the proven ability to create content and craft key messages related to employee/human resources matters
- Have outstanding listening and communications skills, both written and oral
- Be confident in influencing all levels of the organization and be approachable with your superior interpersonal skills
- Be proficient in multiple forms of communication technologies and approaches
- Be an expert writer in internal and employee communications that are engaging, entertaining and informative
- Be adaptable, proactive, deadline-driven, results-oriented, highly organized and detail-oriented
- Demonstrate expert proficiency with MS Windows/MS Office Applications
- Experience writing to maximize search engine optimization is an asset
- Work together with Human Resources, Marketing, Community Impact and IT departments to synergize corporate messaging
- Have experience in supporting change management process
- Enjoy working within a fast-paced, performance-based financial institution or similar professional environment
- Be a self-starter, able to work with general direction and exercise independent judgment
- Be willing to work flexible hours including evenings and weekends as the job demands and travel as required
- Be aware of and mitigate enterprise risk factors and ensure compliance with applicable regulations, legislation and FirstOntario policies and procedures

**Our Story**

Our emphasis on service means we're constantly searching for new team members whose dedication to helping people is as powerful as their ambition to succeed. We're committed to providing professional development, and to extending employee activities beyond day-to-day operations to support the communities where we're located. Our people are the difference, it's a part of why we love coming to work.

FirstOntario is proud and privileged to be able to assist and touch the lives of so many in our communities.
- We believe giving back to our communities helps everyone.
- We believe in volunteering, active community support and participation.
- We believe in investing our profits back into the credit union and the community.
- We believe in finding solutions to help our Members and communities.

If this sparks your interest and you demonstra