Communications Associate Specialist, Launch Program 2027 - Toronto, Canada

Mastercard Inc.; Toronto; On-site; CAD 60,000 - 82,000; Full time

Job summary

Mastercard’s Launch Program in Toronto is a structured 18‑month pathway designed to build specialized communications expertise. As an Associate Specialist, you’ll craft internal and external content, support media relations, and drive employee engagement while collaborating across teams.

This program combines hands-on work, structured learning, and mentorship to accelerate your career in communications. Ideal candidates are in an undergrad/accelerated program, with strong writing, project

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in an undergraduate or accelerated graduate program in Communications, Marketing, Business or a related field graduating between Dec 2026-June 2027.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite (e.g., Excel, PPT)
• Strong writing, editing, and storytelling skills with attention to detail and audience awareness with demonstrated interest in communications, public relations, media, storytelling, through coursework, certifications, internships, student organizations and or volunteer work.
• Strong project management skills
• Ability to partner across the organization and with external partners
• Strong oral and written communication skills
• Demonstrates flexibility, adaptability, and the ability to thrive in ambiguous situations; excels in collaborative team environments.
• Well planned, organized & structured to manage time & work effectively
• Innovative thinking and thoughtful risk taking and a collaborative team player with a passion for communications and a curiosity about the tech and payments industry

Responsibilities

• Support integrated internal and external communications that advance Mastercard’s business priorities and reputation.
• Create compelling content and storytelling for employees, media, customers and other key audiences.
• Support media relations, thought leadership and reputation‑building programs and campaigns.
• Help deliver internal communications and employee engagement that connect employees to our strategy, culture and community.
• Support employee and leadership moments, including town halls, events, executive communications and social content.
• Collaborate across the business to uncover stories and opportunities, and help measure communications impact.

Skills

Writing

Editing

Storytelling

Project management

Cross-functional

Public relations

Time management

Adaptability

Attention to detail

Education

Undergraduate or accelerated graduate program in Communications, Marketing, Business or related field graduating Dec 2026–June 2027

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Our Purpose

Mastercard powers economies and empowers people in 200+ countries and territories worldwide. Together with our customers, we’re helping build a sustainable economy where everyone can prosper. We support a wide range of digital payments choices, making transactions secure, simple, smart and accessible. Our technology and innovation, partnerships and networks combine to deliver a unique set of products and services that help people, businesses and governments realize their greatest potential.

Title and Summary

Communications Associate Specialist, Launch Program 2027 - Toronto, Canada

Why join Mastercard’s Launch Program?

Over the course of this 18-month program, you'll build specialized expertise through hands‑on experience, structured learning, and mentorship from industry leaders. You'll work on real business challenges, applying your skills to projects that create meaningful impact. Along the way, you'll deepen your knowledge of Mastercard's business, collaborate with teams across the organization, and develop the technical, analytical, and professional capabilities needed to accelerate your career. By the end of the program, you’ll have a strong foundation in your chosen field and the confidence to continue to grow here at Mastercard.

Make an impact as an Associate Specialist, Communications

About the Team The Global Communications team at Mastercard is responsible for evolving, promoting, and protecting the company’s reputation across internal and external audiences. As a Launcher you will play a key role in supporting Mastercard’s mission to deliver world-class payment experiences by helping shape how we communicate with the world.

What you’ll do

As an AssociateSpecialist, Communications you will:

• Support integrated internal and external communications that advance Mastercard’s business priorities and reputation.
• Create compelling content and storytelling for employees, media, customers and other key audiences.
• Support media relations, thought leadership and reputation‑building programs and campaigns.
• Help deliver internal communications and employee engagement that connect employees to our strategy, culture and community.
• Support employee and leadership moments, including town halls, events, executive communications and social content.
• Collaborate across the business to uncover stories and opportunities, and help measure communications impact.

What we are looking for Program Qualifications:

• Currently enrolled in an undergraduate or accelerated graduate program in Communications, Marketing, Business or a related field graduating between Dec 2026-June 2027
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite (e.g., Excel, PPT)
• Strong writing, editing, and storytelling skills with attention to detail and audience awareness with demonstrated interest in communications, public relations, media, storytelling, through coursework, certifications, internships, student organizations and or volunteer work.
• Strong project management skills
• Ability to partner across the organization and with external partners
• Strong oral and written communication skills
• Demonstrates flexibility, adaptability, and the ability to thrive in ambiguous situations; excels in collaborative team environments.
• Well planned, organized & structured to manage time & work effectively
• Innovative thinking and thoughtful risk taking and a collaborative team player with a passion for communications and a curiosity about the tech and payments industry

Application Deadline is October 19th 2026, 11:59PM EST. Interviews will take place in November.

Compensation:

71,000 CAD annually

This role is not eligible for Mastercard’s work authorization sponsorship now or in the future.

By proceeding in this process, you are acknowledging that you will not be able to obtain employer-sponsored work authorization from Mastercard during the course of this role.

Mastercard is a merit-based, inclusive, equal opportunity employer that considers applicants without regard to gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, disabled or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We hire the most qualified candidate for the role.

Corporate Security Responsibility

All activities involving access to Mastercard assets, information, and networks comes with an inherent risk to the organization and, therefore, it is expected that every person working for, or on behalf of, Mastercard is responsible for information security and must: Abide by Mastercard’s security policies and practices; Ensure the confidentiality and integrity of the information being accessed; Report any suspected information security violation or breach, and Complete all periodic mandatory security trainings in accordance with Mastercard’s guidelines.

In line with Mastercard’s total compensation philosophy and assuming that the job will be performed in Canada, the successful candidate will be offered a competitive pay based on location, experience and other qualifications for the role and may be eligible to participate in a discretionary annual incentive program.

This posting reflects one or more current openings on our team.

Everyone wants easier ways to pay; we invent them. Checkout lines are slow; we speed them along. Merchants want more sales; we give them data and insights. People need financial access; we connect them. Corporate purchasing is complicated; we make it simple. Commuters are busy; we speed them on their way. Governments need greater efficiencies; we help create them. Small businesses are virtual; we give them access to a world of buyers. Retailers want to fight fraud; we provide the tools.