Corporate Communications Associate

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: Corporate Communications Associate

🔹 Company: Manulife

🔹 Location: Tokyo, Tōkyō, Japan

🔹 Job Type: Full-Time (Hybrid)

🔹 Category: Corporate Communications

🔹 Date Posted: May 9, 2025

🔹 Experience Level: Mid-Level (3-5 years)

🔹 Remote Status: On-site with Hybrid Options

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Developing and executing internal communication strategies
• Planning and coordinating internal events and meetings
• Supporting external communication efforts
• Collaborating with global and regional teams
• Creating and distributing internal newsletters and updates

ASSUMPTION: This role requires strong communication, organizational, and project management skills. Familiarity with corporate communications in a multinational environment is beneficial.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Develop and execute internal communication strategies and plans

✅ Plan and coordinate internal events and meetings, including town halls

✅ Create and distribute internal newsletters and updates

✅ Support external communication efforts, including media monitoring and corporate branding through social media

✅ Collaborate with global and regional teams to ensure consistent messaging and alignment with corporate objectives

ASSUMPTION: This role involves a mix of strategic planning, tactical execution, and cross-functional collaboration. Strong attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously are essential.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Communications, Marketing, or a related field

Experience: At least 3 years of experience in corporate communications, with a focus on internal communications

Required Skills:

• Excellent Japanese writing skills
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines
• Creativity and adaptability in communication strategies
• Strong interpersonal and teamwork skills
• Fluency in Japanese (native or near-native) and proficiency in English

Preferred Skills:

• Experience in a multinational corporation or financial services industry
• Familiarity with multimedia communication tools
• Bilingual or multilingual skills

ASSUMPTION: Candidates with experience in crisis communication and event planning will be highly valued. Familiarity with the financial services industry is a plus but not required.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: ¥5,000,000 - ¥7,000,000 per year (Based on experience and industry standards)

Benefits:

• Social insurance (health, pension, unemployment, and workers' compensation)
• Benefit One (details not specified)
• Various training programs
• Childcare and nursing care leave system
• Babysitter support system
• Retirement allowance system

Working Hours: Flexible (Full-Flex) with an average of 40 hours per month

ASSUMPTION: The salary range is estimated based on industry standards for mid-level corporate communications roles in Tokyo. Actual compensation may vary based on the candidate's experience and qualifications.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: Manulife is a leading international financial services group, operating in Canada, Asia, and Europe as Manulife, and primarily as John Hancock in the United States. They offer a wide range of products and services, including life insurance, annuities, and asset management.

Company Size: Manulife has over 40,000 employees and serves over 34 million customers worldwide, with assets under management and administration exceeding $1.3 trillion.

Founded: Manulife was founded in 1887 and has since grown into a global financial services provider.

Company Description:

• Manulife is committed to helping people make their decisions easier and lives better
• The company operates in multiple regions and offers a wide range of financial services
• Manulife is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity and inclusion

Company Specialties:

• Life insurance
• Annuities
• Asset management
• Retirement solutions
• Group benefits

Company Website: www.manulife.com

ASSUMPTION: Manulife's global presence and extensive product offerings provide ample opportunities for career growth and development.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: Mid-level corporate communications professional

Reporting Structure: This role reports directly to the Corporate Communications Manager

Work Arrangement: Hybrid - On-site three days a week, with the option to work remotely for the remaining days

Growth Opportunities:

• Progression to a senior role within the corporate communications team
• Expansion into external communications or other specialized areas
• Potential international assignments based on business needs

ASSUMPTION: This role offers opportunities for professional growth and development within the corporate communications function and potentially across other areas of the business.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: Modern, multi-story office building with collaborative workspaces

Office Location(s): Tokyo, Japan (Hatsudai Head Office)

Geographic Context:

• Tokyo is the capital city of Japan and the most populous metropolitan area in the world
• The Hatsudai area is a bustling commercial district with easy access to public transportation
• The office is located near several shopping, dining, and entertainment options

Work Schedule: Full-Flex hours with an average of 40 hours per month

ASSUMPTION: The hybrid work arrangement offers a balance between on-site collaboration and remote flexibility, catering to different work preferences and needs.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Online application submission
• Phone or video screening
• In-person or virtual interview with the hiring manager
• Final interview with the corporate communications team

Key Assessment Areas:

• Communication skills (written and verbal)
• Project management and organizational skills
• Cultural fit and alignment with Manulife's values
• Problem-solving and adaptability

Application Tips:

• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant skills and experiences
• Prepare examples of your internal communication strategies and event planning experiences
• Demonstrate your understanding of Manulife's business and industry

ATS Keywords: Internal communication, event planning, corporate communications, project management, Japanese writing skills, hybrid work arrangement

ASSUMPTION: Manulife's application process is designed to assess candidates' skills, cultural fit, and potential contributions to the company's success.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello, Microsoft Project)
• Communication and collaboration platforms (e.g., Slack, Microsoft Teams)
• Multimedia communication tools (e.g., Canva, Adobe Creative Suite)

ASSUMPTION: Familiarity with these tools is beneficial but not always required. Manulife provides training and support to help employees develop the necessary skills.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Integrity
• Respect
• Excellence
• Responsibility
• Fairness

Work Style:

• Collaborative and team-oriented
• Results-driven and focused on delivering high-quality work
• Adaptable and open to feedback and continuous learning

Self-Assessment Questions:

• Do I share Manulife's core values, and how can I demonstrate them in my work?
• Am I comfortable working in a hybrid environment, balancing on-site collaboration and remote work?
• Do I have strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple projects effectively?

ASSUMPTION: Manulife values diversity and inclusion, seeking candidates who can contribute to a positive and collaborative work environment.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• Managing multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously
• Adapting to a hybrid work environment and maintaining effective communication with remote team members
• Navigating a large, multinational organization with diverse teams and stakeholders
• Keeping up with industry trends and regulatory changes in the financial services sector

ASSUMPTION: These challenges can be overcome with strong organizational skills, effective communication, and a proactive approach to learning and development.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• Compared to external communications roles, this position focuses more on internal stakeholder engagement and alignment
• In the financial services industry, corporate communications roles often require a strong understanding of financial products and services, as well as regulatory environments
• Career progression may involve transitioning to external communications or specializing in a specific area, such as investor relations or brand management

ASSUMPTION: Understanding the unique aspects of this role and its industry context can help candidates tailor their applications and prepare for interviews.

📝 Sample Projects

• Developing and executing a comprehensive internal communication strategy for a major company initiative
• Planning and coordinating a global town hall event, involving multiple time zones and stakeholders
• Creating and distributing an engaging internal newsletter that increases employee engagement and awareness

ASSUMPTION: These sample projects demonstrate the range of responsibilities and the level of strategic thinking required for this role.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• Can you describe the team structure and dynamics within the corporate communications department?
• How does this role contribute to Manulife's overall business objectives and strategy?
• What are the most important qualities and skills for success in this role, according to the hiring manager?
• What opportunities are there for professional development and growth within the corporate communications function and across the organization?
• How does Manulife support work-life balance and employee well-being in a hybrid work environment?

ASSUMPTION: Asking thoughtful questions demonstrates your interest in the role and helps you make an informed decision about your career prospects.

📌 Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

• Submit your application through this link
• Tailor your resume to highlight relevant skills and experiences, such as internal communication strategies and event planning
• Write a cover letter that demonstrates your understanding of Manulife's business and your fit for the role
• Prepare examples of your internal communication strategies and event planning experiences to discuss during the interview
• Follow up with the hiring manager one week after 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.