Corporate Communications Specialist

Rakuten Kobo is a global leader in digital reading, offering one of the world's largest catalogues of eBooks and audiobooks, award-winning eReaders, and a beloved mobile app. As part of the Rakuten Group, a global leader in internet services, Kobo is driven by a mission to empower readers worldwide to read more, anytime, anywhere. We are a passionate team of innovators, technologists, and book lovers dedicated to enhancing the reading experience through cutting-edge technology and a commitment to literary diversity. Join us in shaping the future of digital reading and connecting millions with the stories they love. Our culture thrives on innovation, collaboration, and a shared passion for literature, all while upholding Kobo's strategic priorities and values. Born in Toronto, Kobo embodies a unique journey from a local startup to a global community, fostering an environment of flexibility, intentional connection, and practical empathy in how we work. 

Job Summary: 

The Corporate Communications Specialist will play a pivotal role in supporting the execution of Rakuten Kobo's corporate and internal communications strategies, with a strong focus on our Toronto-based team and local engagements. This role is crucial for fostering an informed and engaged workforce, supporting executive communications, and enhancing Kobo's presence within the local community, all while reinforcing Kobo's strategic priorities and values. The Specialist will work closely with the Head of Corporate Communications to ensure consistent messaging and effective delivery across various channels, directly contributing to freeing up senior resources for strategic priorities and actively encouraging employee advocacy for the Kobo brand. You will be instrumental in nurturing our unique hybrid work model, utilizing our reimagined Toronto office as an asset for connection, creativity, and belonging. 

Key Responsibilities 

Internal Communications Strategy & Execution: 

• Develop, draft, edit, and distribute compelling internal communications content tailored for our global employees, including company-wide announcements, monthly employee newsletters (Kobo Vibe), intranet updates, and executive messages. Ensure all internal communications align with Kobo's values and strategic objectives, fostering a strong, inclusive culture and reinforcing the importance of intentional connection in our hybrid environment. 

• Lead the planning and execution of key Toronto-based internal communications events, such as weekly Town Halls and the yearly global company kick-off.  

• Assist Employee Celebrations committee with in-office milestone celebrations (e.g., product launches, team achievements), and the annual holiday party. Ensure seamless execution, high employee engagement, and alignment with Kobo's cultural initiatives, leveraging our vibrant office space to foster community and collaboration. 

• Collaborate closely with HR and the Employee Experience team in Toronto to ensure timely, relevant, and engaging employee communications, fostering a strong Kobo culture and reinforcing employee advocacy for the Kobo brand, whether employees are working from home or in our inspiring office space. 

• Manage and update internal SharePoint communication site, ensuring content is current, accessible, and reflects Kobo's strategic messaging and our evolving ecosystem of work. 

• Assist in developing and implementing internal communication strategies for significant organizational changes, cultural initiatives, and critical employee messaging within the Toronto office, in close partnership with HR, embracing our flexible approach to work. 

Executive Communications Support: 

• Assist in coordinating executive speaking engagements for the leadership team, including scheduling, material preparation (presentations, bios, headshots), and logistical support for internal and external events. 

• Support the drafting and editing of executive communications, ensuring alignment with Kobo's brand voice, corporate messaging, and strategic priorities, specifically for messages originating from or impacting the Toronto office, reflecting our global mindset. 

Corporate Communications Support: 

• Assist with the development and distribution of corporate communications materials. Ensure these materials articulate Kobo's unique value proposition and technological innovations, reflecting how we differentiate ourselves from the competition. 

• Support in identifying relevant industry trends (e.g., shifts in reading habits, AI in publishing) in digital reading and technology, providing strategic insights and recommendations to the Head of Corporate Communications. 

Local Event Engagement & Brand Advocacy: 

• Proactively identify, plan, and execute Kobo’s presence at key Toronto events, moving beyond opportunistic participation to more strategic community building. This includes coordinating Kobo's involvement in local tech meetups and other relevant community initiatives in the reading, business, or digital media space. 

• Coordinate logistics for sponsorships, partnerships, and speaking opportunities for Kobo representatives, promoting Kobo's expertise and mission. 

Cross-Functional Collaboration: 

• Work effectively with other internal teams in Toronto (e.g., HR, Employee Experience, Marketing, Legal) on shared initiatives, ensuring clear communication and coordinated efforts that benefit the local office and align with broader corporate objectives, fostering a sense of "one company" despite global distribution. 

Crisis Communications Assistance: 

• Assist the Head of Corporate Communications during crisis situations impacting Kobo operations by gathering information, drafting initial communications, and supporting rapid response efforts as needed, adhering to Kobo's crisis communications framework and demonstrating our practical empathy. 

Qualifications: 

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing, or a related field. 

• 3-5 years of progressive experience in corporate communications, internal communications, public relations, or a similar role, preferably within a fast-paced technology or publishing environment. Experience with event coordination and a proven track record in fostering employee engagement within a hybrid or flexible work environment are highly valued. 

Skills: 

• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with a proven ability to craft engaging narratives for diverse internal and external audiences, aligning with Kobo's brand voice and strategic messaging, and conveying our unique workplace philosophy. 

• Strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a dynamic environment, often under pressure, while embracing flexibility. 

• Proficiency in creating compelling content for various internal (intranet, email) and external (press releases, social media) channels, and familiarity with digital communication strategies. 

• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a team, demonstrating adaptability and a proactive approach in an evolving ecosystem of work. 

• Familiarity with media monitoring tools, PR software, and internal communication platforms. 

• Proactive, adaptable, and a strong problem-solver with a keen eye for detail and a commitment to accuracy, thriving in an environment that values both quiet focus and vibrant connection. 

• A passion for digital reading, technology, and Kobo's mission, with an understanding of industry trends and how our workplace culture supports our global reach. 

The Perks

About Rakuten Kobo Inc.

Owned by Tokyo-based Rakuten and headquartered in Toronto, Rakuten Kobo Inc. is one of the most advanced global ecommerce companies, with the world’s most innovative e-reading services offering more than 6 million eBooks and audiobooks to 30 million + customers in 190 countries. Kobo delivers the best digital reading experience through creative innovation, award-winning e-readers, and top-ranking mobile apps. Kobo is a part of the Rakuten group of companies.

Rakuten Kobo Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. Accessibility accommodations for candidates with disabilities participating in the selection process are available on request. Any information received related to accommodation needs of applicants will be addressed confidentially.

Rakuten Kobo would like to thank all applicants for their interest in this role however only qualified candidates will be shortlisted.

Beware of fraudulent job offers claiming to be from Rakuten. Rakuten does not send unsolicited job offers or request money during the recruitment process. Learn more: https://rakutenemploymentalert.com/

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