VP Corporate Communications

The Canada Life Assurance Company • Toronto, ON

9d • Hybrid

About The Position

Great-West Lifeco is seeking a Vice-President, Communications to shape and deliver an integrated external communications agenda that strengthens enterprise reputation and supports strategic and financial priorities. Reporting to the Senior Vice-President, Investor Relations, this role is accountable for enterprise alignment across operating segments, proactive media engagement, and high-stakes communications that influence market understanding—working in close partnership with senior executives to ensure clarity, consistency, and credibility in every external touchpoint.

Requirements

• 10-15+ years experience in corporate communications; preferably serving the insurance and/or financial services sector
• Experience leading external communications including, but not limited to: Media & PR, investor relations / financial communications, Board of Director communications, social media, issues and crisis response
• Demonstrated experience in developing and executing comprehensive multi-year communications strategies in support of overarching corporate objectives
• Proven experience in establishing an external ‘Voice’ through media/PR initiatives and other, externally facing communication vehicles
• Experience in providing strategic counsel to senior level executives and developing communications to support executive (e.g. C-level) external speaking commitments
• Ability to creatively and continually evolve communication strategies, using a variety of channels / tools, approaches, and methodologies
• Knowledge of the latest communication channel tools and social media for internal and external strategies
• Ability to work through organizational complexity and connect cross-functionally
• Excellent leadership skills, including the ability to manage and influence others
• Strong consultative and diagnostic skills
• Attention to detail, excellent organizational skills, ability to multi-task and meet tight time deadlines

Responsibilities

• Own and advance Great West’s enterprise external communications strategy, translating corporate priorities, financial performance, and long‑term value creation into a clear, compelling, and disciplined narrative that strengthens reputation and market confidence.
• Develop proactive storylines and thought leadership opportunities that elevate Great West’s strategy, performance, and leadership; identify and prepare executives for high-impact interviews and engagements.
• Align media engagement with Investor Relations priorities, disclosure requirements and capital markets strategy.
• Serve as a senior point of contact for media inquiries related to earnings, financial results, outlook, strategy and governance.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with financial, business and capital markets-focused journalists and editors to increase earned media coverage and raise the profile of the company.
• Proactively identify opportunities to increase visibility of Great West and its senior leaders in financial and business media.
• Play a senior role in crisis and issues management, including rapid response and reputation protection.
• Lead media response for issues that could impact investor perception or market confidence.
• Monitor media coverage, analyst commentary and market sentiment to identify reputational or disclosure risks.
• Convene and lead a global centre of practice across operating segments to ensure alignment, consistency, and quality in messaging, processes, standards, and decision‑making.
• Work with senior leaders particularly the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer of Great-West, to create their leadership ‘voice’, develop a communications strategy and define strategic messaging.
• Support communication needs (e.g. speaking engagements, conferences, media interviews) for senior leaders.
• Provide trusted, strategic counsel and risk-based recommendations to senior leaders, balancing speed, precision, and reputational considerations in a dynamic external environment.
• Partners with Internal Communications, Legal, Marketing, Public Affairs and HR to ensure aligned messaging.
• Own the external communications workflow for market-moving announcements, including drafting and coordinating Great-West press releases (quarterly results, transactions, events, and other financially material items) and drafting executive scripts and supporting materials.
• Ensure disclosure-adjacent communications are accurate and aligned with public disclosures, regulatory requirements and IR communications: review operating segment releases prior to publication for consistency with Investor Relations objectives.
• Strengthen Great-West’s owned channels and digital presence (e.g., LinkedIn and Great West website) to reinforce the enterprise narrative, ensure content accuracy, and improve discoverability and stakeholder experience.
• Track media coverage quality, reach, sentiment and impact.
• Provide insights and reporting to senior leadership on media trends, emerging risks and opportunities.
• Use data to continuously refine messaging and engagement strategies.
• Mentor junior Investor Relations and communications employees on financial media engagement and disclosure discipline.
• Manage agency partners and external advisors supporting financial communications.

Benefits

• Career Development: Opportunities for career advancement, access to industry-leading learning programs and up to $2,000 annually towards education reimbursement.
• Health & Wellness: Flexible health and dental benefits, plus a $5,000 mental health benefit to support your well-being.
• Time Off: In addition to regular vacation and personal days, we support community involvement with a volunteer day.
• Financial Security: Company-matching pension plan, share ownership program and additional investment options.
• Rewards and Recognition: Employee recognition programs, service milestone celebrations, employee discounts and more!
• Emphasis on Community: We provide a workplace where employees feel connected and supported through Employee Resource Groups (ERGs), mentorship programs, social clubs and events.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Executive
• Education Level: No Education Listed