Director, Strategic Business Communications

We’re building a relationship-oriented bank for the modern world. We need talented, passionate professionals who are dedicated to doing what’s right for our clients.

At CIBC, we embrace your strengths and your ambitions, so you are empowered at work. Our team members have what they need to make a meaningful impact and are truly valued for who they are and what they contribute.

To learn more about CIBC, please visit CIBC.com

What you'll be doing

The Communications team helps shape and protect CIBC’s reputation by bringing our purpose, priorities, and point of view to life for clients, communities, and colleagues. As Director, Strategic Business Communications, you’ll report to the Vice President, Communications and lead the development and execution of thought leadership initiatives that strengthen CIBC’s profile and support our strategic priorities. You’ll create compelling, insight-driven content and multi-channel programs that reflect our voice, brand, and perspective on issues that matter most. Working closely with senior executives, business leaders, economists, subject matter experts, and partners across the bank, you’ll translate complex topics into clear, credible, and engaging content for internal and external audiences. You’ll also lead and develop a high-performing team while fostering an inclusive environment grounded in collaboration, accountability, and excellence.

At CIBC we enable the work environment most optimal for you to thrive in your role. You'll have the flexibility to manage your work activities within a hybrid work arrangement where you'll spend 1-3 days per week on-site, while other days will be remote.

How you'll succeed

• Thought leadership strategy - Lead the development and execution of CIBC’s thought leadership strategy in support of enterprise priorities and business objectives. Identify emerging issues, policy developments, economic and industry trends, and external opportunities that inform timely and differentiated content.
• Content development and activation - Create original, insight-driven content including research reports, executive briefs, articles, presentations, and digital thought leadership assets. Lead the full content lifecycle, from research and planning through stakeholder coordination, approvals, publication, activation, and refresh.
• Executive partnership and influence - Partner with senior executives and subject matter experts across the bank to shape clear, credible points of view and bring CIBC’s expertise to market in a compelling way. Align input across strategic business units and functional teams to ensure messaging reflects enterprise priorities.
• Measurement and continuous improvement - Monitor the performance of thought leadership initiatives and use insights and analytics to improve reach, relevance, engagement, and business impact. Identify opportunities to innovate in how content is developed, distributed, and activated across channels and audiences.
• People leadership - Build a high-performance team environment by setting clear priorities, providing coaching and feedback, and supporting development and succession planning. Foster an inclusive culture where team members feel valued, respected, and empowered to contribute.
• Risk and governance - Ensure all activities are conducted in line with governing regulations, internal policies, and procedures. Support effective business controls and contribute to the overall success of the Communications team by delivering against broader business strategies and objectives.

Who you are

• You have deep relevant experience. You bring 10+ years of experience in thought leadership, corporate communications, marketing, public affairs, journalism, editorial strategy, market research, policy, or a related field.
• You can demonstrate experience in developing and executing thought leadership strategies and producing high-quality executive content, research-based reports, articles, presentations, and strategic communications materials. It’s an asset if you bring experience in financial services or banking.
• You give meaning to data. You’re highly analytical and intellectually curious, with experience synthesizing complex information into practical insights, recommendations, and differentiated points of view.
• Your influence makes a difference. You have strong stakeholder management skills and experience working with senior executives and subject matter experts in fast-paced, high-expectation environments. You know how to align diverse perspectives to deliver strong outcomes.
• You are a caring and accountable leader. You have experience developing and implementing strategic team goals. You have experience coaching employees and inspiring successful team performance.
• You have a degree/diploma in communications, journalism, public affairs, political science, economics, business, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
• Values matter to you. You bring your real self to work, and you live our values - trust, teamwork, and accountability.

What CIBC Offers

At CIBC, your goals are a priority. We start with your strengths and ambitions as an employee and strive to create opportunities to tap into your potential. We aspire to give you a career, rather than just a paycheck.

• We work to recognize you in meaningful, personalized ways including a competitive salary, incentive pay, banking benefits, a benefits program*, defined benefit pension plan*, an employee share purchase plan, a vacation offering, wellbeing support, and MomentMakers, our social, points-based recognition program.

• Our spaces and technological toolkit will make it simple to bring together great minds to create innovative solutions that make a difference for our clients.

• We cultivate a culture where you can express your ambition through initiatives like Purpose Day; a paid day off dedicated for you to use to invest in your growth and development.

*Subject to plan and program terms and conditions

What you need to know

• CIBC is committed to creating an inclusive environment where all team members and clients feel like they belong. We seek applicants with a wide range of abilities and we provide an accessible candidate experience. If you need accommodation, please contact Mailbox.careers-carrieres@cibc.com

• CIBC is committed to clarity in our hiring process. All roles posted are opportunities we’re actively recruiting for, unless stated otherwise.

• You need to be legally eligible to work at the location(s) specified above and, where applicable, must have a valid work or study permit.

• We may ask you to complete an attribute-based assessment and other skills test (such as simulation, coding, French proficiency).

• We use artificial intelligence tools during the recruitment process. Our goal for the application process is to get to know more about you, all that you have to offer, and give you the opportunity to learn more about us.

Job Location

Toronto-81 Bay, 33rd Floor

Employment Type

Regular

Weekly Hours

37.5

Skills

Communications Support, Cross Functional Projects, Efficiency Improvements, External Communication, Influencing Skills, Internal Communications, Marketing, Partnership Management, People Management, Prioritization, Project Management, Strategic Communication Planning