Senior Communications Specialist, Velocity

University of Waterloo•Kitchener, ON

11d•CA$80,248 - CA$100,310•Onsite

About The Position

The University of Waterloo is a leading global innovation hub that drives economic and social prosperity. The Marketing and Communications function enhances and protects the university’s reputation. The communications function leads by helping the university communicate with clarity, credibility and purpose, while developing governance, standards and protocols to uphold consistent, coordinated and effective communications across campus. The Senior Communications Specialist, Velocity is a senior role responsible for leading complex or specialized communications initiatives supporting Waterloo’s Velocity incubator. The role applies advanced communications expertise, professional judgment and analytical capability to plan, develop, implement and evaluate communications strategies, messaging and content aligned with institutional priorities. Working within established frameworks and governance, the role independently manages substantive work, provides guidance to colleagues and stakeholders, and contributes to the continuous improvement of communications practices, processes and outcomes. Within the Velocity portfolio, the role leads complex or specialized communications initiatives that build awareness, engagement and participation across entrepreneurship, innovation and startup programs. The role develops strategic messaging, communications plans and compelling audience-focused content that highlights founders, ventures, student entrepreneurs, innovation initiatives and ecosystem partnerships. Working closely with Velocity leaders, program teams, founders, mentors, industry partners and campus stakeholders, the role provides specialized communications advice and coordinates integrated delivery to strengthen recruitment, participation, community engagement and the visibility of Waterloo’s innovation ecosystem. Velocity is Waterloo’s flagship entrepreneurship centre and a founder-first community that helps ambitious people move from idea to early-stage startup and beyond. Its communications work connects student entrepreneurs, founders, mentors, industry partners, alumni and campus collaborators with the programs, expertise and opportunities that help ideas grow. Working with the Velocity team and partners across Waterloo, the communications team translates the breakthrough ideas and ventures emerging from one of Canada’s most distinctive innovation ecosystems. Working at the intersection of innovation, entrepreneurship and post-secondary education, the Senior Communications Specialist will lead specialized communications initiatives that build awareness, engagement and participation. You will develop strategic messaging, communications plans and audience-focused content that highlights founders, ventures, student entrepreneurs, innovation, and ecosystem partnerships. Working closely with Velocity leaders, program teams, founders, mentors, industry partners and campus stakeholders, you will independently manage high- profile initiatives, provide specialized communications advice and coordinate delivery across multiple contributors and channels. The role combines advanced professional judgment with the energy of a founder-first environment — if you're ready to create real impact through storytelling and innovation in strategic communications, amplifying the people and discoveries that are building what's next, this role is for you.

Requirements

Undergraduate degree or post-secondary diploma in communications, public relations, journalism, English, marketing or a related field.
4–6 years of progressively responsible communications experience.
Experience independently managing complex or non-routine communications initiatives.
Experience developing strategic messaging and producing high-quality communications content.
Experience coordinating projects, communications activities or stakeholder-driven initiatives involving multiple contributors and competing priorities.
Experience providing communications advice and recommendations to clients, leaders or project teams.
Advanced writing, editing, strategic messaging and content development skills.
Ability to independently lead complex or specialized communications initiatives and provide specialized expertise within area of practice.
Strong analytical skills and ability to synthesize information from multiple sources to inform recommendations and decisions.
Ability to interpret audience, stakeholder and performance information and apply insights to improve communications outcomes.
Strong verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to communicate complex information effectively.
Strong project planning, coordination and organizational skills.
Strong stakeholder relationship-management, consultation and advisory skills.
Ability to provide guidance and informal leadership within area of expertise.
Sound judgment, problem-solving capability and decision-making skills.
Proficiency with communications, digital, reporting and collaboration tools.

Nice To Haves

Experience in higher education, the broader public sector or another complex multi-stakeholder environment is an asset.

Responsibilities

Leads complex or specialized communications initiatives supporting entrepreneurship programs, innovation initiatives, startup services, events, competitions and community engagement activities.
Develops strategic messaging, communications plans and compelling content showcasing founders, ventures, student entrepreneurs, innovation success stories, partnerships and ecosystem achievements.
Provides specialized communications advice to Velocity leaders, program teams, founders and mentors on communications planning, messaging, audience engagement and delivery approaches.
Coordinates communications across Velocity teams, founders, industry partners, campus stakeholders and central communications colleagues to support integrated delivery and alignment with institutional priorities and communications standards.
Evaluates audience needs, communications opportunities, ecosystem developments, stakeholder feedback and performance information to strengthen recruitment, participation, community engagement and program visibility.
Plans, develops and delivers complex or specialized communications initiatives, projects and priority activities aligned with institutional objectives.
Translates institutional priorities and stakeholder needs into communications plans, approaches and implementation strategies.
Independently manages substantive communications work requiring professional judgment, analysis and coordination.
Coordinates cross-functional communications activities across multiple audiences, channels, contributors and timelines.
Evaluates communications effectiveness and identifies opportunities to improve outcomes, engagement and impact.
Develops strategic messaging, narratives and communications materials supporting institutional priorities and complex communications objectives.
Researches, analyzes and synthesizes complex information into clear, compelling and audience-appropriate communications.
Produces and reviews a wide range of communications products across print, digital and executive communications formats.
Ensures communications are accurate, accessible, inclusive and aligned with institutional voice, tone and standards.
Identifies opportunities to strengthen storytelling, audience engagement and communications effectiveness.
Works with leaders, clients and stakeholders to understand objectives, define requirements and support effective communications delivery.
Provides practical advice and specialized subject-matter expertise related to communications planning, messaging, audience engagement and implementation approaches.
Builds productive working relationships with stakeholders, service partners and colleagues across the institution.
Provides guidance and informal support to colleagues and partners within area of expertise.
Escalates issues requiring broader alignment, approval or strategic direction.
Participates in emergency communications planning and response as required within the university's emergency communications framework.
Identifies communications risks, stakeholder concerns and reputational considerations associated with initiatives and organizational decisions.
Supports communications planning and implementation for sensitive, complex or emerging issues.
Monitors relevant audience, stakeholder, channel or sector developments connected to assigned work to identify trends or issues that may affect communications planning and delivery.
Advises stakeholders on communications implications and mitigation approaches within established frameworks.
Analyzes feedback, audience insight and performance information to improve communications effectiveness.
Identifies recurring issues, process gaps and opportunities to strengthen communications practices and service delivery.
Contributes to the development and refinement of communications frameworks, templates, guidelines and resources.
Shares knowledge, lessons learned and emerging practices with colleagues and stakeholders.
Maintains awareness of communications trends, technologies and evolving professional practices.