Canadian Credit Union Association (CCUA) is the national trade association for the Canadian credit union industry. Canada's credit unions are vital competitors in the financial services industry.

As the national voice and national forum for Canada's credit union, CCUA actively leads and participates in initiatives to build successful, competitive, and growing credit unions in Canada. Our team of experts are called on to provide support to our members through strong advocacy, expert research and the provision of value-add services.

To achieve this, we hire talented and driven people interested in working in a dynamic part of the financial services industry in Canada. We are currently hiring for a Director, Communications .

The Director, Communications is responsible for developing and executing CCUA’s internal and external communications strategy that enhances the association’s visibility and promotes its mission. Reporting directly to the CEO, the incumbent serves as a trusted advisor and strategic partner, supporting all communications-related responsibilities of the CEO and the organization.

This role leads corporate (internal and external) communications and digital properties, executive messaging, media relations and reputation management, while ensuring consistency, clarity, and impact across multiple channels in alignment with CCUA’s strategic priorities, advocacy objectives, and member needs. The Director of Communications also manages the Communications Department and oversees external vendors and agencies as required.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Deliverables and Main Supporting Activities:

1. Lead and Execute an Integrated Communications & Brand Strategy

• Translate CCUA’s corporate strategy and advocacy agenda into clear and cohesive communications plans.

• Ensure consistent messaging across all audience groups, including members, media, government, partners, and employees.

• Maintain and evolve CCUA’s brand identity, ensuring adherence to visual, editorial, and tonal standards across all communication materials.

• Oversee regular brand evaluation and alignment activities to protect and elevate brand equity.

2. Strengthen Media, Public Relations & Reputation Management

• Cultivate strong, ongoing relationships with national, regional, and sector-specific media outlets.

• Serve as a strategic advisor and primary contact for media inquiries, ensuring timely, accurate responses.

• Draft and manage press releases, media statements, briefing notes, and interview coordination.

• Provide leadership and coaching to CCUA spokespersons to ensure confident, consistent representation.

• Monitor public discourse related to CCUA and the credit union sector to anticipate emerging issues and opportunities.

• Lead the association’s issues management and crisis communications planning and execution, serving as spokesperson when required.

3. Oversee Multi-Channel Content Strategy & Development

• Lead editorial planning and oversee development of newsletters, articles, reports, blogs, and social media content.

• Ensure messaging accuracy, clarity, accessibility, and alignment with brand tone and values.

• Guide internal teams and external partners on communications best practices and content expectations.

• Establish and maintain tools, templates, and content governance standards to promote consistency and quality.

4. Manage Digital Strategy, Web Presence & User Experience

• Manage social media presence and engagement strategies.

• Oversee content development across digital channels, including website, newsletters, reports, and multimedia assets.

• Ensure communications are accessible, timely, and aligned with brand standards.

• Oversee the association’s website, ensuring content is current, accurate, and engaging.

• Manage website updates, functionality improvements, and user experience optimization.

• Coordinate with vendors or developers for technical enhancements.

• Ensure compliance with accessibility standards and best practices.

• Monitor website analytics and recommend improvements based on data.

• Maintain and grow the association’s online presence across all digital platforms

5. Provide Executive Communications Leadership & Organizational Engagement

• Act as the CEO’s primary communications advisor, shaping messaging for internal and external audiences.

• Develop high-impact CEO communications, including speeches, presentations, talking points, op-eds, and key messages.

• Prepare executive leaders for public appearances, media interactions, member events, and stakeholder engagements.

• Lead internal communications strategies that promote transparency, alignment, and employee engagement.

• Develop tools, channels, and frameworks that support consistent and effective information flow across the organization.

• Collaborate with event teams to deliver communications plans for conferences, webinars, and member events, ensuring pre-, during-, and post-event messaging is consistent and impactful.

• Track and report on communications performance metrics; use data to inform and optimize content, channel strategies, and audience engagement.

6. People Management and Leadership

• Conduct regular check-ins, team huddles, and 1-1 meetings to foster open communication, provide feedback, and address employee needs

• Lead the performance management process, including setting clear goals and expectations, completing performance reviews, and supporting continuous growth and improvement

• Evaluate and update job descriptions to ensure roles and responsibilities remain current, aligned with organizational objectives, and reflective of employee contributions

• Support the professional growth of team member/s by identifying learning opportunities, creating development plans, and encouraging participation in training and mentorship programs

• Promote employee engagement by cultivating a positive and inclusive work environment that encourages collaboration, motivation, and recognition of achievements

• Provide clear guidance, coaching, and ongoing support to staff in fulfilling their responsibilities effectively and confidently

• Address performance or conduct issues in a timely, fair, and constructive manner, applying appropriate corrective actions and discipline when necessary

• Champion a culture of accountability, continuous improvement and innovation, and respect that aligns with the organization’s mission, vision, and values

QUALIFICATIONS

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, or related field

• Graduate degree (MA/MBA) is considered an asset

Experience

• 7+ years of experience in communications, preferably in a nonprofit or association setting

Qualifications, Certifications or Designations

• Strong writing, editing, and storytelling skills

• Experience with media relations

• Expertise in digital marketing, digital strategy, web presence & user experience

• Proficiency in social media platforms and analytics tools

• Excellent organizational and leadership skills

• Strategic thinker with strong execution skills

• Exceptional interpersonal and communication abilities

• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines.

• Knowledge of emerging communication trends and technologies

Other Information:

Working Conditions, Physical Requirements, or Other Special Requirements

• This role is a remote-first opportunity that allows for flexibility to work from the comfort of their home or location of choice within Canada. While the position is remote, we have office spaces in select provinces across Canada, which are available for team members who prefer or require an in-office setting from time to time. The office can also serve as a hub for collaboration, team meetings, and community-building activities. We value flexibility, and this model ensures employees can choose the environment that supports their best performance.

The target start date for this role is Monday, March 30th, 2026 , giving the incoming Director of Communications the opportunity to prepare for and fully participate in CCUA’s annual conference in May 2026 in Ottawa. Joining before this flagship event enables the successful candidate to quickly build sector awareness, shape key communications, and establish their presence as a strategic leader.

By starting ahead of the conference, the Director of Communications will:

• Gain immediate exposure to national priorities, member perspectives, and sector trends through direct engagement during the event.
• Strengthen relationships with industry leaders, partners, and internal teams, setting the foundation for effective long-term collaboration.
• Lead or support high-profile communications activities, allowing them to influence CCUA’s brand positioning early in their tenure.
• Leverage post-conference momentum to refine messaging, advance strategic initiatives, and drive a cohesive communications strategy informed by real-time insights.

Position Details: Full-time, Permanent

Salary Range: $128,200 - $160,300, based on a 35-hour work week. Salary for this position will be commensurate with the successful applicant’s education and/or experience as it relates to the position.

Location: Remote-first, with flexibility to access offices across Canada as needed.

Closing Deadline: February 28th, 2026 (11:59 PM EDT)