Corporate Communications Specialist

About Rakuten Kobo

Rakuten Kobo is a global leader in digital reading, offering one of the world's largest catalogues of eBooks and audio books, award-winning eReaders, and a beloved mobile app. As part of the Rakuten Group, Kobo is driven by a mission to empower readers worldwide to read more, anytime, anywhere. We are a team of innovators, technologists, and book lovers dedicated to enhancing the reading experience through 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, upholding Kobo's priorities and values. Kobo originated in Toronto and emphasizes flexibility, intentional connection, and practical empathy in how we work.

The Corporate Communications Specialist will support 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 helps foster an informed and engaged workforce, supports executive communications, and strengthens Kobo's presence within the local community 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 channels, contributing to freeing up senior resources for strategic priorities and encouraging employee advocacy for the Kobo brand.

You will nurture our hybrid work model and leverage our reimagined Toronto office as an asset for connection, creativity, and belonging.

• Internal Communications Strategy & Execution:
  Develop, draft, edit, and distribute internal communications content for global employees, including company-wide announcements, monthly newsletters (Kobo Vibe), intranet updates, and executive messages. Ensure communications align with Kobo's values and objectives, fostering an inclusive culture and reinforcing intentional connection in a hybrid environment.
• Plan and execute Toronto-based internal communications events, such as weekly Town Halls and the yearly global company kick-off.
• Assist Employee Celebrations with in-office milestone celebrations (e.g., product launches, team achievements) and the annual holiday party, ensuring engagement and alignment with cultural initiatives.
• Collaborate with HR and the Employee Experience team in Toronto to ensure timely, relevant, and engaging employee communications, reinforcing employee advocacy for Kobo, whether remote or in-office.
• Manage and update the internal SharePoint site, ensuring content is current and reflects Kobo's strategic messaging.
• Assist in developing internal communication strategies for significant organizational changes and cultural initiatives in the Toronto office, in partnership with HR, embracing flexible work.

• Coordinate executive speaking engagements for the leadership team, including scheduling, material preparation (presentations, bios, headshots), and logistical support for internal and external events.
• Support drafting and editing of executive communications, ensuring alignment with Kobo's brand voice and messaging for the Toronto office and global audience.

• Develop and distribute corporate communications materials that articulate Kobo's value proposition and technological innovations.
• Identify relevant industry trends in digital reading and technology, providing insights to the Head of Corporate Communications.

• Identify, plan, and execute Kobo’s presence at Toronto events, focusing on strategic community building with local tech meetups and related initiatives.
• Coordinate logistics for sponsor ships, partnerships, and speaking opportunities for Kobo representatives.

• Collaborate with other Toronto teams (HR, Employee Experience, Marketing, Legal) on shared initiatives, ensuring clear communication and alignment with corporate objectives, fostering a cohesive "one company" mindset.

• Ass…