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Time Type: Full time

Employee Group: Staff

Job Category: Communications

Employment Type: Permanent

Department: Advancement and External Relations
- Media Relations and Issues Management

Hiring Range: $87,620.25
- $109,525.32

Posting Information: This posting is for an existing vacancy.

The internal posting deadline for this position is August 20, 2026 at 11:59PM.

There are two positions available.

Job Description

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 Media Relations and Issues Management team helps Waterloo communicate clearly when public understanding,



stakeholder trust and institutional reputation are at stake. The team monitors a complex internal and external environment, advises leaders and communicators, and coordinates the messages, materials and responses needed for emerging, sensitive and high-profile matters. Its work is cooperative, evidence-informed and grounded in sound judgment
- bringing together subject-matter expertise from across the University to support timely, aligned and credible communications. The Lead Communications Specialist is an advanced communications specialist role responsible for leading highly complex, high-profile or strategically significant communications initiatives within an assigned area of expertise. The role applies deep communications knowledge, advanced professional judgment and subject-matter expertise to develop communications strategies, guide stakeholder decision-making and support institutional priorities. Working within established governance frameworks and strategic direction, the role independently leads sensitive or institutionally significant communications work, provides expert advice to senior leaders and stakeholders, contributes to the development of communications practices and standards, and supports capability development across the communications function. As a Lead Communications Specialist in Issues Management,



you will take on some of Waterloo’s most complex and consequential communications files. You will assess rapidly changing situations, synthesize sensitive or ambiguous information, advise senior leaders and develop the strategies, key messages, briefing materials and response frameworks that guide institutional action. Working through expertise and influence, you will coordinate stakeholders across the University, identify reputational considerations and support readiness for emerging issues and crises. This advanced specialist role offers substantial autonomy and the opportunity to strengthen how a major public institution responds under pressure
- without carrying formal people-management accountability.

Key Accountabilities

- Strategic Communications Leadership Leads highly complex, high-profile or strategically significant communications initiatives aligned with institutional priorities. Develops communications strategies, approaches and implementation plans that address institutional priorities, stakeholder needs and reputational considerations. Independently leads communications work requiring advanced judgment, analysis and coordination across multiple stakeholders, functions and areas of expertise. Oversees communications activities that involve significant institutional visibility, sensitivity or complexity. Evaluates communications effectiveness and identifies opportunities to strengthen outcomes, engagement and reputation.
- Strategic Messaging and Communications Expertise Leads development of strategic messaging, narratives and communications materials supporting institutional priorities and complex communications objectives. Researches, analyzes and synthesizes complex, sensitive or ambiguous information into clear, compe

📌 Lead Communications Specialist, Issues Management (London)
🏢 University of Waterloo
📍 London