Director, Co-operative and Experiential Education Communications

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: 2026-01702 Time Type: Full time Employee Group: Staff Job Category: Communications Employment Type: Permanent Department: Advancement and External Relations
- Communications and Institutional Relations Hiring Range: $113,285.63
- $141,607.03 Posting Information: This posting is for an existing vacancy. The internal posting deadline for this position is Thursday, August 20, 2026 at 11:59PM. The University of Waterloo is a leading global innovation hub that drives economic and social prosperity for Canada and the world. With more than 41,000 students, we are home to the world's largest co-op education talent pipeline, to game-changing research and technology, and to an unmatched entrepreneurial culture. Together, these create partnerships and solutions to tackle today’s and tomorrow’s challenges. At the university, the Marketing and Communications function is responsible for enhancing and protecting the university’s reputation. The communications function specifically 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 Co-operative and Experiential Education communications team helps Waterloo engage the employers, industry leaders, community organizations, government stakeholders and sector partners who make experience-driven learning possible. The team develops employer
- and partner-facing communications that build understanding of Waterloo’s approach to co-operative and experiential education, highlight the contributions of students and partners, and support strong, enduring relationships. Working closely with CEE leaders and colleagues across Waterloo’s communications and marketing functions, the team brings stakeholder insight and local expertise to coordinated institutional communications. The Director, Co-operative and Experiential Education Communications is the senior communications lead for Co-operative and Experiential Education’s (CEE) employer
- and partner-facing communications. The role applies institutional communications strategy by advising CEE leaders, leading the embedded employer communications team and aligning CEE communications with university priorities, standards and service-line direction. Serving as the principal communications bridge between CEE and central teams, the Director ensures local needs, risks and opportunities are integrated with institutional direction and support. The role is accountable for ensuring employer
- and partner-facing communications are strategically grounded, coordinated and aligned with the wider communications function. As the senior communications lead for CEE’s employer
- and partner-facing portfolio, you will shape how Waterloo communicates one of its most distinctive strengths: connecting learning with the changing world of work. You will advise the Associate Provost and CEE leadership, lead and develop the communications team, and set priorities for communications involving employers, partners, work-integrated learning and talent development. The role calls for strategic judgment, political acuity and an instinct for partnership. You will connect stakeholder needs with institutional direction, identify emerging opportunities and sensitivities, and help Waterloo communicate with clarity and credibility across a complex external network. Key Accountabilities Strategic Communications Leadership Serves as the senior communications adviser to the Associate Provost, Co-operative and Experiential Education and the CEE leadership team on communications priorities, stakeholder considerations, positioning, and communications approaches. Supports leaders in translating CEE priorities into clear communications strategies aligned with university direction. Advises on the communications implications of strategic initiatives, external engagement activities, institutional positioning, organizational change, emerging issues, and stakeholder opportunities. Provides strategic counsel on employer, partner, government, and sector stakeholder communications. Institutional Communications Strategy Application Applies institutional narrative direction, messaging frameworks, planning expectations, and communications standards within CEE's employer
- and partner-facing context. Ensures CEE communications reflect Waterloo's priorities, voice, and governance requirements while remaining relevant to employer, partner, government, and sector audie