Senior Communications Specialist, Velocity

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.

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Time Type:
Full time Employee Group:
Staff Job Category:
Communications

Employment Type:

Permanent Department:
Advancement and External Relations - Communications, Research and Knowledge Hiring Range: $80,248.28 - $

Posting Information:
This posting is for an existing vacancy. The internal posting deadline for this position is September 3, 2026 at 11:59PM

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.

• 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…