Director, Stakeholder Engagement and Experience (FTE)

Invest Ottawa•Ottawa, ON

1d•CA$108,000 - CA$130,000•Hybrid

About The Position

At Invest Ottawa (IO), we empower the brightest minds and boldest innovators across Canada’s Capital. Join our team and help shape a magnetic experience that delights entrepreneurs, partners, and community members who visit Bayview Yards — Ottawa’s dynamic innovation hub, managed by Invest Ottawa and through corporate events. We are seeking an experienced and empathetic Director, Stakeholder Engagement and Experience to lead two high-performing teams, create memorable and impactful customer experiences through innovative placemaking strategies, strengthen stakeholder relationships, and drive revenue and reputation for Bayview Yards and Invest Ottawa as a whole. This role unifies the leadership of innovative space experience, sponsorship and partnership strategy, and community engagement under one mandate—ensuring every touchpoint feels cohesive, compelling, and meaningful for our partners, tenants, clients, and guests. Spanning 55,000 square feet at the gateway to Westboro, Bayview Yards is not just a space, it’s an experience. A collaborative epicenter that pulses with creativity, Bayview is home to the city’s top tech talent, startups, scaleups, and changemakers. It’s where vision becomes reality—complete with a prototyping lab, hybrid event spaces, an iconic red staircase to a riverside terrace, and a community garden. It’s a place that sparks imagination and leaves visitors saying “wow.”

Requirements

A degree in Business, Marketing, Fundraising, Tourism & Hospitality, or related field or equivalent leadership experience.
7+ years of senior-level experience in innovation, economic development, major events, corporate and strategic partnerships, or placemaking.
Proven success in revenue generation and sponsorship development, with a documented track record representing deals from $100K to $3M+.
5+ years leading and mentoring dynamic teams in tech-driven or community-focused organizations.
A visionary mindset with a passion for trendspotting, user experience design, and reimagining how spaces can inspire.
Outstanding interpersonal, negotiation, and communication skills—with a natural ability to turn ideas into action.
Operational confidence with contracts, budgeting, negotiation, and stakeholder reporting.
Ability to collect, interpret and analyze data to inform decision-making.
Skilled at balancing brand, audience needs, and strategic priorities.
Calm under pressure, able to pivot quickly and make sound decisions in fast-paced environments.
Deep appreciation for DEI, creative placemaking, and the integration of arts, tech, and culture.
Strong writing and presentation skills in English with French considered a strong asset

Responsibilities

Design and deliver a best-in-class, end-to-end stakeholder experience across events, tenancy, sponsorships, and onsite activations that reflects Invest Ottawa’s brand, values, and innovation story.
Lead placemaking strategy at Bayview Yards, blending storytelling, design, technology, and programming to create memorable, high-touch experiences that inspire curiosity and engagement.
Develop and execute an integrated sponsorship and partnership strategy focused on long-term sustainability, brand alignment, and measurable value for partners and Invest Ottawa.
Drive earned revenue growth through sponsorships, space usage, events, tenancy, and value-added services, while ensuring authentic and mission-aligned activations.
Build, manage, and steward strategic partner relationships, delivering high-quality sponsorship fulfillment, reporting, and continuous value creation.
Ignite a vibrant, inclusive onsite ecosystem by attracting innovators, partners, and collaborators and fostering meaningful connections through high-impact events and community-driven programming.
Act as a connector across internal teams and external stakeholders, breaking down silos and aligning shared goals to ensure consistency and excellence in stakeholder experiences.
Lead and empower a multidisciplinary team across experience, partnerships, sponsorships, and corporate events, fostering a culture of trust, autonomy, experimentation, and service excellence.
Serve as a coach, ambassador, and senior representative for staff, VIPs, partners, and stakeholders, reinforcing professionalism, responsiveness, and white-glove service standards.
Shape strategy through data, insights, and community feedback, co-creating annual plans, KPIs, and funding proposals that align with Invest Ottawa’s objectives and Bayview Yards’ growth ambitions.
Oversee tenant relations, contracting and fulfilment
Any other duties as assigned by the manager.