The Director, Communications within the Waterloo Undergraduate Student Association (WUSA) holds a multifaceted role that encompasses strategic leadership, program development, financial management, and stakeholder relations. This key position is pivotal in guiding WUSA's Marketing, Communications, and Media Relations department, ensuring alignment with the organization's mission and vision. The Director develops comprehensive strategic plans, creating a framework to meet the evolving needs to effectively connect, engage and communicate to WUSA's 37,000 members. They conduct extensive industry analysis, establish key performance indicators, and monitor progress, enabling data-driven decision-making. Additionally, the Director leads negotiations, standardizes processes, and fosters a culture of continuous improvement towards delivery of major communications efforts.

They provide overall product ownership, overseeing WUSA's brand, communications, marketing, and media relations. Financial oversight is a significant aspect, including budget development, financial reporting, and risk mitigation. The Director plays a critical role in resolving escalated cases such as providing crisis communications and supports at times of need. The role promotes and fosters collaborative relationships with diverse stakeholders, both within WUSA, the University of Waterloo, and other external stakeholders. Their leadership are integral to WUSA's ability to fulfill its mission and effectively serve its large student community.

Provide senior leadership towards the strategic planning and development of WUSA’s Marketing, Communications, & Media Relations department

• Provide strategic leadership for WUSA's Marketing, Communication & Media Relations departments, aligning them with the organization's mission and vision
• Develop department strategic plans that support board annual plans and long-range plans, ensuring WUSA (Waterloo Undergraduate Student Association) meets the evolving demands of its members
• Formulate short-term, mid-term, and long-term business/department action plans to strategically address future growth and member needs
• Gather and analyze industry trends, market dynamics, and partner campus activities to identify opportunities and risks 
• Establish and report key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure operational targets, growth, and service levels, supporting data-driven decision-making
• Actively monitor and evaluate progress, providing executive management with insightful reports
• Identify innovative solutions to drive organizational excellence and maintain a competitive edge

Champion innovative programs and ventures by actively leading development initiatives

• Conduct research and analysis to identify potential areas for growth and expansion
• Identify emerging trends, untapped markets, and potential partnerships
• Cultivate strong relationships with prospective clients, partners, and stakeholders
• Engage in effective networking to establish fruitful business connections. 
• Lead negotiations with clients, vendors, and partners to secure large contracts and value/deals
• Work closely with Executive Management, legal and finance teams to draft and finalize contracts
• Ensure spaces and resources are upkept including major equipment and supplies
• Collaborate with their leadership teams to develop and implement business strategies that align with the organization's goals and objectives
• Track and analyze the performance of business development initiatives
• Assess the effectiveness of strategies and tactics to inform future decision-making and drive continuous improvement.

Provide overall product ownership and support to ensure effective program delivery of several key organizational portfolios and the operations within them

• Lead as the Product Owner for the overall WUSA brand and its major sub brands, leading strategic positioning and protection
• Lead as the Product Owner for all WUSA Communications & Media Relations including strategy, development, and resource allocation
• Lead as the Product Owner for all WUSA Marketing including major strategy, development, and resource allocation
• Fosters a culture of continuous improvement to develop systems that support superior program delivery through the creation of standard operating procedures, quality standards and service provisions where appropriate
• Lead initiatives to foster a culture of continuous improvement, encouraging employees to contribute ideas and innovations to enhance operations

Support the financial, resource and risk/compliance areas for portfolios 

• Develop and oversee various annual budgets, aligning them with strategic objectives and ensuring proper projection and allocation of resources
• Prepare accurate and timely financial reports, analyzing financial data to provide insights and recommendations for informed decision-making
• Identify potential financial and activity-based risks and develop strategies to mitigate them
• Implement internal controls to safeguard assets and maintain compliance with regulations
• Conduct financial forecasting and scenario analysis to anticipate future financial needs and opportunities, aiding in long-term planning and resource allocation
• Ensure adherence to financial regulations, accounting principles, and reporting standards
• Coordinate with auditors and regulatory bodies to facilitate financial audits and compliance assessments

Promotes positive stakeholder relations & support with case escalations

• Holds ultimate accountability for handling all escalated cases/tickets and crisis communication efforts that surpass management's capabilities within marketing, communications, or media relations team, ensuring effective resolution/satisfaction
• Assumes responsibility for mitigating health and safety escalations within their areas, meticulously following up on compliance matters to ensure a secure and risk-free environment  
• Cultivates and maintains highly collaborative working relationships with WUSA departments and student stakeholders, encompassing clubs, societies, and other key groups  
• Nurtures robust partnerships with diverse UW (University of Waterloo) departments, including the Recruitment, Student Success Office, Communications & Public Affairs, Alumni Relations, Athletics, and Food Services, streamlining coordination, and promoting seamless cooperation  
• Developing strategies for maintaining a positive perception of our company's prospects among stakeholders, including all key community relationships
• Demonstrates strategic acumen in negotiating and strategizing with major partners and vendors, driving advantageous and fruitful alliances for the organization

• Bachelor’s degree in an appropriate area of expertise required
• Masters/Professional Designation is strongly preferred
• 8+ years management experience with a multi-program marketing/communications role
• 5+ years working in student environment or relevant nonprofit program management
• Previous experience developing and implementing media and crisis communications for a diverse and transitional leadership group
• Understanding and previous experience with managing compliance with the Privacy Act, AODA (Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act,), Health and Safety
• Strategic Planning: The ability to develop and execute comprehensive strategic plans, aligning business development efforts with the organization's long-term goals and vision
• Student Affairs: Strong knowledge of operating services and programs in a student environment ensuring place of belonging and supporting the diverse needs and supports of a campus community 
• Communication Acumen: Strong knowledge of communication principles, methodologies, and industry best position WUSA’s messaging and engagement  
• Financial Management: Proficiency in budgeting, financial analysis, and resource allocation to effectively manage financial resources and drive efficiency
• Relationship Management: Skill in building and nurturing relationships with key stakeholders, clients, partners, and vendors to foster collaborations and drive business growth
• Negotiation and Deal-making: The capability to negotiate and close business deals, securing profitable partnerships and contracts to support partnership/development efforts
• Innovation and Creativity: The ability to think critically and creatively, identifying innovative solutions and new business opportunities that differentiate the organization from competitors
• Communication and Presentation: Effective communication and presentation skills to effectively convey ideas, pitch proposals, and articulate the organization's value proposition to various audiences 
• Data Analysis and Decision Making: Proficiency in data analysis and data-driven decision-making, leveraging insights to guide business development strategies and measure performance outcomes

The University of Waterloo acknowledges that much of our work takes place on the traditional territory of the Neutral, Anishinaabeg, and Haudenosaunee peoples. Our main campus is situated on the Haldimand Tract, the land granted to the Six Nations that includes six miles on each side of the Grand River. Our active work toward reconciliation takes place across our campuses through research, learning, teaching, and community building, and is co-ordinated within the Office of Indigenous Relations.

The University values the diverse and intersectional identities of its students, faculty, and staff. The University regards equity and diversity as an integral part of academic excellence and is committed to accessibility for all employees. The University of Waterloo seeks applicants who embrace our values of equity, anti-racism and inclusion.  As such, we encourage applications from candidates who have been historically disadvantaged and marginalized, including applicants who identify as First Nations, Métis and/or Inuk (Inuit), Black, racialized, a person with a disability, women and/or 2SLGBTQ+.

Positions are open to qualified candidates who are legally entitled to work in Canada.

The University of Waterloo is committed to accessibility for persons with disabilities. If you have any application, interview, or workplace accommodation requests, please contact Human Resources at hrhelp@uwaterloo.ca  or 519-888-4567, ext. 45935.