Senior Manager, Public Relations

About This Opportunity
At Meridian our aspiration is to integrate our purpose into everything we do for people, the planet, and communities. We believe that our greatest opportunity is to create opportunity and meet people where they are.
Key Responsibilities:
Media Relations

• Proactively assess day-to-day media and social media environment and identify issues, trends and current events to seize opportunities for increased coverage/exposure for Meridian.
• Building and maintaining relationships with key consumer, business, trade and community press and social media influencers.
• Responsible for ongoing media monitoring of print, broadcast and on-line coverage.
• Manage and track ongoing media relations budget.
• Managing day-to-day interactions with our public relations partners.
• Research and update editorial/story pitch calendar on an ongoing basis.
• Lead the response to interview requests, proactively gain media interviews and prepare Meridian spokesperson participation.
• Provide strategic media relations counsel, support and preparation to CEO, ELT members and broad base of Meridian spokespeople managing all interactions in the media relations cycle.

Emerging Media

• Actively participate in building and maintaining our social media content distribution networks.
• Oversee and lead the development of integrated media relations content using a variety of online vehicles (Twitter, FACEBOOK, blogs). Direct posting of content that uses search-optimization techniques, content sharing and emerging communications strategies to build awareness of Meridian.
• Responsible for content creation and management of media section of Meridiancu.ca, and public relations toolkit on Mnet (intranet site).
• Effectively deploy emerging technologies to drive awareness and understanding about Meridian.

Issues Management/ Crisis Communications

• Exercise expert judgment in identifying and responding to complex or negative issues or inquiries and exhibit leadership in developing strategic and timely responses that protect our corporate reputation.
• Provide strategic communications counsel, planning, support and advice as required to support internal business partners (e.g. issues management).

Influencer Building

• You’ll champion implementing an awards strategy designed to raise understanding and awareness of Meridian.
• Identify and organize external speaking opportunities in order to engage audiences in a meaningful dialogue

Commitment to Continuous Learning

• Maintain knowledge of PR/communications trends and practices by participating in continuing education courses, professional organizations and seminars; reading current literature; and maintaining professional contacts in the community.

Corporate Writing/Collateral Development

• Strategize, research and write a range of communications products and materials including but not limited to: news releases, key messages, backgrounders, questions and answers, speeches, award submissions.
• Write and maintain all Meridian media relations and corporate communications collateral pieces.

Knowledge, Experience and Skills:

• Working knowledge of social media platforms required (Twitter; Facebook; etc.).
• Senior-level communications professional with proven, hands-on experience in executing corporate and local public relations campaigns.
• Work directly with executive level stakeholders.
• Maintaining good knowledge of industry trends.
• The ability to envision, articulate and realize both process and program improvements and innovation.
• University / College degree in a related discipline required.
• Computer literate in Microsoft Window applications required.
• Ability to work on several projects simultaneously, adhering to tight deadlines and communicating progress to senior leadership.
• Strong writing and editing skills in both traditional and digital formats.
• Ability to align and integrate PR strategies and tactics with the strategic marketing plan, social activity, corporate thought leadership, business strategy and brand vision.
• A desire to work in a fast-moving, dynamic, team-oriented environment with the ability to manage multiple clients simultaneously.

Office Location: 3330 Bloor Street West, Toronto OR 75 Corporate Park Drive, St. Catharines.
Meridian has a remote work policy that allows flexibility for employees to work remotely but also requires regular time in the office for purposeful meetings to collaborate, innovate and build effective relationships with your team, your colleagues and your leader which is very important to us.
What's in it for you?

• You'll get to work with and learn from diverse industry leaders, who have hailed from top organizations around the world
• We provide you with the tools and technology needed to delight your candidates and clients!
• Hybrid work arrangements with in-person office time to collaborate, innovate and build relationships with your colleagues
• This isn't your typical "corporate" job. We work hard and we have fun!
• We have an inclusive and collaborative working environment that encourages creativity, curiosity, and celebrates success!

Who we are:
Meridian is Ontario’s largest credit union, and second largest in Canada, helping to grow the lives of our more than 360,000 Members. Meridian has more than 75 years of banking history and is 100% owned by its members. With 89 retail branches and 15 Business Banking Centers across Ontario and $ 30B in assets under management, Meridian offers a full range of financial products and services to its retail, business banking and wealth members. With over 2000 employees and corporate offices located in Toronto and St. Catharines, Meridian has a track record of creating and delivering innovative new offerings and is committed to investing in the communities that we serve. Our plan is to build on our momentum as we deliver on our purpose - helping our members achieve their best life.
Find our story here: About Meridian
Experience the Difference!
Meridian committed to promoting an inclusive, accessible environment, where all employees and customers feel valued, respected and supported. We are dedicated to employing a workforce that reflects the diversity of our communities and Members in which we live and serve.
Qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or disability.
Please note that due to the volume of applications, only those under consideration will be contacted for an interview.
Thank you for your interest in Meridian Credit Union.
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@MeridianCareers
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