Graphic Designer and Animator Co-op

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer and Animator Co-op

Company: CIBC

Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Job Type: Temporary (Fixed Term) / Intern

Category: Marketing Operations / Communications

Date Posted: 2025-09-18

Experience Level: 0-2 Years (Co-op/Internship)

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• This co-op role is designed for an emerging Graphic Designer and Animator to contribute to CIBC's Information Security Awareness and Training team.

• The position focuses on developing engaging multimedia content, including graphic design and video animation, to educate employees on cybersecurity risks and best practices.

• The role involves active participation in planning and executing employee communications, security awareness campaigns, and engagement initiatives.

• Successful candidates will leverage creative thinking and design skills to enhance the bank's security culture and employee engagement strategies.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the job title is "Graphic Designer and Animator Co-op," the responsibilities and team context (Information Security Awareness and Training) place this role firmly within a specialized area of operations, specifically focusing on internal communications and employee enablement. This is not a typical GTM or Revenue Operations role, but rather supports operational efficiency and risk mitigation through effective communication.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design and produce engaging graphic assets, videos, and other rich media content for cybersecurity awareness and training materials.

• Develop creative visual concepts and animations to effectively communicate complex cybersecurity risks and best practices to a broad employee base.

• Collaborate with the Information Security Awareness and Training team to plan, develop, and execute communication strategies for various initiatives, such as Cybersecurity Awareness Month.

• Assist in the creation and distribution of content across internal channels, including social media posts, intranet articles, and training modules.

• Support the planning and execution of employee engagement initiatives aimed at fostering a strong security culture within CIBC.

• Utilize design and video editing software (e.g., Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Rush, Microsoft PowerPoint, Canva) to produce high-quality, impactful content.

• Contribute innovative ideas and solutions to improve employee engagement and the effectiveness of the Information Security Awareness and Training Program.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize content creation and campaign support, aligning with a communications focus within an operational security framework. The core output is educational and engagement-driven, supporting the broader goal of operational risk reduction.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Currently enrolled in a post-secondary program with a focus on Graphic Design, Digital Media, Animation, Communications, or a related field.

Experience:

• Prior experience or a strong portfolio demonstrating graphic design and video editing skills.

Required Skills:

• Proficiency in graphic design software such as Adobe Illustrator, Canva, or similar tools.

• Experience with video editing software like Adobe Rush, or other relevant animation/video production tools.

• Strong visual communication skills with the ability to convey ideas effectively through graphics and imagery.

• Creative thinking and a passion for developing innovative design solutions.

• Excellent time management and organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.

• Demonstrated teamwork and collaboration skills.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with Microsoft PowerPoint for creating presentations.

• Familiarity with internal communication platforms or social media content creation.

• Understanding of cybersecurity concepts or a demonstrated interest in the field.

• Ability to adapt to new software and technologies quickly.

📝 Enhancement Note: The required skills are heavily focused on creative and technical design capabilities, with an emphasis on tools commonly used in marketing and communications. The "0-2 Years" experience level indicates this is an entry-level or intern position, prioritizing foundational skills and potential.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A curated collection showcasing graphic design projects, including examples of visual storytelling and branding consistency.

• Demonstrations of video editing and animation skills, highlighting proficiency in creating dynamic and informative visual content.

• Examples of how design principles were applied to solve communication challenges or improve user engagement.

• Work samples that illustrate an understanding of target audience and effective message delivery.

Process Documentation:

• While formal process documentation is not explicitly required, candidates are expected to showcase their personal design workflow and project management approach within their portfolio.

• This includes demonstrating how they approach concept development, asset creation, revision cycles, and final output delivery.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a co-op role focused on design and animation, the portfolio serves as the primary "process and systems" demonstration. It's expected to reflect the candidate's workflow, tool proficiency, and ability to translate concepts into visual assets, demonstrating their operational approach to creative tasks.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Benefits:

• Competitive Compensation

• Banking Benefit

• Wellbeing Support

• Employee Assistance Programs (EAP)

Working Hours:

• 37.5 hours per week. The specific daily schedule will be discussed during the interview process, with potential for some flexibility to accommodate learning and project needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is estimated based on industry benchmarks for co-op positions in the financial sector in Toronto. Benefits are explicitly listed, providing a good overview of the total compensation package beyond hourly pay.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Financial Services (Banking)

Company Size: Large (CIBC is a major Canadian bank with thousands of employees globally). This size offers stability and extensive resources for learning and development.

Founded: 1864. CIBC has a long-standing history, suggesting a culture that values tradition while adapting to modern banking needs.

Team Structure:

• The role is within the Information Security Awareness and Training team.

• This team likely comprises business experts, communication specialists, and potentially other creative roles.

Methodology:

• Data-driven insights are likely used to tailor communication and training strategies.

• Workflow planning and optimization are crucial for developing effective employee engagement programs.

• Automation may be used for content distribution or tracking engagement metrics.

Company Website: https://www.cibc.com/en/about-cibc.html

📝 Enhancement Note: CIBC's positioning as a "relationship-oriented bank for the modern world" suggests a culture that balances client focus with technological innovation and employee empowerment. The Information Security team's focus on creative communication implies an openness to new ideas and impactful employee engagement.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is an entry-level, co-op/internship position at the foundational stage of a career in creative operations or corporate communications.

Reporting Structure: The Graphic Designer and Animator Co-op will report to a manager or lead within the Information Security Awareness and Training team. This provides direct mentorship and exposure to team operations.

Operations Impact: While not directly driving revenue, this role's output significantly impacts operational efficiency and risk mitigation by enhancing employee awareness of cybersecurity threats, thereby reducing potential operational disruptions and financial losses.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Development: Gain practical experience with industry-standard design and animation tools, and learn to apply them in a corporate, security-focused context.

• Creative Application: Develop a portfolio of professional work that demonstrates creativity, technical skill, and impact on employee engagement.

• Industry Exposure: Experience working within a major financial institution, understanding corporate communication strategies and the importance of information security.

• Networking: Build professional connections within CIBC, potentially leading to future opportunities.

• Process Improvement Understanding: Learn how creative assets and communication plans are developed and implemented within a large organization to achieve specific operational goals (security awareness).

📝 Enhancement Note: This co-op role is positioned as a learning and development opportunity, providing foundational experience in creative operations and corporate communications within a specialized field (information security). Growth is measured by skill acquisition and portfolio development rather than direct career advancement within the co-op term.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based at CIBC's office at 81 Bay Street, Toronto. The description implies a hybrid work environment, meaning a mix of on-site and remote work.

Office Location(s): Toronto, Ontario, Canada (81 Bay Street, 19th Floor).

Workspace Context:

• Opportunities for in-person collaboration with team members, fostering a dynamic and interactive work environment.

• Access to CIBC's technological infrastructure and creative tools.

• Exposure to a professional corporate setting within a leading financial institution.

• Team interactions are expected to be collaborative, with a focus on innovative solutions and shared goals.

Work Schedule: 37.5 hours per week. Specific daily schedules will be discussed, offering potential for some flexibility.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid work arrangement suggests a modern approach to workplace flexibility, allowing co-op students to gain both collaborative office experience and the benefits of remote work, managed within established team processes.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Application Submission: Submit resume, cover letter (max 1 page), and unofficial transcript (uploaded as one PDF). A link to a design portfolio or attached work samples is required.

• Skills Tests: May include attribute-based assessments, simulations, coding tests, French proficiency, or MS Office tests.

• Interviews: Likely involve discussions about design philosophy, creative process, portfolio pieces, and behavioral questions related to teamwork, problem-solving, and values. Expect interviews with hiring managers and potentially team members.

• Final Evaluation: Assesses technical skills, creative potential, cultural fit, and ability to contribute to the team's objectives.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Selectively: Showcase your strongest, most relevant work that demonstrates graphic design and animation skills applicable to corporate communications and employee engagement.

• Highlight Process: For each piece, briefly explain the project's objective, your role, the tools used, and the outcome or impact.

• Showcase Variety: Include examples that span different styles, formats, and complexity levels.

• Ensure Professionalism: Make sure your portfolio is well-organized, easy to navigate, and visually appealing. A clear link on your resume is essential.

• Tailor to CIBC: If possible, include a piece that reflects an understanding of corporate branding or communication within a financial services context.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared to discuss your design process, how you approach creative briefs, and how you handle feedback and revisions.

• Practice articulating your design choices and how they serve the intended message and audience.

• Review common cybersecurity awareness topics to understand the context of the materials you might create.

📝 Enhancement Note: The application process emphasizes both academic qualifications and demonstrable creative skills through a portfolio. Preparation should focus on showcasing technical proficiency, creative problem-solving, and alignment with CIBC's values.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Graphic Design: Adobe Illustrator, Canva.

• Video Editing/Animation: Adobe Rush, other video/animation tools.

• Presentation: Microsoft PowerPoint.

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly relevant to this role's core responsibilities.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in the Adobe Creative Suite and Canva is critical for this role. Familiarity with presentation software like PowerPoint is also expected. The team likely uses internal communication platforms for content distribution.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Trust: Maintaining confidentiality and integrity in all design and communication efforts.

• Teamwork: Collaborating effectively with team members to achieve shared communication and security awareness goals.

• Accountability: Taking ownership of design projects, meeting deadlines, and delivering high-quality work.

• Innovation: Bringing creative ideas to the table to enhance employee engagement and communication effectiveness.

• Client Focus (Indirect): While not client-facing, the work supports the overall security posture that protects CIBC's clients.

Collaboration Style:

• Highly collaborative, working closely with business and communications experts.

• Open to feedback and iterative design processes.

• Emphasis on sharing ideas and contributing to a positive team dynamic.

• Cross-functional interaction is expected to understand communication needs across different departments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The team culture emphasizes collaboration, creativity, and a commitment to CIBC's core values. The focus on security awareness implies a culture of diligence and responsibility.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Translating Complex Information: Effectively simplifying and visualizing complex cybersecurity topics for a broad employee audience.

• Maintaining Engagement: Developing creative content that consistently captures and maintains employee attention in a busy work environment.

• Adhering to Brand Guidelines: Balancing creative freedom with CIBC's corporate branding and messaging standards.

• Fast-Paced Environment: Managing multiple projects and deadlines in a dynamic corporate setting.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design/Animation Techniques: Opportunity to refine skills with industry-standard software under professional guidance.

• Corporate Communications Strategy: Learn how to develop and execute communication plans within a large organization.

• Information Security Context: Gain awareness of key cybersecurity threats and best practices.

• Portfolio Enhancement: Build a professional portfolio with real-world corporate project experience.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary challenge is bridging the gap between technical/security information and engaging employee communication. Growth is focused on practical skill development and exposure to corporate operations.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Portfolio Walkthrough: Be prepared to walk through 2-3 key projects from your portfolio, explaining your creative process, tools used, challenges faced, and the outcomes.

• Design Philosophy: How do you approach creating visually engaging content? What factors do you consider when designing for a specific audience?

• Problem-Solving: Describe a time you had to overcome a creative challenge or improve a design based on feedback.

• Teamwork & Values: How do you collaborate with others? How do you embody CIBC's values of trust, teamwork, and accountability in your work?

Company & Culture Questions:

• What interests you about CIBC and this specific co-op role?

• How do you stay updated on design trends and new animation techniques?

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Clarity and Conciseness: Present your portfolio clearly, highlighting the most relevant pieces.

• Storytelling: For each project, tell a brief story about its purpose, your process, and the impact.

• Technical Proficiency: Be ready to discuss the software and techniques you used.

• Relevance: Emphasize how your skills align with the requirements of creating educational and engaging content for employee communications.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will heavily weigh your portfolio and your ability to articulate your creative process and problem-solving skills. Demonstrating an understanding of CIBC's values and the context of information security will be beneficial.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided link, ensuring all required documents (resume, cover letter, unofficial transcript) are uploaded as a single PDF in the resume section.

• Ensure your resume includes a clear link to your online design portfolio or attached work samples.

• Prepare your portfolio to showcase relevant graphic design and animation projects, highlighting your process and outcomes.

• Research CIBC's brand identity and its commitment to information security to better align your application and interview responses.

• Practice articulating your creative process, problem-solving abilities, and how your skills can contribute to the Information Security Awareness and Training team's objectives.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.

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