Manulife Financial Corporation

Senior Specialist, Organizational Effectiveness

Manulife Financial Corporation • $73K — $122K *
Business Services
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 5+ years in executive communications, strategic programs, or related fields.
  • Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
  • Proven ability to craft executive-level presentations and communications.
  • Ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.
  • Strong stakeholder management and influencing capabilities.
  • Experience coordinating complex initiatives collaboratively rather than with authority.
  • High professionalism and executive presence.

Responsibilities

  • Partner with leaders to enhance executive communications and messaging.
  • Develop materials including presentations and FAQs for leadership.
  • Translate complex initiatives into clear communications for diverse audiences.
  • Support planning and execution of leadership forums and employee events.
  • Coordinate multiple workstreams and stakeholder engagement for strategic initiatives.
  • Identify risks and facilitate collaboration to advance operational objectives.

Benefits

  • Opportunities for career growth and development.
  • Supportive, flexible work environment focused on well-being and inclusion.
  • Part of a distributed team shaping the future together.
  • Wide array of customizable health and wellness benefits.
  • Generous paid time off including vacation, personal, and sick days.
Full Job Description
The Senior Advisor, Strategic Programs & Engagement is a highly visible role supporting strategic priorities across Canada Operations. Reporting to the Transformation Enablement Lead, this position partners closely with senior leaders and the Canada COO Office to advance executive communications, employee engagement, organizational effectiveness, and strategic initiatives.

As a key member of a lean and collaborative team, the successful candidate will help translate business priorities into meaningful communications, coordinate enterprise-wide initiatives, support leadership engagement activities, and enable successful execution of organizational priorities. This role serves as a connector across multiple stakeholder groups and requires strong communication, program management, relationship-building, and change enablement capabilities.

This opportunity is ideal for a strategic and proactive professional who enjoys working in a fast-paced environment, influencing without authority, navigating ambiguity, and partnering with leaders to deliver meaningful business impact

Position Responsibilities:

Executive Communications & Leadership Support
  • Partner with senior leaders and the Canada COO Office to support executive communications and organizational messaging.
  • Develop executive presentations, briefing materials, leadership updates, speeches, talking points, FAQs, and communication plans.
  • Translate complex business priorities, strategies, and operational initiatives into clear, compelling, and engaging communications.
  • Support internal and external speaking engagements, leadership forums, town halls, and employee events.
  • Ensure alignment, consistency, and effectiveness of messaging across multiple audiences and initiatives.
  • Provide communication support for key organizational announcements, priorities, and leadership initiatives.


Strategic Programs & Organizational Initiatives
  • Support the planning, execution, coordination, and communication of strategic initiatives across Canada Operations.
  • Partner with stakeholders to drive progress on high-priority business initiatives and organizational goals.
  • Coordinate multiple workstreams, deliverables, timelines, and stakeholder groups to advance strategic programs.
  • Identify dependencies, risks, opportunities, and barriers to execution while helping initiatives move forward successfully.
  • Facilitate collaboration across teams and functions to support enterprise objectives and operational priorities.
  • Prepare materials and recommendations that support decision-making and executive discussions.


Employee Engagement & Organizational Effectiveness
  • Support employee engagement, culture, learning, and organizational effectiveness initiatives across Canada Operations.
  • Help design and deliver programs that strengthen employee experience, leadership connection, and organizational alignment.
  • Contribute to leadership development, onboarding, learning, talent, and employee experience programs.
  • Coordinate engagement events, employee forums, recognition initiatives, and learning experiences.
  • Gather stakeholder and employee feedback to identify opportunities for continuous improvement.
  • Support initiatives that foster collaboration, inclusion, communication, and employee connection.


Leadership Events & Communication Programs
  • Lead and support planning for town halls, leadership forums, employee events, and organizational communication activities.
  • Coordinate agendas, presentations, communications, and event execution activities.
  • Develop creative approaches to employee engagement and leadership communication.
  • Support end-to-end delivery of high-visibility organizational events and experiences.


Required Qualifications
  • 5+ years of experience in executive communications, strategic programs, employee experience, change management, internal communications, leadership development, business strategy, operations enablement, or related disciplines.
  • Exceptional written, verbal, and presentation development skills.
  • Demonstrated experience developing executive-level communications and presentations.
  • Proven ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver high-quality work in a fast-paced environment.
  • Strong stakeholder management and influencing skills with the ability to work across multiple teams and functions.
  • Experience coordinating complex initiatives and driving outcomes through collaboration rather than direct authority.
  • Strong business acumen and ability to connect multiple workstreams into cohesive strategies and execution plans.
  • High level of professionalism, judgment, discretion, and executive presence.
  • Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Office, particularly PowerPoint and Word.


Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience supporting executive leaders, C-suite leaders, or executive office teams.
  • Experience within financial services, insurance, corporate strategy, operations, or large enterprise environments.
  • Experience leading or supporting employee engagement, learning, or leadership development initiatives.
  • Familiarity with change management principles and organizational transformation programs.
  • Experience supporting leadership forums, town halls, enterprise communications, or strategic organizational initiatives.


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 distributed team, we'll support you in shaping the future you want to see.


The role being advertised is an existing vacancy.

Referenced Salary Location
Toronto, Ontario

Working Arrangement

Hybrid

Salary range is expected to be between
$73,725.00 CAD - $122,875.00 CAD

Employees also have the opportunity to participate in incentive programs and earn incentive compensation tied to business and individual performance. The actual salary will vary depending on local market conditions, geography and relevant job-related factors such as knowledge, skills, qualifications, experience, and education/training. If you are applying for this role outside of the primary location, please contact [redacted] for the salary range for your location.

Manulife offers eligible employees a wide array of customizable benefits, including health, dental, mental health, vision, short- and long-term disability, life and AD&D insurance coverage, adoption/surrogacy and wellness benefits, and employee/family assistance plans. We also offer eligible employees various retirement savings plans (including pension and a global share ownership plan with employer matching contributions) and financial education and counseling resources. Our generous paid time off program in Canada includes holidays, vacation, personal, and sick days, and we offer the full range of statutory leaves of absence. If you are applying for this role in the U.S., please contact [redacted] for more information about U.S.-specific paid time off provisions.

We use data and analytics technologies, such as artificial intelligence (AI), and automated processing tools, to analyze and process the information you provide to us or third parties in the application process. For more information, please refer to our personal information collection statement.

About Manulife Financial Corporation

John Hancock's core retail products in the U.S. focus on providing financial solutions at every stage of our clients' lives. Our product suite includes life insurance, mutual funds, 401(k) plans, long-term care (LTC) insurance, and annuities. We distribute our products primarily through licensed financial advisors, and through John Hancock Financial Network, a national network of independent firms.

Manulife Financial Corporation Careers

Join the dynamic team at Manulife Financial Corporation, a leading global financial services group dedicated to helping people make their decisions easier and lives better. With a presence in more than 20 countries, Manulife offers a diverse range of job opportunities that empower professional growth and innovation in the financial sector. Work You’ll Do At Manulife, every position contributes to our inclusive culture of diversity, leadership, and innovation. We are committed to fostering a workplace where every team member feels valued and has the opportunity for personal and professional growth. Join us to be part of a company that values your skills and passion. Explore a Wealth of Opportunities Whether you're seeking your first internship or a seasoned professional aiming to advance your career, Manulife offers a spectrum of career paths ranging from finance and marketing to technology and customer service. Our job opportunities are designed to enhance your skills through robust training programs and hands-on experience in a supportive environment. Innovate with Us Drive transformation in the financial services industry with Manulife’s commitment to technology and innovation. Work alongside over 34,000 professionals globally, leveraging cutting-edge tools and processes that redefine how financial services are delivered. Be Part of a Great Team Manulife’s team-oriented approach ensures that everyone’s voice is heard and valued. Collaborate with talented professionals from diverse backgrounds to develop solutions that improve the lives of our customers. Enjoy the benefits of a global company that supports your ambitions with resources and opportunities to lead and innovate. Future-Proof Your Career Manulife supports your career journey with continuous learning and development opportunities. From leadership training to networking events, we provide the tools to succeed and the platforms to showcase your achievements. Our commitment to career growth ensures that your journey with us will be rewarding and impactful. Stay Connected Join Our Team Discover the range of job opportunities at Manulife by exploring open positions that match your skills and interests. We are always on the lookout for curious, driven, and innovative team players who are ready to make a difference. Keep Up to Date Stay informed with the latest company news, career tips, and industry insights—all from the people who work here. Manulife is dedicated to providing you with the resources to thrive in your career. Job Alert Emails Customize your experience by subscribing to receive job alerts and insider information tailored to your preferences. Learn about exciting and rewarding opportunities as they arise and how you can be a part of our transformative team. Join Manulife Financial Corporation today and be part of a leading company where your career is as rewarding as it is impactful. Explore how far your talents can take you in an environment built on respect, integrity, and a desire to achieve the best outcomes for our clients and our team.
Learn more about Manulife Financial Corporation
Size
38,000 employees
Market Cap
$33.4 billion
Industry
Founded
1887
5 Year Trend
+1%
NASDAQ

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