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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 team 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 workplace - 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 s

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📌 Senior Communications Specialist, Velocity (Ontario)
🏢 Uwaterloo
📍 Ontario