Director, Stakeholder Engagement and Experience

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Led by Invest Ottawa, the city’s lead economic development agency, this initiative works alongside tech companies, recruiters and search firms, and community partners to spotlight the incredible innovation happening here and help connect great people with great opportunities.

We are excited to partner with Invest Ottawa to attract top talent for Director, Stakeholder Engagement and Experience.

This job posting is a backfill for an existing vacancy within our organization.

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.”

• Corporate Pay Band F: $108,000- $163,000

• Hiring Salary Range: $108,000-$130,000

• Reason for opening: Backfilling a vacancy

• The role is primarily based in person at Bayview Yards, Ottawa’s innovation hub, with flexibility for some hybrid work

WHY THIS ROLE:

Reporting to the Vice President of Marketing and Bayview Impact, the Director, Stakeholder Engagement Experience is a visionary, experience-driven leader who will:

• Curate exceptional and emotionally engaging experiences that transform every touchpoint into a “moment of delight.”

• Foster a thriving onsite and extended innovation community.

• Lead a creative, high-performing team that delivers impact at scale.

• Champion the continuous evolution of Bayview Yards and other Invest Ottawa properties as innovation landmarks, aligned with future-forward urban development initiatives such as Ottawa’s Innovation Village.

WHAT YOU WILL BE DOING:

• 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.

WHAT YOU HAVE ACCOMPLISHED/ GAINED THROUGHOUT YOUR CAREER:

• 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

Why This Role is Special

You won’t just lead a hub or find any sponsor. You’ll craft a destination. A canvas for innovation where people come to connect, collaborate, and be inspired. You’ll make Bayview Yards and every IO experience more than a place—it will become a feeling, an experience, and a signature part of Ottawa’s innovation story.

Work in Ottawa utilizes a secure, closed AI environment for the initial screening of resumes, ensuring your data remains safe while helping us efficiently identify top candidates. We encourage all applicants to apply, even if you do not meet every requirement if you possess relevant skills, enthusiasm and eagerness to grow, we want to hear from you! To enhance your visibility, consider including relevant keywords in your resume.

If you require any accommodation during the hiring process, please reach out to eharper@investottawa.ca