Senior Advisor, Communications

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: Senior Advisor, Communications

🔹 Company: Desjardins

🔹 Location: 150, rue des Commandeurs Lévis, Complexe Desjardins Montréal, Canada

🔹 Job Type: Full-Time, Temporary (12 months)

🔹 Category: Communications

🔹 Date Posted: April 24, 2025

🔹 Experience Level: 6+ years

🔹 Remote Status: On-site (Telework available)

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Developing and implementing strategic communications projects and initiatives
• Serving as a specialist advisor and subject matter expert
• Leading complex development projects and strategic initiatives involving print media, linguistic services, and speechwriting
• Representing Desjardins's position when making agreements with external partners and organizations
• Collaborating with stakeholders across various fields and making recommendations to decision-making bodies

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a high level of expertise and experience in communications, with a focus on strategic planning, project management, and stakeholder engagement.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Lead specialized development projects, initiatives, and activities that significantly impact the entire organization

✅ Advise clients and partners to help them position, plan, develop, execute, and monitor strategic communications projects and initiatives

✅ Develop and update policies, standards, models, and programs to support your unit’s strategic projects and initiatives

✅ Identify, analyze, and diagnose major issues and make recommendations to decision-making bodies

✅ Represent your unit before decision-making bodies and represent Desjardins’s position when making agreements with external partners and organizations

ASSUMPTION: This role involves a high degree of autonomy and requires strong analytical, communication, and interpersonal skills.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in a related field

Experience: A minimum of six years of relevant experience

Required Skills:

• Excellent communication skills in French (required) and English
• Proven ability to lead complex projects and initiatives
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Excellent interpersonal and stakeholder engagement skills
• Ability to work independently and in a team environment

Preferred Skills:

• Experience in a financial institution or related industry
• Bilingualism (French and English)
• Knowledge of social media management and digital communications

ASSUMPTION: Given the strategic nature of this role, candidates with relevant experience and a strong track record in communications are preferred.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: CAD 80,000 - CAD 120,000 per year (Estimated based on industry standards for a senior communications role in Canada)

Benefits:

• Competitive salary and annual bonus
• 4 weeks of flexible vacation starting in the first year
• Defined benefit pension plan
• Group insurance including telemedicine
• Reimbursement of health and wellness expenses and telework equipment

Working Hours: Full-time (37.5 hours/week), with flexible work arrangements available

ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards and may vary depending on the candidate's experience and qualifications.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: Banking. Desjardins is the largest cooperative financial group in North America and the fifth largest cooperative financial group in the world.

Company Size: 10,001+ employees. As a large organization, Desjardins offers numerous opportunities for career growth and development.

Founded: 1900. Desjardins has a long history and a strong reputation in the financial industry.

Company Description:

• Desjardins Group offers a full range of products and services to individuals and businesses through its extensive distribution network, online platforms, and subsidiaries across Canada.
• It is committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion, providing a positive workplace for all.
• Desjardins was named one of Canada's Best Employers by Forbes magazine and by Mediacorp.

Company Specialties:

• Services financiers

Company Website: Desjardins Careers

ASSUMPTION: Desjardins is a well-established and reputable financial institution with a strong commitment to its employees and members.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: Senior. This role is suited for experienced communications professionals seeking to advance their careers in a strategic and impactful position.

Reporting Structure: This role reports directly to the Director of Communications and works closely with various stakeholders across the organization.

Work Arrangement: On-site, with flexible work arrangements available. The role may require occasional travel for meetings and events.

Growth Opportunities:

• Potential advancement to a director or management role within the communications department
• Opportunities to work on high-impact projects and initiatives that drive organizational change
• Access to professional development and training opportunities

ASSUMPTION: This role offers significant growth potential for the right candidate, with opportunities to make a meaningful impact on the organization's communications strategy.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: Corporate headquarters and downtown office locations

Office Location(s): 150, rue des Commandeurs Lévis, Complexe Desjardins Montréal, Toronto, Calgary

Geographic Context:

• Lévis and Montreal offices are located in the Quebec City-Windsor Corridor, a major economic region in Canada
• Toronto and Calgary offices are located in major urban centers with vibrant business environments
• All offices offer easy access to public transportation and amenities

Work Schedule: Standard business hours, with flexibility for remote work and occasional overtime as needed

ASSUMPTION: The work environment at Desjardins is professional and collaborative, with a strong focus on teamwork and employee development.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Online application and resume screening
• Phone or video screening interview
• In-person or virtual behavioral and situational interview
• Final interview with the hiring manager or panel

Key Assessment Areas:

• Communication and presentation skills
• Strategic thinking and problem-solving
• Stakeholder engagement and collaboration
• Project management and leadership skills

Application Tips:

• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role
• Prepare examples of your past accomplishments in strategic communications, project management, and stakeholder engagement
• Research Desjardins and its communications department to demonstrate your understanding of the organization and its mission

ATS Keywords: Strategic communications, project management, stakeholder engagement, policy development, linguistic services, speechwriting, social media management, complex project coordination

ASSUMPTION: The application process at Desjardins is competitive and thorough, with a strong focus on finding the best fit for the organization's needs.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello, Microsoft Project)
• Social media management platforms (e.g., Hootsuite, Buffer)
• Content management systems (e.g., WordPress, Drupal)

ASSUMPTION: The tools and technologies required for this role are standard in the communications industry and can be learned or adapted to as needed.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Integrity
• Loyalty
• Expertise

Work Style:

• Collaborative and team-oriented
• Adaptable and responsive to change
• Results-driven and focused on continuous improvement

Self-Assessment Questions:

• Do you thrive in a collaborative work environment and enjoy working with diverse teams?
• Are you comfortable working in a fast-paced and dynamic environment, with the ability to adapt to change?
• Do you have a proven track record of driving results and making a meaningful impact in your previous roles?

ASSUMPTION: Desjardins values employees who are committed to its mission, collaborative, and results-driven, with a strong work ethic and a focus on continuous improvement.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• Managing multiple projects and priorities simultaneously
• Working with diverse stakeholders and managing conflicting interests
• Adapting to a large and complex organizational structure
• Occasional travel and work outside of standard business hours

ASSUMPTION: While this role presents unique challenges, it also offers significant opportunities for growth and development in a dynamic and supportive work environment.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• Compared to other senior communications roles, this position offers a higher level of strategic influence and impact on the organization's communications strategy
• In the banking industry, communications roles often focus on reputation management, crisis communications, and regulatory compliance, whereas this role emphasizes strategic planning and project management
• Career progression in this role could lead to director or management positions within the communications department or other related fields

ASSUMPTION: This role offers a unique opportunity for experienced communications professionals to make a significant impact on the organization's communications strategy and drive meaningful change.

📝 Sample Projects

• Developing and implementing a comprehensive communications strategy for a major organizational initiative or campaign
• Managing a team of communications professionals to deliver a complex project or event, such as an annual report or a press conference
• Conducting a comprehensive review of the organization's communications policies and procedures, and making recommendations for improvement

ASSUMPTION: The projects associated with this role are complex, strategic, and impactful, requiring a high level of expertise and experience in communications.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• Can you describe the team structure and dynamics within the communications department?
• How does this role contribute to the organization's overall strategic goals and objectives?
• What are the most significant challenges facing the communications department, and how can this role help address them?
• What opportunities are there for professional development and growth within the communications department and the organization as a whole?
• How does Desjardins support work-life balance for its employees, particularly in this role?

ASSUMPTION: Asking thoughtful and insightful questions during the interview process demonstrates your interest in the role and your commitment to understanding the organization's needs and culture.

📌 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 past accomplishments in strategic communications, project management, and stakeholder engagement
• Research Desjardins and its communications department to demonstrate your understanding of the organization and its mission
• Follow up with the hiring manager or HR representative within one week of submitting your application to confirm receipt and express your interest in the role

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