📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Communications Specialist Co-op
🔹 Company: CIBC
🔹 Location: Toronto-81 Bay, 33rd Floor
🔹 Job Type: Temporary (Fixed Term)
🔹 Category: Communications, Marketing
🔹 Date Posted: May 16, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: Entry-level (0-2 years)
🔹 Remote Status: Hybrid (2 days on-site per week)
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Supporting communication strategies for technology groups within CIBC’s Technology, Infrastructure & Innovation division
- Event support, content creation, and collaboration with cross-functional teams
- Gaining hands-on experience in communications, events management, and stakeholder engagement
- Working in a hybrid environment with a focus on relationship-oriented banking
ASSUMPTION: This role is designed to provide practical experience and skill development for students currently enrolled in relevant post-secondary programs.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Event Support: Help coordinate and promote internal events, including logistics, booking, content creation, and on-site support
✅ Content Creation: Assist in drafting, editing, and proofreading internal communications, including PowerPoint presentations, social media posts, leadership email communications, surveys, newsletters, etc.
✅ Collaboration: Work closely with cross-functional teams to support communication needs, manage requests, and ensure consistency in messaging
ASSUMPTION: The incumbent will be expected to manage multiple tasks and prioritize competing priorities to ensure successful outcomes.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Currently enrolled in a degree program related to Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, or a related field
Experience: None specified (entry-level position)
Required Skills:
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
- Ability to manage multiple tasks and prioritize competing priorities
- Proficiency in Microsoft PowerPoint
Preferred Skills:
- Experience with event planning or coordination
- Familiarity with CIBC’s communication channels and processes
ASSUMPTION: While not explicitly stated, strong communication, organizational, and time management skills are essential for success in this role.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: Not specified (industry standard for entry-level communications roles in Toronto: CAD 45,000 - 55,000 per year)
Benefits:
- Competitive compensation
- Banking benefit
- Wellbeing support
- Employee assistance programs
- Social recognition program
Working Hours: 37.5 hours per week, with a flexible hybrid work arrangement
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards for entry-level communications roles in Toronto. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as experience and performance.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Banking
Company Size: 10,001+ employees (large enterprise)
Founded: 1867 (headquarters in Toronto, Ontario)
Company Description:
- CIBC is a leading Canadian-based global financial institution with a history dating back to 1867
- Provides a wide range of financial products and services to clients through various channels
- Committed to creating an inclusive environment where all team members and clients feel like they belong
Company Specialties:
- Retail Banking
- Business Banking
- Wealth Management
- Wholesale Banking
Company Website: www.cibc.com
ASSUMPTION: CIBC is a well-established financial institution with a strong presence in Canada and a history of providing reliable financial products and services.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: Entry-level (Co-op/Intern)
Reporting Structure: Reports to the Business Management Office Communications team within the Technology, Infrastructure & Innovation division
Work Arrangement: Hybrid (2 days on-site per week, with other days remote)
Growth Opportunities:
- Potential for full-time employment after the completion of the co-op term
- Opportunities to work on various projects and gain experience in different aspects of communications
- Possibility to network and build relationships with professionals in the banking industry
ASSUMPTION: This role offers a unique opportunity for students to gain practical experience and develop their skills in a dynamic and fast-paced environment.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Modern, collaborative workspace with a focus on employee well-being and productivity
Office Location(s): CIBC Square, 81 & 141 Bay, Toronto, Ontario, CA
Geographic Context:
- Toronto is a multicultural city with a vibrant downtown core and numerous neighborhoods
- CIBC Square is a state-of-the-art, LEED-certified building with various amenities and services
- Toronto has a humid continental climate with warm summers and cold winters
Work Schedule: Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (EST) with a flexible hybrid work arrangement
ASSUMPTION: The hybrid work arrangement allows for a balance between on-site collaboration and remote work, promoting flexibility and work-life balance.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application submission
- Phone or video screening
- In-person or virtual interview with the hiring manager and/or team members
- Background check and reference check
- Job offer and onboarding
Key Assessment Areas:
- Communication skills (verbal and written)
- Organizational skills and attention to detail
- Ability to manage multiple tasks and prioritize competing priorities
- Cultural fit and alignment with CIBC’s values
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant skills and experiences for this role
- Include your most recent unofficial transcript with your application
- Prepare for behavioral and situational interview questions that focus on your communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills
- Research CIBC’s company culture and values to demonstrate your fit and enthusiasm for the role
ATS Keywords: Communication, Event Planning, Content Creation, Collaboration, Microsoft PowerPoint, Time Management, Detail-Oriented, Hybrid Work Arrangement
ASSUMPTION: The application process for this role is competitive, and applicants should tailor their materials and prepare thoroughly for interviews to increase their chances of success.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- Event planning and management tools (e.g., Eventbrite, Cvent)
- Communication and collaboration platforms (e.g., Workplace from Meta, Microsoft Teams)
ASSUMPTION: The incumbent will be expected to learn and utilize various tools and technologies to effectively perform their job duties.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Trust: Acting with integrity and accountability
- Teamwork: Collaborating and supporting each other to achieve common goals
- Accountability: Taking ownership and responsibility for our actions and results
Work Style:
- Relationship-oriented: Focusing on building and maintaining strong client and stakeholder relationships
- Innovative: Embracing change and continuously evolving our thinking and approach
- Adaptable: Willing to learn new tools and adapt to changing priorities in a fast-paced environment
Self-Assessment Questions:
- How have you demonstrated strong communication skills in a previous role or project?
- Can you provide an example of a time when you successfully managed multiple tasks and competing priorities?
- How do you approach learning new tools and technologies in a fast-paced environment?
ASSUMPTION: Applicants should carefully consider their fit with CIBC’s values and work style to ensure a successful and fulfilling experience in the role.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Managing multiple tasks and competing priorities in a fast-paced environment
- Adapting to changing priorities and learning new tools and technologies
- Balancing on-site collaboration and remote work in a hybrid work arrangement
- Navigating a large organization with various departments and teams
ASSUMPTION: These challenges can be overcome with strong organizational skills, adaptability, and a willingness to learn and grow in the role.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- This role is unique in its focus on communications, events management, and stakeholder engagement within the technology sector of a large financial institution
- Compared to other communications roles, this position offers a broader range of responsibilities and the opportunity to work on high-impact projects
- Career progression may include roles such as Communications Specialist, Event Manager, or Stakeholder Relations Specialist
ASSUMPTION: Applicants should consider their long-term career goals and how this role can contribute to their professional development and growth.
📝 Sample Projects
- Planning and executing a large-scale employee event, including logistics, content creation, and on-site support
- Developing and implementing a communication strategy for a new technology initiative, including various channels and stakeholders
- Collaborating with cross-functional teams to create engaging and informative content for internal communications, such as newsletters or email campaigns
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects demonstrate the diverse and impactful nature of the responsibilities in this role.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- What are the most important priorities for this role in the first 30 days?
- How does this role support the overall goals and objectives of the Technology, Infrastructure & Innovation division?
- What opportunities are there for professional development and growth within the Business Management Office Communications team?
- How does CIBC support work-life balance for employees, particularly in a hybrid work arrangement?
- What are the most rewarding aspects of working in this role, according to current team members?
ASSUMPTION: Asking thoughtful and insightful questions demonstrates your interest in the role and commitment to success.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through this link
- Prepare a resume (no more than 2 pages) highlighting your relevant skills and experiences
- Write a cover letter (no more than 1 page) explaining your interest in the role and how your background and skills make you a strong fit
- Include your most recent unofficial transcript with your application
- Follow up with the hiring manager or HR representative within one week of submitting your application to express your interest and reiterate your qualifications
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
