Senior Manager, External Communications

The opportunity

The Senior Manager, External Communications is an experienced corporate communications professional who plays a leading role in the development and execution of the external communications strategy of the organization and serves as a primary advisor on specific asset class brand and reputation strategies.

This role requires a strong and confident communicator who can translate complex investment concepts and strategies into clear, compelling narratives for a broad audience.

The Senior Manager, External Communications does not have immediate people management accountability (but may over time), but will take an active role in coaching 1-2 junior team members.

Who you'll work with

The Senior Manager, External Communications will report to the Managing Director, External Communications.

What you'll do

Corporate & Investment Communications

• Develop and execute proactive communications strategies to build Ontario Teacher’s brand and profile.

• Contribute to corporate communications initiatives that advance the organization’s reputation and strategic priorities.

• Act a primary advisor to key investment groups, engaging investment teams on strategic communications matters, including messaging, media engagement, presentations, thought leadership, issues management, and branding

• Shape and execute announcements related to new and existing investments across Ontario Teachers’ global portfolio

• Provide communications advice to senior leaders and subject-matter experts on complex or sensitive topics

• Support annual and sustainability reporting activities.

External Communications & Reputation Management

• Advance proactive and reactive media relations, including serving as a media spokesperson where appropriate

• Execute strategic executive speaking engagements, including drafting materials, preparing spokespeople, and event logistics

• Take an active role in reputation management, including working with investment teams and portfolio companies to mitigate risks

• Monitor external trends, media coverage, and stakeholder sentiment relevant to the organization.

General Communications Planning & Integration

• Collaborate with colleagues across Marketing & Communications to ensure consistency and effective integration.

• Uphold and evolve the organization’s voice, tone, and brand standards

• Monitor for industry and sector developments, identifying and making recommendations on key issues, opportunities, and risks

• Contribute to continuous improvement of communications processes and tools.

• Flexible hours during evenings and weekends to meet tight timelines and fast turnarounds as necessary is essential.

• Other duties as assigned.

Decision Making

• Project management: Time sensitivity of project delivery directly impacts project success.

• Must respond quickly on short notice to requests with tight timelines.

• Evaluate and select vendors, negotiate contracts and manage performance

• Ensures complete confidentiality and discretion while preparing communication plans for sensitive issues.

What you'll need

• Bachelor’s Degree in English, Corporate Communications or Journalism, or related field

• Critical analysis, strategic thinking, problem-solving, and planning skills

• Exceptional writing ability, creativity, and oral communication skills

• Ability to effectively translate complex financial, investment, and governance content into clear, accessible language

• Strategic thinker with strong editorial judgment

• Highly organized, detail-oriented, and deadline driven

• Confident communicator who can influence without authority

• Comfortable navigating complexity and ambiguity

• Excellent leadership, teamwork and collaborative skills

• Highly motivated and results-driven

• Ability to work during evenings and weekends as needed

• Minimum 8-10 years in corporate communications or media relations

• Experience in pension funds, asset management, financial services, or public‑sector institutions preferred

• Exceptional writing and editing skills, with the ability to simplify technical content

• Strong project management skills with experience managing multiple stakeholders and tight deadlines

• Experience working with senior executives and cross‑functional teams

What we’re offering

• Numerous opportunities for prof