Media Relations Consultant

Benefits

Additional Information

The Media Relations Consultant plays a key role in enhancing and protecting Manulife's reputation through proactive and strategic external communications. This role, on the global communications team, 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. Position Responsibilities: Maintain and continuously update targeted media lists aligned to priority audiences and coverage opportunities. Support the development of media strategies and proactive ideas that enhance visibility and promote Manulife's priorities. Draft and tailor timely media pitches by researching journalists' beats, recent coverage, and audience interests to increase relevance and effectiveness of outreach. Develop high-quality briefing notes and background materials to support executive media prep and engagements. Assist in reputation tracking and issues management, supporting monitoring, escalation, and coordinated response efforts. Monitor media coverage and produce reports with clear insights and analysis to share across teams. Manage the distribution and publication of press releases across appropriate channels and platforms. Serve as a one of the firm's media contacts, coordinating interviews and ensuring smooth, timely engagement with journalists. Ensure all outreach and responses reflect the latest approved messaging, while supporting the drafting of media FAQs and reactive statements as needed for timely and accurate media engagement. Assist with tracking and reporting on media performance metrics, including share of voice and key KPIs. Participate in cross-functional meetings, both internally and externally, and distill key takeaways into actionable communications inputs. Collaborate with North American PR agency partners to support and amplify Manulife Financial Corporation (MFC) corporate and brand narratives across earned media channels. 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 team 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. Required Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in communications, journalism, public relations, or related field. 3+ 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, detail oriented, and ability to work cross-functionally in a fast paced‑ environment. Prior experience in financial services and/or insurance a plus. Experience with Cision, Roxhill (or another journalist database), PublicRelay (or another data and analytics vendor) 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. When you join our team: 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. #LI-Hybrid The role being advertised is an existing vacancy. About Manulife and John Hancock Manulife Financial Corporation is a leading international financial services provider, helping people make their decisions easier and lives better. To learn more about us, visit https://www.manulife.com/en/about/our-story.html . Manulife is an Equal Opportunity Employer At Manulife/John Hancock, we embrace our diversity. We strive to attract, develop and retain a workforce that is as diverse as the customers we serve and to foster an inclusive work environm