Director, External Relations Jobs

About Assuris:

Assuris was founded in 1990 and its mission is to protect policyholders by minimizing the loss of benefits if their life insurance company should fail. Every life insurance company authorized to sell insurance policies in Canada is required by the federal, provincial, and territorial regulators to become a member of Assuris.

Assuris offers a flexible work/life integration model that promotes balance between work, family, personal well-being, and community. Assuris is a strong believer in professional and personal development and encourages developing your skills and knowledge through continuous growth.

The Role:

The Director, External Relations will report to the EVP, Operations, and work closely with senior leaders to implement an integrated communication plan. More specifically, you will:

• Design and deliver a curriculum to educate financial advisors about the importance of Assuris protection and their role in educating policyholders including in-person presentations, webinars, and videos to meet these objectives.
• Develop, evolve, and distribute the financial advisor toolbox including the development of marketing assets (e.g., email blasts, collateral, corporate website, and social media content development).
• Implement an engagement plan for member life and health insurance companies, industry partners and regulators to promote the awareness of Assuris.
• Develop and implement the Continuing Education program for financial advisors.
• Develop and maintain business relationships with financial advisor organizations, associations, Advocis chapters, and other potential centers of influence.
• Maintain and execute the Crisis Communication Contingency Plan to deal with the failure of a life insurance company.
• Develop and execute a financial advisors communication plan targeted at financial advisors, member companies’ distribution networks, managing general agents, and independent brokers.
• Develop and manage a process to respond to financial advisor inquiries.
• Manage an engagement plan for regulators to maintain and enhance the relationship.

Requirements:

• Comfort in a technology-based environment (MS Windows, Office) and expert with “tech savvy” in social media platforms (LinkedIn, Twitter etc.).
• Must be fluent in English and French – oral and written
• Strong interpersonal relations, relationship-building skills and a customer service orientation
• Knowledgeable of life insurance or financial services industry
• Must be creative and innovative with excellent critical thinking, problem-solving, and written communication skills
• Results oriented with strong organizational and project management skills
• University degree or comparable experience that would benefit this position. A professional designation and/or relevant graduate degree would be an asset
• At least 8-10 years of relevant work experience in a communications/marketing role