Director, Public Engagement

Overview

POSITION TITLE:

Director, Public Engagement

POSITION LOCATION:

Ottawa, Canada (hybrid work model)

REPORTS TO:

CEO

CONTRACT TERM: 12 months (with possibility of extension)

SALARY LEVEL: MGT3 ($112,200 - $132,000)

LANGUAGES

REQUIRED:

English, French

Final date to receive applications:
June 16, 2026

EXPECTED

START DATE:

August 17, 2026

Are you a strategic leader with a proven track record uniting communications, fundraising and public engagement? WUSC is currently looking for a Director, Public Engagement to provide strategic leadership and operational oversight, ensuring WUSC s brand, revenue, and mobilization efforts are synchronized for maximum impact.

WUSC is a Canadian global development organization working to catalyze positive education and economic outcomes for young people. We bring together and collaborate with a diverse network of partners (including students, volunteers, schools, governments, not-for-profits, and businesses) who share this mission. Together, we influence systems change, and foster inclusive, youth-centered solutions that enable young people to thrive and belong. We work with all young people, with a focus on women and displaced populations.

WUSC currently operates in 28 countries across Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and Latin America and the Caribbean, as well as in Canada, with an annual budget of approximately CAD $65 million. Our global team includes over 100 staff in Canada and more than 250 staff internationally, implementing a diverse portfolio of development projects in collaboration with numerous multilateral and bilateral donors, and philanthropic foundations.

Under the supervision of the CEO, the Director, Public Engagement will be responsible for providing strategic leadership and operational oversight for the Communications, Fundraising, and Public Engagement departments s role bridges high-level organizational strategy with the management of a multi-disciplinary team, ensuring that WUSC’s brand, revenue, and mobilization efforts are synchronized for maximum impact.

• Strategic Leadership & Integration
  • Develop and oversee a unified strategy that aligns Communications, Fundraising, and Public Engagement goals to advance organizational objectives.
  • Act as the final authority on organizational voice, brand integrity, and reputational risk management. Monitor reputational risks and Lead on Emergency Communications, as required.
  • Serve as the primary liaison to the Senior Management Team, Global Leadership Team, and Board of Directors on all matters related to external relations and revenue generation.
  • Monitor market trends and real-time performance data across communications, fundraising, and public engagement to suggest improvements and pivots to the team, as required.
• Communications Oversight
  • Directly lead the Communications team to develop and deliver on WUSC’s communications strategy, annual work plan, and budget.
  • Set the cross-department editorial calendar and approve major communications products and activities, ensuring they support brand raising, fundraising, and engagement targets. Mediate competing priorities and timelines across departments.
  • Provide senior-level coaching to the Communications Officers to ensure ongoing professional growth and high-quality output.
  • Develop guides and resources to support other country offices in the development of brand-aligned communications products and activities.
• Cross-Departmental Management
  • Provide strategic supervision and support to the Senior Manager, Fundraising and Manager, Public Engagement, empowering them to lead their respective teams and meet performance targets.
  • Chair regular integration meetings to ensure that communications collateral, donor appeals, and public activations are well-timed and messaged consistently.
  • Develop relationships laterally with other departments to sustain buy-in and collaboration, and gain feedback and suggestions.

• Promote and maintain an organizational culture that advances gender equality, reduces power abuse and inequalities, and fosters trust, respect and safety.
• Create a working environment is free from sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment (SEAH)
• Ens…