Job Description

The Position:

Summit Search Group has proudly partnered with Portage Mutual Insurance on the search for their next Communications Specialist. The Communications Specialist is responsible for leading strategic internal and external communications initiatives across the organization, including Head Office and multi branch locations. This role acts as a trusted advisor to senior leadership, ensuring consistent corporate messaging, strong employee engagement, brand alignment, and effective stakeholder communication. The successful candidate will bring advanced expertise in corporate communications, reputation management, change management communications, and multi-location organizational support within a regulated environment, preferably the Canadian insurance or financial services sector.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Communications Leadership

Develop and implement organization-wide communication strategies aligned with corporate objectives and business priorities.
Provide strategic communication counsel to senior leadership regarding corporate initiatives, operational changes, and organizational priorities.
Lead communication planning for enterprise projects, branch initiatives, and executive announcements.
Ensure consistent messaging, tone, and branding across Head Office and all branch offices.

Executive & Leadership Communications

Prepare executive speeches, presentations, briefing notes, reports, and leadership communications.
Support senior leadership and branch management with communication planning and stakeholder engagement.
Lead communication initiatives related to organizational change management and employee transition activities.
Draft sensitive or high-impact communications with professionalism, accuracy, and discretion.

Internal Communications & Employee Engagement

Lead internal communication initiatives that support employee engagement, organizational culture, and alignment across multiple office locations.
Oversee development of internal newsletters, intranet content, leadership updates, town halls, and employee campaigns.
Coordinate communication flow between Head Office departments and branch offices.
Support Human Resources and leadership teams with communications related to policies, training initiatives, and organizational updates.

External Communications & Corporate Reputation

Manage external communication activities including media relations, public announcements, digital communications, and community engagement initiatives.
Review and approve customer-facing communication materials to ensure compliance with corporate standards and applicable Canadian regulatory requirements.
Support corporate reputation management and crisis communication planning.
Develop communication materials related to insurance products, claims services, customer experience, and corporate social responsibility initiatives.

Brand Management & Digital Communications

Maintain consistency of corporate identity and messaging across all communication platforms.
Oversee website content, digital communication campaigns, and social media initiatives.
Monitor communication metrics and prepare reports evaluating communication effectiveness and engagement.
Collaborate with marketing, operations, and branch leadership teams on regional initiatives and campaigns.

Branch Office Support

Provide strategic communication guidance and support to multi branch offices.
Assist branch leaders with local communication initiatives, sponsorships, and community outreach activities.
Conduct periodic travel to branch locations to support communication alignment and organizational initiatives.
Ensure branch communications adhere to corporate standards, accessibility guidelines, and brand requirements.

Crisis & Issues Management

Support development and implementation of crisis communication protocols and business continuity messaging.
Coordinate timely communication related to operational disruptions, regulatory matters, or reputational issues.
Partner with leadership to ensure accurate, transparent, and professional communication during sensitive situations.

Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing, or a related discipline.
Minimum 7–10 years of progressive corporate communications experience.
Experience within the Canadian insurance, financial services, healthcare, or other regulated sectors strongly preferred.
Demonstrated experience supporting executive leadership and multi-location organizations.
Strong expertise in strategic communications, employee engagement, media relations, and change management.
Exceptional writing, editing, and presentation development skills.
Strong understanding of Canadian business communication practices and stakeholder engagement.
Excellent judgment, diplomacy, and ability to manage confidential information.
Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, communication platforms, content management systems, and social media tools.

Preferred Qualifications:

Professional accreditation such as CPRS (Canadian Public Relations Society), IABC, or equivalent designation considered an asset.
Experience with crisis communications and reputation management.
Familiarity with Canadian insurance industry regulations and privacy considerations.
Bilingualism (English/French) considered an asset.
Experience leading communication projects across geographically dispersed teams.

For more information, or to submit your resume, please reach out to Jessica Willis or Erin Steeves, Jessica.Willis@summitsearchgroup.com

Erin.steeves@summitsearchgroup.com

Portage Mutual Insurance Company

Open Positions

Communications Specialist- WJ902