Executive Director, Global Futures

OverviewAt 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 : Time Type : Full timeEmployee Group : StaffJob Category : Strategy and PlanningEmployment Type : PermanentDepartment : Office of the Vice-President Academic and ProvostHiring Range : $131704.19 - $164630.24Posting Information : The internal posting deadline is Thursday September 18 2025 at 11:59PMJob DescriptionPrimary PurposeThe Executive Director leads the Global Futures Office (GFO) advancing the University of Waterloo’s Global Futures initiative — five interconnected areas where the institution aims to make a meaningful impact on humanity and the planet. These futures align with Waterloo’s academic research and institutional strengths, fostering collaboration across disciplines and boundaries.The Global Futures Network (GFN) supports this vision through two core activities:Convene and Connect — Building partnerships across campus and with external stakeholders to promote interdisciplinary initiatives in research, education and serviceSupport and Propel — Providing expertise and shared professional services (including seed funding through the Global Futures Fund) to accelerate impactful initiativesThe Executive Director works closely with the Special Advisor to the President and Provost on Global Futures to lead strategy, operations governance and engagement.Key AccountabilitiesStrategy and PlanningDevelop and implement multi-year and annual strategic plans aligned with institutional priorities (e.g. Waterloo at 100)Ensure GFO activities support GFN’s core functions: Convene and Connect; Support and PropelFacilitate collaboration across campuses and affiliated institutionsDeliver annual planning documents including milestones, progress indicators and a Logic ModelTranslate strategic plans into operational work plans and resource allocationsLeadership and Talent ManagementAdvise campus leaders on Global Futures initiativesDesign and manage a shared professional services model (communications, events, knowledge mobilization)Align services with institutional reviews and future needsOversee staffing, performance management and space planningFoster a collaborative, inclusive and innovative work environmentStakeholder Engagement and PartnershipsIncrease awareness and engagement across internal and external stakeholders and campus partners to provide alternative pathways for further development and potential operationalization of proposed initiativesBuild partnerships with Faculties, Academic Support Units and external organizationsLead roundtables and produce strategic papers for thematic Futures (e.g. Health, Sustainability)Facilitate interdisciplinary proposal developmentRespond to inquiries from partners, the public and campus constituentsFinancial ManagementLead the development and oversight of the GFO’s budgetDesign and manage the Global Futures Fund including policies, criteria and reportingCollaborate with Advancement and Research offices to secure fundingExpand internal and external funding sourcesSocial and Policy EngagementDevelop and implement a strategy for institutional social and policy engagementCentralize and amplify knowledge mobilization effortsStrengthen ties with local, regional, national and international communitiesCommunications and OutreachLead strategic communications and branding for the GFN and GFORepresent Global Futures at key events and forumsOversee campus and community engagement activitiesSupport advancement and alumni engagementGovernance SupportWork with funded initiatives and institutional governance and program development processes to help assess and embed successful activities into university operationsEstablish governance mechanisms for the GFN, GFO and Global Futures FundPrepare reports and updates for Deans Council Plus (DCPlus) Board and SenateCoordinate the GFN Steering Committee and funding adjudication processesRequired QualificationsEducationMasters degree or higher requiredMBA or other management degree is considered an assetProfessional certifications or evidence of ongoing development in management are advantageousExperienceMinimum of 10 years of experience in organizational development and strategic planning, ideally within the higher education sectorProven experience in project development and implementation including financial planning, team leadership, stakeholder engagement and performance evaluationKnowledge / Skills / AbilitiesStrong strategic thinking with the ability to align goals with institutional mission and long-term visionEffective decision-making skills with the ability to act independently and escalate appropriatelyDemonstrated leadership in working across teams and organizational units to foster collaborationExcellent oral and written communication skillsStrong interpersonal skills for engaging diverse internal and external stakeholdersExperience cultivating relationships with funders, academic institutions, industry and governmentAbility to analyze trends, metrics and feedback to inform strategySkilled in change management and navigating organizational transitionsAwareness of global and local challenges relevant to the interdisciplinary scope of the Global Futures frameworkEquity 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 Inuit (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 or ext. 45935.Experience :Key SkillsFiscal ManagementFundraisingManagement ExperienceStrategic PlanningBudgetingGrant WritingLeadership ExperiencePublic SpeakingVacancy: 1Monthly Salary: 131704 - 164630 #J-18808-Ljbffr