Leadership Development and Succession Planning - Winter 2027 Co-op/Intern

Definity; Southwestern Ontario; Hybrid; CAD 31,000 - 34,000; Part time

Job summary

Definity is seeking a Leadership Development and Succession Co‑op in Waterloo for Winter 2027. You’ll support leadership communications, maintain program spreadsheets, and help design materials for courses while coordinating events and meetings across multiple locations.

You will gain hands-on experience in leadership development, succession planning, and working in a hybrid campus environment, collaborating with Definity Leaders and teams.

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in a university or college program (HR, Business, Marketing or related field preferred).
• Bilingual in English and French is an asset.
• 0–2 years of experience in an administrative, coordination, or support role.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel (formulas, formatting, data organization), PowerPoint (presentations), and Outlook (calendar/email management).
• Strong attention to detail with the ability to handle confidential information.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with a professional tone.
• Strong organizational and time management skills with the ability to meet deadlines.
• Ability to multitask and manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Collaborative team player with strong interpersonal skills.
• Experience with event planning and coordination is an asset.
• Experience managing calendars is an asset.
• Understanding of adult learning principles is an asset.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate Internal Leadership Communications: Manage email correspondence related to internal leadership opportunities, including responding to inquiries and distributing program information.
• Develop and Maintain Leadership Program Spreadsheets: Create and update spreadsheets using data from internal leadership programs such as High Performing Leader and CultureU. Analyze and share basic statistical information related to each course (example number of attendees, number of cancellations, summary of feedback, etc.)
• Design Presentation Materials for Leadership Courses: Assist in the creation of visually engaging and informative PowerPoint presentations for leadership development sessions
• Coordinate Logistics for Employee Functions and Meetings: Book venues and manage logistics for leadership-related meetings and employee events. Act as the point of contact for external facilitators requiring assistance. Identify location support staff to support facilitators attending meetings at various Definity locations.
• Other projects or work as required

Skills

University enrollment (HR, Business, 0

Bilingual English/French asset

Administrative experience

Microsoft Office Suite

Attention to detail

Verbal and written communication

Organization and time management

Multitasking

Event planning experience

Calendar management

Adult learning principles asset

Education

Currently enrolled in university/college program (HR, Business, Marketing)

Tools

Excel

PowerPoint

Outlook

Job description

Job Description

YOUR NEXT CO-OP PLACEMENT

Work term: Winter 2027

Work term length: 4 months

From classroom to co-op to career, every step of your journey has an impact on your future. That’s why it makes sense to choose a co‑op placement with a company that offers truly rewarding work and real‑life experience. At Definity®, your contributions, creativity, and energy will be put to good use, and you’ll get to be involved with initiatives that support our strategic goals and use your skills in a supportive team environment.

If you’re looking for a company that takes care of its people — full time, part time, and co‑ops alike — and has a track record of doing big things, get ready to love it here.

Leadership Development and Succession Co‑op – Definity (Waterloo)

As a Co‑op student on the Leadership Development and Succession team, you will play a key role in supporting initiatives that foster leadership growth and succession planning across the organization. Your contributions will help ensure smooth operations and impactful learning experiences for Definity Leaders.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Coordinate Internal Leadership Communications: Manage email correspondence related to internal leadership opportunities, including responding to inquiries and distributing program information.
• Develop and Maintain Leadership Program Spreadsheets: Create and update spreadsheets using data from internal leadership programs such as High Performing Leader and CultureU. Analyze and share basic statistical information related to each course (example number of attendees, number of cancellations, summary of feedback, etc.)
• Design Presentation Materials for Leadership Courses: Assist in the creation of visually engaging and informative PowerPoint presentations for leadership development sessions
• Coordinate Logistics for Employee Functions and Meetings: Book venues and manage logistics for leadership‑related meetings and employee events. Act as the point of contact for external facilitators requiring assistance. Identify location support staff to support facilitators attending meetings at various Definity locations.
• Other projects or work as required

What You Bring

• Currently enrolled in a university or college program (Human Resources, Business, Marketing, or related field preferred)
• Bilingual in English and French is an asset
• 0–2 years of experience in an administrative, coordination, or support role
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel (formulas, formatting, data organization), PowerPoint (presentations), and Outlook (calendar/email management)
• Strong attention to detail with the ability to handle confidential information
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with a professional tone
• Strong organizational and time management skills with the ability to meet deadlines
• Ability to multitask and manage competing priorities in a fast‑paced environment
• Collaborative team player with strong interpersonal skills
• Experience with event planning and coordination is an asset
• Experience managing calendars is an asset
• Understanding of adult learning principles is an asset

Did you know?

• We care about our co‑ops: Definity’s co‑op students are considered the best pipeline of talent for our full‑time, permanent positions.
• We care about students: Definity distributes $85,000 in scholarships to students across Canada each year.
• We care about our community: Definity donates more than $1 million every year to causes that drive true change in the neighbourhoods in which we live and work.

What can Definity offer you?

• Meaningful work forwarding our purpose of building a better world by helping our clients and communities adapt and thrive in their hardest times of need.
• Culture of accountability, empowerment, and collaboration.
• Opportunities to support personal and professional growth through real‑life experience and unique learning opportunities.
• Opportunity to join our employee groups - focused on women's empowerment, LGBTQ+, anti-racism and cultural equity, and environmental activism
• Determined to create positive change for our environment, our people, and our communities, now and in the future. Check our ESG work!

About Us

This position is being posted to fill an existing vacancy.

The hourly compensation for the role starts at $22.50 per hour and will increase based on factors including but not limited to, skills, education, experience, and the recommended rates as set by the respective educational institution.

We also take potential into consideration. If you don’t have this exact experience, but you know you have what it takes, be sure to give us more insight through your application and cover letter.

Our inclusive work environment welcomes diversity and supports accessibility. If you require accommodation at any time during the recruitment process, please let us know by contacting [e-mail].

As part of Definity’s commitment to reconciliation, we acknowledge that our work, meetings, and travel take place on the lands now known as Canada, and recognize the enduring presence, wisdom, and stewardship of the First Nations, Métis, and Inuit peoples who have long cared for these lands.

Background checks

This role requires successful clearance of a background check (including criminal checks and leadership references).

About The Team

Definity is the parent company to some of Canada’s most long‑standing and innovative insurance brands, including Economical Insurance, Sonnet Insurance, Family Insurance Solutions, and Petline Insurance. Our ambition is to be one of Canada’s leading and most innovative property and casualty insurers. We can’t do that without our people, so we embrace and encourage a culture that’s collaborative, ambitious, rewarding, and empowering.

We offer a flexible, hybrid work experience where employees work from the office and virtually depending on the type of work they are doing and who they are working with. Bring your true self and be a part of our journey. It’s better here.