📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Manager, Corporate Communications
🔹 Company: Sun Life
🔹 Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
🔹 Job Type: Full-time
🔹 Category: Communications
🔹 Date Posted: April 3, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: 5-10 years
🔹 Remote Status: On-site (Hybrid)
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Developing and executing communications strategies that support the CEO and align with business priorities
- Leading a creative team to deliver engaging stories and manage impactful internal and external communications
- Collaborating with global teams to gather and develop Client-centric stories for internal and external platforms
- Supporting special projects, including change management for corporate team reorgs and executive leadership changes
- Setting measurable communications objectives and tracking effectiveness of campaigns
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strategic mindset, strong leadership skills, and the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines. It also demands excellent communication skills and the ability to work effectively with senior leaders and global teams.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Develop communications strategies that support the CEO, meet business priorities, and align with Sun Life’s strategy
✅ Develop presentations, messages, story pitches, speeches, briefing documents, and video and visual content
✅ Support and lead a team of two creative professionals to drive impactful work
✅ Develop and coordinate communications plans and materials to support company initiatives related to Enterprise Strategy
✅ Support the team in gathering and development of Client-centric stories from across the global organization for internal and external platforms
✅ Assist in development and execution of communications requirements for special projects as required
✅ Set measurable communications objectives to provide data and metrics, highlighting results and effectiveness of communications activities
✅ Provide quality control to review materials produced by team members for consistency, impact, and accuracy
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strong understanding of corporate communications, storytelling, and media relations. It also demands the ability to manage and coach team members to help them grow and develop.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Post-secondary education in a related field (communications, journalism, public relations)
Experience: Minimum 7 years experience in communications/public relations
Required Skills:
- Exceptional written communications skills including editing, proofreading, and attention to detail
- Highly versed in effective storytelling and experience in developing and managing robust media plans and creative campaigns
- Strong visual communications know-how and experience managing a creative team to create impactful visual tactics
- Excellent interpersonal, relationship management, and project management skills
- Strong time management skills, with the ability to balance multiple priorities and produce materials to meet tight deadlines
- Ability to confidently counsel senior leaders with positive outcomes
- Experience managing and coaching team members to help them grow and develop
- Team player with a strong focus on trying new approaches and delivering results
- Experience tracking and analyzing effectiveness of communications campaigns and making recommendations to enhance current activities
Preferred Skills:
- Experience with HTML, content management systems, media monitoring systems, and online collaboration platforms
- Familiarity with content marketing principles
- Crisis communications experience
- Previous financial services, insurance, or pension industry experience
- Experience working for a public company and/or supporting executive communications
- Working knowledge and/or fluent in French
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a proven track record in both traditional media relations and digital/social media strategy, with experience using social media management tools and analytics.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: CAD 78,000 - 128,000 per year
Benefits:
- Flexible Benefits from the day you join to meet the needs of you and your family
- The opportunity to move along a variety of career paths with amazing networking potential
- A flexible work environment with the option to work from home occasionally
- Recognition as a 2023 Best Workplaces in Ontario by Great Place to Work® Canada
- Recognition by Excellence Canada with their top-level certification, the Canada Order of Excellence for Mental Health at Work®, for prioritizing employee well-being, fostering a positive work culture, and achieving excellence in mental health
Working Hours: 35-40 hours per week, with flexibility to work outside of regular business hours on occasion
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is based on market research and internal equity. The final offer will be determined based on the candidate's qualifications, experience, and alignment with Sun Life's compensation philosophy.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Sun Life is a leading financial services organization dedicated to helping people achieve lifetime financial security and live healthier lives. They provide a wide range of insurance and investment products and services in key markets around the world.
Company Size: Sun Life has over 34,000 employees and 112,900 advisors worldwide, making it a large organization with significant resources and opportunities for career growth.
Founded: Sun Life was founded in 1865 and has a long history of providing financial services and insurance products to clients.
Company Description:
- Sun Life is committed to creating a flexible work environment where employees are empowered to do their best work
- The company offers a variety of career paths and networking opportunities for employees
- Sun Life is recognized as a leader in employee well-being and mental health, having received top-level certification from Excellence Canada
Company Specialties:
- Life and health insurance
- Investment products and services
- Group benefits
- Retirement solutions
Company Website: www.sunlife.com
ASSUMPTION: Sun Life's focus on employee well-being and mental health is a key aspect of its company culture and a significant benefit for employees.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: This role is at the manager level, with the opportunity to move along a variety of career paths within Sun Life.
Reporting Structure: The Manager, Corporate Communications reports directly to the Director of Corporate Communications and leads a team of two creative professionals.
Work Arrangement: This role is a hybrid position, with the option to work from home occasionally. The specific work arrangement may be discussed during the selection process.
Growth Opportunities:
- Sun Life offers a variety of career paths and networking opportunities for employees
- The company provides flexible benefits and a positive work culture, fostering employee well-being and mental health
- Sun Life is recognized as a leader in its industry and offers opportunities for professional development and growth
ASSUMPTION: This role offers significant opportunities for career growth and development within Sun Life, given the company's size and global presence.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Sun Life's Toronto office is a modern, collaborative workspace designed to foster creativity and productivity.
Office Location(s): Sun Life Toronto One York, 1865 Yonge Street, Suite 1000, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Geographic Context:
- Toronto is a multicultural city with a diverse range of neighborhoods and attractions
- The city offers a high quality of life, with excellent education, healthcare, and recreational opportunities
- Toronto has a vibrant arts and culture scene, with numerous museums, galleries, and performance venues
Work Schedule: The standard workweek is Monday to Friday, with the option to work from home occasionally. The work schedule may vary depending on the specific needs of the role and the team.
ASSUMPTION: The work environment at Sun Life is designed to be flexible and supportive, with a focus on employee well-being and mental health.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application submission
- Phone or video screen with the hiring manager
- In-person or virtual interview with the hiring team
- Final interview with the Director of Corporate Communications
- Reference checks and offer extension
Key Assessment Areas:
- Communication skills and storytelling ability
- Leadership and team management skills
- Strategic thinking and problem-solving skills
- Cultural fit and alignment with Sun Life's values
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role
- Prepare examples of your communication and leadership skills, as well as your ability to manage multiple priorities and meet tight deadlines
- Research Sun Life's company culture and values to demonstrate your cultural fit and alignment with the organization
ATS Keywords: communications strategy, media relations, digital strategy, team leadership, project management, crisis communications, social media management, analytics, storytelling, corporate communications
ASSUMPTION: The application process for this role may take several weeks, depending on the availability of the interview team and the number of applicants.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Microsoft Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel)
- Content management systems (e.g., WordPress, Drupal)
- Media monitoring systems (e.g., Mention, Brand24)
- Online collaboration platforms (e.g., Microsoft Teams, Slack)
- Social media management tools (e.g., Hootsuite, Buffer)
- Analytics tools (e.g., Google Analytics, social media analytics)
ASSUMPTION: The specific tools and technologies required for this role may vary depending on the team's needs and the projects being undertaken.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Client-centric
- Collaborative
- Accountable
- Respectful
- Inclusive
Work Style:
- Collaborative and team-oriented
- Results-driven and focused on delivering high-quality work
- Adaptable and able to manage multiple priorities and meet tight deadlines
- Strategic and forward-thinking
Self-Assessment Questions:
- How do you align with Sun Life's values, particularly in the context of this role?
- How do you approach managing and coaching team members to help them grow and develop?
- How do you balance multiple priorities and meet tight deadlines in a fast-paced, dynamic work environment?
ASSUMPTION: Sun Life places a strong emphasis on cultural fit and alignment with its values, as well as the ability to work effectively in a collaborative, team-oriented environment.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- The role may require working outside of regular business hours on occasion to meet tight deadlines
- The role involves managing and coaching team members, which may present unique challenges and opportunities
- The role requires a strong understanding of corporate communications, storytelling, and media relations, which may present a steep learning curve for candidates without relevant experience
- The role may require travel to Sun Life offices and events in other locations, depending on the specific needs of the team and the projects being undertaken
ASSUMPTION: The potential challenges of this role are outweighed by the significant opportunities for career growth and development within Sun Life.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- This role is unique in its focus on corporate communications and support for the CEO's office and global enterprise
- Similar roles in other organizations may have a narrower focus or less global scope
- Career paths in corporate communications may vary depending on the organization's size, industry, and specific needs
ASSUMPTION: This role offers significant opportunities for career growth and development within Sun Life, given the company's size and global presence.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing a comprehensive communications strategy to support the launch of a new product or service
- Managing a team to create engaging and impactful visual content for a major corporate event or presentation
- Collaborating with global teams to gather and develop Client-centric stories for internal and external platforms
- Supporting a change management initiative for a corporate team reorg or executive leadership change
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects are intended to illustrate the types of initiatives that may be undertaken in this role, but the specific projects may vary depending on the team's needs and the organization's priorities.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- How does this role support the CEO's office and global enterprise, and how does it align with Sun Life's strategy?
- What are the key priorities for the team in the first 90 days, and how can I contribute to their success?
- How does this role fit into the broader organizational structure, and what opportunities are there for career growth and development?
- What are the key challenges facing the team, and how can I help to address them?
- How does Sun Life support work-life balance and employee well-being, particularly in this role?
ASSUMPTION: These key questions are intended to help candidates better understand the role, the team, and the organization, and to demonstrate their interest and engagement in the opportunity.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through this link
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role
- Prepare examples of your communication and leadership skills, as well as your ability to manage multiple priorities and meet tight deadlines
- Research Sun Life's company culture and values to demonstrate your cultural fit and alignment with the organization
- Follow up with the hiring team one week after submitting your application to inquire about the status of your application
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
