Desjardins Ontario Credit Union, established on January 1, 2020, is a significant financial cooperative in Ontario, Canada. This formation resulted from the merger of 11 Desjardins-affiliated credit unions in Ontario, consolidating their resources to better serve their members. The credit union operates 50 branches and caters to approximately 130,000 members across the province. Billy Boucher serves as the inaugural Chief Executive Officer, guiding the organization in its mission to provide comprehensive financial services.
The origins of Desjardins Ontario Credit Union are deeply rooted in the early 20th century. Between 1910 and 1913, Alphonse Desjardins, a pioneer of the cooperative movement, played a pivotal role in establishing 18 caisses populaires (credit unions) in French-speaking regions of Ontario.
His efforts laid the foundation for a cooperative financial network that has evolved over the past century, culminating in the formation of the current Desjardins Ontario Credit Union.
As a member of Desjardins Group, the largest federation of credit unions in North America, Desjardins Ontario Credit Union benefits from a robust cooperative structure. Desjardins Group, founded in 1900 in Lévis, Quebec, by Alphonse Desjardins, has grown to encompass numerous financial services including banking, insurance and investment products.
This affiliation allows the Ontario Credit Union to leverage extensive resources and expertise, enhancing its service offerings to members.
The governance of Desjardins Ontario Credit Union is rooted in cooperative principles, emphasizing member participation and community involvement. Members have a say in decision-making processes, electing representatives to oversee operations and ensure that the credit union aligns with their financial needs and community values. This democratic approach fosters a strong sense of ownership and responsibility among members.
In addition to traditional banking services, Desjardins Ontario Credit Union actively engages in community development initiatives. By supporting local projects and offering financial education programs, the credit union contributes to the economic and social well-being of the communities it serves.
This commitment to community enrichment reflects the cooperative’s foundational values and its dedication to fostering sustainable growth within Ontario.
Job Type: Full-Time
This position is a full-time role, requiring the successful candidate to work on a hybrid basis, meaning they will need to be present both on-site and remotely as required by the organization. The role is based in Welland, Ontario (L3C 1V9) and candidates must be residents of specific locations including Pointe-aux-Roches, Tecumseh, St. Catharines, Welland or Niagara Falls, as they will be expected to travel to these areas when necessary.
This is a temporary indeterminate position that serves as a replacement for an employee currently on maternity leave. While this role may not be permanent, it provides a valuable opportunity to work with Desjardins Ontario Credit Union in a dynamic capacity, engaging in essential communication responsibilities.
Full Job Description
The Communications Advisor plays a pivotal role within Desjardins Ontario Credit Union, serving as a key point of support and guidance for caisse managers in their efforts to execute and integrate effective communication solutions, practices, programs and tools. The role requires strategic insight, proactive planning and direct involvement in a wide array of communication initiatives that impact the cooperative and associative affairs of the credit union.
The primary objective of this position is to help strengthen and reinforce community development efforts by collaborating with leadership, coordinating engagement strategies and executing various communication-related activities.
As a Communications Advisor, the person in this role will need to:
- Assist in establishing and prioritizing community development objectives for the caisse and ensure the smooth implementation of an effective action plan.
- Work closely with the general manager and executive officers of the caisse to design, execute and monitor activities that align with the cooperative and associative affairs of the organization.
- Oversee communication activities and engagement efforts with members and clients, focusing particularly on cooperative and associative affairs and act as a representative of the caisse within the local community.
- Promote, facilitate and support the implementation of various programs related to cooperative and associative affairs, ensuring that these initiatives align with the caisse’s overarching objectives.
- Supervise and manage youth-oriented programs including the school caisse and student engagement initiatives, establishing and maintaining productive relationships with the school community to foster educational and financial literacy programs.
- Educate and inform officers, managers, employees, members and clients about the unique advantages of the cooperative model, ensuring they understand and appreciate the cooperative difference. This includes onboarding new employees, clients and members through structured information sessions.
- Provide direct support to the general management team and caisse officers in their efforts to increase the organization’s visibility and maintain business relationships with local stakeholders, clients and community organizations.
- Assist in organizing and coordinating logistics for various corporate events including but not limited to the annual general meeting and special meetings, ensuring seamless execution, particularly in the areas related to cooperative and associative affairs.
- Collaborate on inter-cooperation initiatives, working alongside different departments and teams to drive joint ventures and community-driven projects.
- Receive, analyze and process requests for sponsorships, donations and financial contributions, providing recommendations on approvals while ensuring appropriate follow-ups on allocated funding.
- Maintain an active role in community engagement efforts, ensuring that the caisse remains a recognizable and valuable presence within its geographic service areas.
- Ensure all communication strategies are aligned with Desjardins’ core values, goals and branding efforts, helping to enhance the caisse’s public image and professional credibility.
Working with Desjardins Ontario Credit Union comes with competitive benefits that ensure job satisfaction and work-life balance. Employees will enjoy a range of perks including financial stability, career growth opportunities and flexible working conditions.
Some of the key benefits offered include:
- A competitive salary, commensurate with industry standards and based on experience and qualifications.
- Annual performance bonuses, allowing employees to earn financial incentives based on their contributions to the organization.
- Four weeks of flexible vacation from the very first year of employment, ensuring a healthy work-life balance.
- A defined benefit pension plan, providing employees with a predictable and stable retirement income.
- Comprehensive group insurance, which includes telemedicine services for remote healthcare consultations.
- Reimbursement of health and wellness expenses, ensuring employees can maintain a healthy lifestyle.
- Telework equipment reimbursement, allowing remote employees to set up an efficient and comfortable work environment.
These benefits apply based on eligibility criteria and are designed to enhance job satisfaction, foster employee well-being and ensure long-term career growth.
What You Bring to the Role
The ideal candidate for the Communications Advisor position must meet certain qualifications and competencies to succeed in this dynamic role.
Educational Requirements:
- A bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing or Business Administration.
- Alternatively, an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience may be considered.
Experience & Skills:
- A minimum of one year of experience in a communications-related role.
- The ability to work independently while also collaborating with management teams and external stakeholders.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to evaluate and implement effective communication strategies.
- Exceptional written and verbal communication skills in both French and English due to the nature of the role, which involves frequent interaction with English-speaking partners, members and clients.
- The ability to work beyond standard business hours, especially when required for events, activities and community involvement.
- A proactive, action-oriented mindset that aligns with the organization’s mission and vision.
- Strong business insight, enabling the individual to make strategic contributions that align with organizational objectives.
- A customer-focused approach, ensuring that communication strategies prioritize the needs and expectations of the caisse’s members and clients.
- Interpersonal savvy, which allows the individual to navigate complex relationships, collaborate effectively and maintain a positive rapport with colleagues and stakeholders.
- A nimble learning ability, ensuring adaptability in a rapidly evolving work environment.
Desjardins is an organization that prides itself on equity, diversity and inclusion. The company embraces individual uniqueness and is committed to providing a workplace that values respect, learning and fairness.
At Desjardins, diversity is not just a policy but an integral part of its culture. The organization aims to reflect the diversity of its members, clients and the communities it serves. As a company, Desjardins has zero tolerance for discrimination and ensures that all employees feel valued, respected and empowered in their roles.
The organization is also deeply committed to accessibility in all aspects of the recruitment process and job environment. Candidates who require accommodations at any stage of the hiring process are encouraged to reach out and request support. Desjardins will make the necessary adjustments to ensure that every applicant has a fair and inclusive experience during the hiring process.
Job Family: Communications (FG)
This position falls under the Communications job family, meaning that it is specifically focused on strategic communications, stakeholder engagement and public relations efforts within Desjardins Ontario Credit Union.
The Communications Advisor role at Desjardins Ontario Credit Union is an excellent opportunity for communications professionals who are eager to apply their expertise in a community-focused financial institution. This temporary position offers a valuable experience in corporate communications while allowing individuals to engage in meaningful community development efforts.
Candidates with a passion for public relations, community engagement and financial literacy are encouraged to apply. The role offers a well-rounded balance of strategic communication, stakeholder management and cooperative affairs, making it a rewarding opportunity in the financial services sector.
Interested applicants should ensure they meet the eligibility criteria and be prepared to bring fresh, innovative ideas to Desjardins Ontario Credit Union.