Director, Advocacy and Stakeholder Relations

At the University of Waterloo, we create and promote a culture where everyone can reach their full potential. As an employee, you get support & opportunities that empower you to advance your career. Explore how we can bring big ideas to life, together. The University is a welcoming workplace for those of all abilities, interests, and expertise. As part of our workforce, you can do what you do best, every day.Learn more about our recruitment process.Job Requisition ID:2026-01296Time Type:Full timeEmployee Group:StaffJob Category:Student and Campus SupportEmployment Type:TemporaryDepartment:Waterloo Undergraduate Student Association - Marketing and CommunicationsHiring Range:$80,248.28 - $100,310.35Posting Information:This posting is for an existing vacancy.The internal posting deadline for this position is July 16, 2026 at 11:59PMThis position is being offered as a Secondment or contract opportunity. Term: 18 monthsJob Description:Primary PurposeThe Director, Advocacy & Stakeholder Relations at WUSA plays a pivotal role in strategically developing the organization's Research, Advocacy, and Stakeholder Relations departments. This leadership position ensures alignment with WUSA's mission and the evolving needs of its 37,000 members. The Director maintains crucial stakeholder relations with senior university administrators and government officials at all levels.Their multifaceted responsibilities encompass business planning, industry analysis, and the establishment of key performance indicators, fostering data-driven decision-making. The Director excels in cultivating relationships, negotiation, and innovation to drive programs, and partnerships.Financial oversight, positive stakeholder relations, and resolution of escalated cases ensure a secure environment. Collaborating with diverse departments, student stakeholders, government bodies, and faculty leaders enhances the academic mission of the University of Waterloo. The Director's strategic acumen fosters beneficial alliances, positioning WUSA as a leader in advocacy and stakeholder relations.Key AccountabilitiesProvide senior leadership towards the strategic planning and development of WUSA’s Research, Advocacy & Stakeholder Relations.Provide strategic leadership for WUSA’s Advocacy & Stakeholder Relations departments, aligning them with the organization's mission and vision.Develop operating plans that support annual 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 leadership 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.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 WUSA’s Research department including strategy, development, and resource allocation.Lead as the Product Owner for all tiers of WUSA’s Advocacy department (internal, municipal, provincial, federal) including development, and resource allocation.Standardized processes, quality standards and service protocols 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 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.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 the Research, Advocacy & Stakeholder Relations departments, 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.Establishes and grows complex partnerships with all levels of government to enable strategic advocacy/lobby efforts towards key decision and policy makers (municipal, provincial, federal)Nurtures robust partnerships with diverse UW (University of Waterloo) departments with Faculty Leaders, Senior Administrators and key decision makers towards the academic mission of UW.Demonstrates strategic acumen in negotiating and strategizing with major partners and organizations, driving advantageous and fruitful alliances for the association.Required QualificationsEducationBachelor’s degree required in an appropriate area of expertiseMasters/Professional Designation is preferred.Post-degree certificates in government relations, management, strategy/foresight, public service, policy, or research would be an assetExperience7+ years management experience with Advocacy/Stakeholder Relations leadership role.5+ years working in student environment or relevant nonprofit program management.Understanding and previous experience with managing Equity, Diversity & Inclusive driven programs and efforts.Experience with lobby/advocacy efforts for large associations representing diverse member composition and needs.Demonstrated sensitivity, knowledge, and understanding of the diverse academic, socioeconomic, gender, cultural, disability, and ethnic backgrounds of the students we serve and sensitivity to and knowledge and understanding of groups historically underrepresented, and groups who may have experienced discrimination.Knowledge/Skills/AbilitiesStrategic 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 to best demonstrate research findings and position advocacy initiatives/stances.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 meaningful collaborations and contracts to support partnership/development efforts.Innovation and Creativity: The ability to think critically and creatively, identifying innovative solutions and new methods to help deliver meaningful research, advocacy and stakeholder efforts.Communication and Presentation: Effective communication and presentation skills to effectively convey ideas, pitch proposals, and articulate the organization's value proposition, positions and needs 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.Exceptional EQ to work effectively with historically underrepresented and LGBTQIA+ students, staff and faculty in an urban, multicultural environment.Equity StatementThe 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 coordinated 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr