Senior Communications Specialist, Velocity

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Job Requisition ID

2026-02566

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 - $100,310.35

Posting Information

This posting is for an existing vacancy.

The internal posting deadline for this position is September 3, 2026 at 11:59PM

Job Description:

Primary Purpose

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 Senior Communications Specialist, Velocity is a senior role responsible for leading complex or specialized communications initiatives supporting Waterloo’s Velocity incubator. The role applies advanced communications expertise, professional judgment and analytical capability to plan, develop, implement and evaluate communications strategies, messaging and content aligned with institutional priorities. Working within established frameworks and governance, the role independently manages substantive work, provides guidance to colleagues and stakeholders, and contributes to the continuous improvement of communications practices, processes and outcomes.

Within the Velocity portfolio, the role leads complex or specialized communications initiatives that build awareness, engagement and participation across entrepreneurship, innovation and startup programs. The role develops strategic messaging, communications plans and compelling audience-focused content that highlights founders, ventures, student entrepreneurs, innovation initiatives and ecosystem partnerships. Working closely with Velocity leaders, program teams, founders, mentors, industry partners and campus stakeholders, the role provides specialized communications advice and coordinates integrated delivery to strengthen recruitment, participation, community engagement and the visibility of Waterloo’s innovation ecosystem.

Velocity is Waterloo’s flagship entrepreneurship   centre   and a founder-first community that helps ambitious people move from idea to early-stage startup and beyond. Its communications work connects student entrepreneurs, founders, mentors, industry partners, alumni and campus collaborators with the programs,   expertise   and opportunities that help ideas grow.   Working with   the   Velocity   t eam   and partners across Waterloo,   the   communications   team   translates the breakthrough ideas   and ventures   emerging   from one of Canada’s most distinctive innovation ecosystems.

The primary focus of the role

Working at the intersection of innovation, entrepreneurship and   post-secondary   education, the Senior Communications Specialist will lead specialized communications initiatives that build awareness,   engagement   and participation.   You will develop strategic messaging, communications plans and audience-focused content that highlights founders, ventures, student entrepreneurs,   innovation ,   and ecosystem partnerships. Working closely with Velocity leaders, program teams, founders, mentors, industry   partners   and campus stakeholders, you will independentl y mana ge high -   profile initiatives ,   provide   specialized communications   advice   and coordinate delivery across multiple contributors and channels. The role combines advanced professional judgment with the energy of a founder-first environment   —   i f   you're   ready to create real impact through storytelling and innovation in strategic communications, ampl ifying the people   and discoveries that are   building   what's   next, this role is for you.

Key Accountabilities

Velocity Communications

• 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.

Communications Planning and Delivery

• 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.

Strategic Messaging and Content Development

• 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 formats.

• Ensures communications are accurate, accessible, inclusive and aligned with institutional voice, tone and standards.

• Identifies opportunities to strengthen storytelling, audience engagement and communications effectiveness.

Stakeholder Partnership and Advisory Support

• Works with leaders, clients and stakeholders to understand objectives, define requirements and support effective communications delivery.

• Provides practical advice and specialized subject-matter expertise related to communications planning, messaging, audience engagement and implementation approaches.

• Builds productive working relationships with stakeholders, service partners and colleagues across the institution.

• Provides guidance and informal support to colleagues and partners within area of expertise.

• Escalates issues