Senior Specialist, Strategic Planning and Operations, Corporate Communications

Sun Life • Waterloo, ON

4d • CA$60,000 - CA$97,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

Are you a strategic communications professional who thrives on turning insights into action? Do you enjoy working at the intersection of communications strategy, analytics, archives and operations to drive meaningful business outcomes? We're seeking a detail-oriented and proactive Senior Specialist to support Sun Life's Corporate Communications strategic planning and operations activities. In this role, you'll work closely with the Director, Corporate Communications – Strategic Planning and Operations, supporting annual planning processes, metrics and measurement, operational initiatives, and corporate archives management. We’re looking for someone who can balance multiple priorities, is curious, can work effectively across diverse teams, and consistently deliver results.

Requirements

• University degree in Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, Information Management, or related field
• 3-5 years of experience in corporate communications, strategic planning, operations, or related fields
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, PowerPoint, Word) with advanced skills in data analysis and presentation development
• Comfort learning and adopting new technologies and digital tools to improve performance
• Ability to perform data analysis and translate findings into clear, actionable insights
• Results-oriented: consistently delivers on highest priority work, helps develop practical solutions and demonstrates responsibility for outcomes
• Strong attention to detail with excellent organizational and project management skills
• Proactive and positive approach with demonstrated initiative and problem-solving ability
• Passion for research, data analysis, and storytelling
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines simultaneously
• Comfort working both independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment
• Discretion and sound judgment when handling sensitive information

Nice To Haves

• Experience with archives management, information management, or digital content management is an asset
• Familiarity with archival standards and metadata frameworks is an asset
• Experience with Adobe Suite (Photoshop, Acrobat) and archives management systems (e.g., InMagic DBTextworks, Preservica, ArchivesSpace) is an asset

Responsibilities

• Support the Director with the annual and quarterly strategic planning process, helping prepare quarterly reports and analysis, working across teams to help track key metrics and communications initiatives against strategic objectives
• Create presentations and briefing materials that synthesize complex data into actionable insights for leadership review
• Conduct research on communications trends, best practices, and emerging tools to support continuous improvement of the Corporate Communications function
• Assist with vendor management activities including contract tracking, performance monitoring, and coordination with Strategic Sourcing on RFPs and renewals and third-party risk management (TPRM) process
• Identify opportunities to streamline processes and improve team productivity through better use of systems and tools
• Maintain documentation of team processes, procedures, and best practices, including onboarding materials for new hires
• Support the Director in their role as Operational Risk Officer (ORO) by tracking compliance-related activities and maintaining required documentation for quarterly and yearly risk management reporting
• Assist with privacy program activities including Privacy Impact Assessment reviews and privacy incident tracking
• Support business continuity planning processes, including program submissions and documentation updates
• Work with the Corporate Archivist to help support the following areas: Help manage the processing of digital archival content, ensuring proper metadata capture and entry according to archival standards
• Respond to internal information requests, providing timely research support and historical resources to the Corporate Communications team and broader organization
• Research, draft, and coordinate the publishing of historical internal posts that connect employees with Sun Life's heritage
• Maintain and enhance digital archives systems including InMagic DBTextworks, Preservica, and ArchivesSpace
• Process digital backlog materials to ensure historical records are preserved and accessible for future use
• Support physical collections management and on-site research activities as needed

Benefits

• Meaningful work: Contribute to communications strategy that shapes how Sun Life connects with stakeholders globally while preserving our organizational history
• Professional growth: Develop expertise across strategic planning, operations, analytics, and archives management with exposure to senior leadership
• Collaborative culture: Work with a talented, supportive team that values diverse perspectives and creative ideas
• Continuous learning: Access to learning opportunities and exposure to innovative tools and best practices in corporate communications
• Flexibility: Hybrid work arrangement that balances in-office collaboration with remote work flexibility

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior