2026 Management Development Program Marketing (Brand, Sponsorships, & Creative Strategy)

Job description

**Program Overview:**

Serves as a member of the Management Development Program (MDP) and participates in ten weeks of Core Training and one year of On-the-Job (OJT) training.

Core Training responsibilities include participation in classroom training, observations of departmental presentations, interaction with senior management, peer networking, and working in teams on two group project assignments.

OJT responsibilities vary by department and are assigned by the department manager.

The position may be responsible for additional projects as assigned by the department manager or Leadership Development Manager-MDP.

**Department Description:**

**About M&T Bank’s Management Development Program (MDP)**

M&T Bank’s Management Development Program is a premier early-career rotational program designed to develop future leaders through hands-on experience, mentorship, and strategic project work.

As an MDP Associate, you’ll gain exposure to key areas of the business while building a strong foundation for a long-term career at M&T.

**Position Overview**

As an MDP Management Trainee within the **Brand Marketing team** , you will rotate through three core functions: **Brand Integration** , **Advertising** , and **Sponsorships** .

This immersive experience will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of how M&T Bank builds and communicates its brand across channels and audiences.

You’ll work closely with cross-functional teams to support strategic initiatives, contribute to campaign development, and help bring the brand to life in meaningful ways for our customers and communities.

**Department Responsibilities:**

**Brand Integration**

+ Support the development and execution of brand strategies across internal and external channels
+ Collaborate with business lines to ensure brand consistency and alignment
+ Assist in creating brand guidelines and toolkits for enterprise-wide use

**Advertising**

+ Contribute to the planning, development and execution of multi-channel advertising campaigns
+ Analyze campaign and brand health performance and garner insights for future optimization
+ Partner with internal teams and external agencies to find, develop and launch compelling customer stories that convey our brand positioning and connect to lower funnel tactics

**Sponsorships**

+ Help manage M&T’s sponsorship portfolio, including sports, arts, and community partnerships
+ Coordinate activation plans and measure impact of sponsorship initiatives
+ Support event planning and on-site brand experiences

**HOW YOU CAN GROW YOUR CAREER:**
**Why Join M&T Bank**

+ Be part of a purpose-driven organization committed to making a difference
+ Gain exposure to senior leaders and strategic initiatives
+ Receive mentorship, professional development, and career growth opportunities
+ Work in a collaborative and inclusive culture

**Primary Program Responsibilities:**

+ Participate in and complete a one-year long, non-rotational training program while creating and adding value to assigned department.

Receive job specific training, general training in banking, communication and leadership, and personalized coaching and feedback.

Performance measures may include several objective test scores, peer and sponsor feedback from group projects, facilitator feedback, Leadership Development Manager-MDP feedback, Department Manager feedback, final assessment score, and year-end performance appraisal from Department Manager and Leadership Development Manager-MDP.
+ Core Training - Participate in ten weeks of training throughout the one-year assignment to learn banking, basic financial skills, technical skills, and leadership/interpersonal skills.

Develop a solid understanding of banking functions, processes, and operations.
+ Group Projects - Participate in two group project assignments, working with a team of their peers to build relationships within their teams as well as with project sponsors, internal and external contacts, and senior management.

Teams make a presentation to senior management at the conclusion of each project providing recommendations and potential project solutions.
+ On-the-Job Training - The fundamental skills taught in core training are combined with On-the-Job training based on the incumbent's assignment.

Job specific training teaches departmental policies, procedures, systems, and products.

Upon completion of MDP, all incumbents attain basic skills necessary to become entry-level professionals and/or managers in their assigned department.
+ Complete tasks in a manner that are compliant with applicable laws and regulations and/or that serve to help the Company be in compliance with laws and regulations that apply to the business line the position supports.
+ Understand and adhere to the Company's risk and regulatory standards, policies and controls in accordance with the Company's Risk Appetite.
+ Identify risk-related issues needing escalation to management.
+ Promote an environment that supports belonging and reflects the M&T Bank brand.
+ Maintain M&T internal control standards, including timely implementation of internal and external audit points together with any issues raised by external regulators as applicable.
+ Complete other related duties as assigned.

**Scope of Responsibilities:**

The Management Development Program is a non-rotational, one-year training program for recent college graduates where participants learn sales, accounting, project management and leadership skills depending upon their career track.

Various methods of training include classroom study, divisional orientations, and teamwork on group projects.

These fundamentals are coupled with on-the-job training to allow for immediate application in the area for which the participant has been hired.

**BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:**

+ Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Communications, Business, or related field with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or above
+ Strong interest in brand strategy, advertising, and experiential marketing
+ Excellent communication, collaboration, and project management skills
+ Creative thinker with analytical mindset and attention to detail
+ Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment
+ Work visa sponsorship not offered for this role

**IDEAL QUALIFICATIONS:**

+ While weekend needs are rare, this role may occasionally require a flexible schedule to support sponsorship event activations
+ Strong experience with Microsoft Office products and analytical dashboard analysis
+ Strong ability to socialize ideas and strategy to senior management through presentation

M&T Bank is committed to fair, competitive, and market-informed pay for our employees.

The pay range for this position is $29.57 - $43.99 per hour.

The successful candidate’s particular combination of knowledge, skills, and experience will inform their specific compensation.

The range listed above encompasses all geographic locations.

The pay rate specific to your location will fall within this range and is available from your recruiter.

**Location**
Buffalo, New York, United States of America
M&T Bank Corporation is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer, including disabilities and veterans.

Required Skill Profession

Other General