Director, Marketing & Communications

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: Director, Marketing & Communications

🔹 Company: Bank of Montreal

🔹 Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada

🔹 Job Type: On-site

🔹 Category: Financial Services

🔹 Date Posted: May 12, 2025

🔹 Experience Level: 7+ years

🔹 Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Leading the planning, development, and management of content
• Ensuring content aligns with the organization's brand and style guidelines
• Collaborating with stakeholders to assess communication needs
• Delivering effective communication solutions

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strategic mindset, excellent communication skills, and the ability to work effectively with various stakeholders.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Develop and manage content for various platforms, ensuring it is usable, well-structured, easily found, and aligned with the organization's brand and style guidelines

✅ Monitor target audience needs and adjust content accordingly

✅ Collaborate with business and stakeholders to assess communications needs, recommend solutions, and create/deliver communication solutions

✅ Provide strategic input into business decisions, make recommendations to senior leaders, and influence stakeholders to achieve business objectives

✅ Lead the communications strategy planning process, conduct independent analysis, and act as the prime subject matter expert for internal/external stakeholders

✅ Develop strategies and tools to measure, analyze, and report on the effectiveness of communications initiatives

✅ Lead the execution of communication solutions, assess and adapt as needed to ensure quality of execution

✅ Manage expenses and external suppliers, act as the day-to-day contact for vendors, and recommend, develop, and execute communication plans and solutions

✅ Provide communications advice and guidance to assigned business/groups, on communication principles/programs/approaches, on effective ways to communicate, and on implementation of solutions

✅ Proactively collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to provide business context in the design, development, and implementation of communication solutions

✅ Lead or participate in defining communication plans designed to positively influence or change behavior, develop tailored messaging, and identify appropriate distribution channels

✅ Review material to ensure it complies with relevant quality standards, coordinate, distribute, and publish communication solutions, and measure and sustain communications solutions impacting the target audience

✅ Remain alert to new trends, tools, and methods of communication, make recommendations on their application, and stay up to date on company and industry trends

✅ Build effective relationships with internal/external stakeholders and ensure alignment between stakeholders

✅ Actively look for opportunities for continuous improvement of communications processes and procedures, and participate/lead communications continuous improvement initiatives

✅ Operate at a group/enterprise-wide level and serve as a specialist resource to senior leaders and stakeholders

✅ Apply expertise and think creatively to address unique or ambiguous situations and find solutions to problems that can be complex and non-routine

✅ Implement changes in response to shifting trends

ASSUMPTION: This role involves a mix of strategic planning, hands-on content creation, and stakeholder management. Strong communication, analytical, and problem-solving skills are essential.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Typically 7+ years of relevant experience and a post-secondary degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, or a related field of study

Experience: 7+ years of relevant experience in the wealth management industry

Required Skills:

• Expert writing and editing skills
• Ability to take technical and complex information and distill it to key messages that make sense for the audience
• Seasoned professional with a combination of education, experience, and industry knowledge
• Expert verbal and written communication skills
• Expert analytical and problem-solving skills
• Expert influence skills
• Expert collaboration and team skills, with a focus on cross-group collaboration
• Able to manage ambiguity
• Expert data-driven decision-making skills

Preferred Skills:

• Experience in the wealth management industry
• Fluency in multiple languages

ASSUMPTION: Candidates with a strong background in communications, proven experience in the wealth management industry, and excellent writing and analytical skills are ideal for this role.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $84,000.00 - $156,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Health Insurance
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Accident Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Retirement Savings Plans

Working Hours: Full-time (40 hours per week)

ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is based on industry standards for a Director-level role in the financial services sector in Toronto.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: Financial Services, with a focus on wealth management

Company Size: 10,001+ employees, providing a large and diverse work environment with ample opportunities for growth and development

Founded: 1817, with a rich history and established reputation in the financial services industry

Company Description:

• At Bank of Montreal, banking is our personal commitment to helping people at every stage of their financial lives
• We strive to provide our customers with the best possible banking experience in the industry
• Our team of over 46,000 people is dedicated to helping our customers reach their financial goals

Company Specialties:

• Personal Banking
• Commercial Banking
• Wealth Management
• Capital Markets
• Asset Management

Company Website: https://www.bmo.com

ASSUMPTION: Bank of Montreal is a well-established and reputable financial institution with a strong presence in Canada and the United States.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: Director-level role, reporting directly to the Senior Vice President of Corporate Affairs

Reporting Structure: This role will oversee a team of communications professionals, managing their day-to-day activities and providing strategic guidance

Work Arrangement: On-site, with the possibility of occasional remote work for specific tasks or projects

Growth Opportunities:

• Potential advancement to a Vice President or Senior Vice President role within the Corporate Affairs department
• Opportunities to expand into other areas of the business, such as marketing or public relations
• Chances to lead special projects or initiatives, gaining valuable experience and exposure

ASSUMPTION: This role offers a clear path for career progression within the Corporate Affairs department and the broader organization.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: Modern, collaborative workspace in a high-rise building in downtown Toronto

Office Location(s): 100 King Street West, Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Geographic Context:

• Toronto is the capital city of Ontario and the largest city in Canada, offering a diverse and multicultural environment
• The downtown core is a bustling business district with numerous amenities, including restaurants, shops, and entertainment options
• Public transportation is easily accessible, with subway and streetcar stations nearby

Work Schedule: Standard business hours, with flexibility for occasional early mornings, evenings, or weekends as needed to attend events or meet project deadlines

ASSUMPTION: The downtown Toronto location provides easy access to public transportation, numerous amenities, and a vibrant work environment.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Online application submission
• Phone or video screening with the HR department
• In-depth behavioral and situational interviews with the hiring manager and team members
• Final round interview with the Senior Vice President of Corporate Affairs
• Background check and reference check

Key Assessment Areas:

• Communication skills, both written and verbal
• Analytical and problem-solving skills
• Influence and negotiation skills
• Strategic thinking and planning
• Industry knowledge and understanding of the wealth management sector

Application Tips:

• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant experience and skills for this role
• Provide specific examples of your communication, analytical, and problem-solving skills in action
• Demonstrate your understanding of the wealth management industry and Bank of Montreal's business
• Prepare thoughtful questions to ask during the interview, focusing on the company's culture, growth opportunities, and the team's dynamics

ATS Keywords: Marketing Communications Director, Strategic Communications, Wealth Management, Content Management, Stakeholder Management, Change Management, Event Planning, Project Management, A/B Testing, SEO, CMS, HTML, CSS, JavaScript, Python, R, Data Analysis, Microsoft Office Suite, Google Suite

ASSUMPTION: The interview process will focus on assessing the candidate's communication skills, strategic thinking, and industry knowledge, as well as their cultural fit with the organization.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Google Suite (Gmail, Google Docs, Google Sheets, Google Slides)
• Content Management Systems (CMS) such as Adobe Experience Manager or Sitecore
• HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and responsive design tools
• Data analysis tools such as Python, R, or SQL
• Project management tools such as Asana, Trello, or Jira
• Social media management platforms such as Hootsuite or Buffer
• Email marketing platforms such as Mailchimp or Constant Contact

ASSUMPTION: Proficiency in relevant software and tools is essential for this role, as the Director of Marketing & Communications will be responsible for creating, managing, and analyzing content across various platforms.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Integrity: We act with honesty and integrity in all our interactions
• Accountability: We take ownership for our actions and their outcomes
• Respect: We value and respect the diversity of our employees, customers, and communities
• Inclusion: We foster an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and respected
• Excellence: We strive for excellence in all that we do

Work Style:

• Collaborative: We work together to achieve our goals and support each other's success
• Adaptable: We embrace change and continuously improve our processes and practices
• Innovative: We encourage creativity and new ideas to drive our business forward
• Customer-focused: We prioritize our customers' needs and exceed their expectations

Self-Assessment Questions:

• How do you align with Bank of Montreal's core values, particularly integrity and accountability?
• Describe a time when you had to adapt to a significant change in your work environment. How did you handle it, and what was the outcome?
• How do you approach building and maintaining effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders?

ASSUMPTION: Bank of Montreal values candidates who demonstrate strong alignment with their core values, a collaborative work style, and a customer-focused mindset.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• Managing multiple projects and priorities simultaneously
• Balancing strategic planning with hands-on content creation and management
• Navigating a large and complex organization with numerous stakeholders
• Adapting to changes in the wealth management industry and regulatory environment

ASSUMPTION: This role may present challenges in managing competing priorities, navigating a large organization, and staying current with industry trends and regulations.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• Compared to other Director-level roles in marketing and communications, this position offers a unique focus on the wealth management industry and a large, established organization
• In the wealth management sector, this role provides a broader scope of responsibilities and a more significant impact on the business compared to mid-level or individual contributor positions
• Career progression in this role may lead to opportunities in other areas of the business, such as marketing, public relations, or corporate affairs

ASSUMPTION: This role offers a unique blend of strategic planning, hands-on content creation, and stakeholder management, with a focus on the wealth management industry and a large, established organization.

📝 Sample Projects

• Developing and executing a comprehensive content strategy for a new wealth management product launch, including messaging, channel selection, and measurement metrics
• Managing a team to create and publish a quarterly wealth management industry report, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and alignment with the organization's brand and style guidelines
• Collaborating with stakeholders to plan and execute a virtual town hall event, featuring senior leaders and subject matter experts, to communicate important organizational updates and gather employee feedback

ASSUMPTION: These sample projects demonstrate the strategic, collaborative, and hands-on nature of the Director of Marketing & Communications role at Bank of Montreal.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• Can you describe the team structure and dynamics within the Corporate Affairs department?
• How does this role contribute to the overall success of the business, and what are the key priorities for the first 90 days?
• What are the most significant challenges facing the wealth management industry, and how does this role address them?
• How does Bank of Montreal support the professional development and growth of its employees?
• What is the company's approach to work-life balance, and how does this role fit into that framework?

ASSUMPTION: Asking thoughtful questions during the interview demonstrates your interest in the role and the organization, and provides valuable insights into the work environment and company culture.

📌 Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

• Submit your application through this link: https://jobs.bmo.com/ca/en/job/R250011938/Director-Marketing-Communications
• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role, with a focus on communication, analytical, and problem-solving abilities
• Prepare for behavioral and situational interview questions, providing specific examples of your skills in action
• Research the wealth management industry and Bank of Montreal's business to demonstrate your understanding and enthusiasm for the role
• Follow up with the hiring manager one week after submitting your application, inquiring about the status of your application and expressing your continued interest in the position

⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.