Director Communications

What is the opportunity?

The Director, Corporate Communications will provide communications counsel across the entire business segment in partnership with the Senior Director, Communications for RBC Commercial Banking. The Director will have primary responsibility for external communications related to key sectors and segments such as small business, agriculture, women in business, and health care. They will also be a key point of contact for communications partners across the segment and the bank to organize key communications opportunities for the Group Head, RBC Commercial Banking.

The Director will work with the Senior Director, Corporate Communications, in managing the communications activities for the Group Head, including planning and executing on key internal events and communications priorities, drafting executive communications and as a key point of contact working with partners on cross-functional initiatives.

The successful candidate will work with senior executives in the business segment in delivering on external communications and PR priorities, employing strategies and tactics to maximize positive external attribution and meaningful coverage with top-tier media. They will also craft thoughtful communications plans to leverage social media platforms to grow awareness and influence with select audiences.

We are looking for a strategic and creative storyteller with exceptional writing skills, strong media relationships and experience leading executive communications in a complex, matrix organization.

In additional to exceptional technical skills and advanced communications experience, we’re looking for a curious, creative and proactive self-starter who can adapt to the needs of two highly nuanced and dynamic sectors, advise senior leaders, and navigate complex stakeholder relationships.

What will you do?

• Provide strategic internal and external communications counsel to senior executives in the Commercial Bank and their respective Senior Management Team members on day-to-day business and communications needs.
• Lead the development and oversee the team’s execution of strategic internal and external communication strategies to support business priorities.
• Identify and lead opportunities to profile senior executives internally and externally to advance the strategy and business priorities of the business segment. This includes (but is not limited to) supporting executive media tours, external panels and speaking engagements, LinkedIn thought leadership development, speech writing, internal leadership memos and leader videos.
• Oversee and manage proactive and reactive media relations, change management communications and reputational matters.
• Provide direct reports with coaching, feedback and development opportunities that set them up for success and enable their professional growth.
• Manage external PR agency and vendor relationships and budgets to deliver on priority communication and business goals.
• Partner fluidly with RBC’s Brand, Marketing & Corporate Communications colleagues in amplifying key enterprise themes and initiatives within the business and vice versa.
• Provide day-to-day communications counsel to business and functional partners to drive adoption of communications best practices & alignment with business priorities.

What do you need to succeed?

Must-have:

• Undergraduate degree/postgraduate certificate or equivalent in communications, public relations, journalism, English or related field.
• 10 years of communications experience.
• Experience providing strategic communications advice to senior business leaders and subject matter experts.
• Ability to lead teams and support talent development and day-to-day coaching.
• Strong creative and business writing, media relations and change management communication experience.
• Ability to prioritize, manage and execute effectively in a fast-paced environment with tight deadlines and diverse network of stakeholders in a matrixed organization.
• Exceptional project management skills, emotional intelligence and attention to detail.

Nice-to-have:

• French bilingualism is an asset.
• A fast learner with a natural curiosity, passion and keen eye for identifying PR and other storytelling opportunities.
• PR agency & media experience is a strong asset.
• Equal measure of collaborative spirit to operate as part of highly integrated team, while also being able to self-manage and work independently to deliver on day-to-day priorities.

What’s in it for you?

We thrive on the challenge to be our best, progressive thinking to keep growing, and working together to deliver trusted advice to help our clients thrive and communities prosper. We care about each other, reaching our potential, making a difference to our communities, and achieving success that is mutual.

• A comprehensive Total Rewards Program including bonuses and flexible benefits and competitive compensation.
• Leaders who support your development through coaching and managing opportunities.
• Work in a dynamic, collaborative, progressive, and high-performing team.
• Opportunities to do challenging work.

Key skills/competency

• Strategic Communications
• Media Relations
• Executive Communications
• Public Relations (PR)
• Content Creation
• Crisis Management
• Leadership Development
• Stakeholder Management
• Project Management
• Social Media Strategy