Media Relations Manager

Media Relations Manager Role

Description:

The Media Relations Manager plays a key role in enhancing and protecting Manulife/John Hancock’s reputation through proactive and strategic external communications. This role supports corporate priorities by developing compelling narratives, managing media engagement and relationships, and ensuring consistent messaging across earned media channels. This individual will partner with account leads to support the company’s objectives, in addition to supporting day‑to‑day executional needs of the media relations team for business segments and accounts.

The ideal candidate brings a client‑facing and detail‑oriented skillset, and thrives in a fast‑paced, dynamic environment. He/she is a team player committed to service excellence, building stakeholder relationships, and upholding our values.

• Develop and execute media relations strategies that support Manulife/John Hancock’s business goals, brand positioning, and reputation management efforts.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with top‑tier financial service, print, trade, online and broadcast media.
• Identify media opportunities and manage proactive storytelling initiatives highlighting company leadership, products, innovation, and community impact.
• Serve as a media contact, coordinating interviews, managing inquiries, and providing timely and accurate information to reporters.
• Draft press releases, media pitches, media statements, briefing documents and Q&As that effectively communicate company news, initiatives and key messages.
• Monitor media coverage and industry trends; prepare regular reports and insights for internal stakeholders.
• Prepare spokespeople for media engagements with training/coaching and high‑quality briefing materials showcasing a deep understanding of our business, the financial services landscape, and relevant media trends/insights.
• Staff media engagements virtually, in person and at events.
• Collaborate closely with internal communications, marketing, legal, and business teams to ensure message alignment and risk mitigation.
• Provide support during issues and crisis communications situations, ensuring timely escalation and coordinated responses.
• Handle confidential matters and material information with care, confidentiality, and alignment to Manulife’s code of conduct, media relations and social media policies.
• Work in strong partnership with Thought Leadership and Executive Visibility teams to drive integrated storytelling and fully leverage cross‑functional opportunities.
• Collaborate across Manulife’s global Communications network to contribute to, influence, and lead integrated communications plans (ICPs) that strengthen our reputation and advance strategic priorities.
• Stay up to date and informed on relevant industry trends and developments, analyzing emerging ones that pose reputational risks and opportunities for Manulife.

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, public relations, or related field.
• 5+ years of experience (agency experience preferred / a strong plus)
• Strong relationships with business, finance, insurance, and consumer media, US and Asset Management media are a plus.
• Excellent writing, editing, and storytelling skills with the ability to simplify complex topics.
• Proven ability to operate calmly under pressure and manage sensitive issues.
• Strong project management skills and ability to work cross‑functionally in a fast paced‑ environment.
• Moderate travel expectations across North America to serve as executive staffer.
• Prior experience in financial services and/or insurance a plus.
• As this is a global role, expectation of some work required outside of standard working hours to accommodate time zones, with added flexibility (morning calls before 9AM ET, evening calls 8 – 9PM ET, potential for weekend work).
• Adept at relationship‑building.

• We’ll empower you to learn and grow the career you want.
• We’ll recognize and support you in a flexible environment where well‑being and inclusion are more than just words.
• As part of our global team, we’ll support you in shaping the future you want to see.

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