Director, Stakeholder Experience & Placemaking

Work-in-Ottawa; Ottawa; On-site; CAD 108,000 - 163,000; Full time

Job summary

Invest Ottawa is seeking a Director, Stakeholder Engagement and Experience to lead two high-performing teams at Bayview Yards, Ottawa’s innovation hub, and to drive memorable experiences, sponsorships, and community engagement.

Based at Bayview Yards with some hybrid work, the role focuses on placemaking, revenue through sponsorships, and building partnerships while upholding white-glove service.

Qualifications

• A degree in Business, Marketing, Fundraising, Tourism & Hospitality, or related field or equivalent leadership experience.
• 7+ years of senior-level experience in innovation, economic development, major events, corporate and strategic partnerships, or placemaking.
• Proven success in revenue generation and sponsorship development, with a documented track record representing deals from $100K to $3M+.
• 5+ years leading and mentoring dynamic teams in tech-driven or community-focused organizations.
• A visionary mindset with a passion for trendspotting, user experience design, and reimagining how spaces can inspire.
• Outstanding interpersonal, negotiation, and communication skills—with a natural ability to turn ideas into action.
• Operational confidence with contracts, budgeting, negotiation, and stakeholder reporting.
• Ability to collect, interpret and analyze data to inform decision-making.
• Skilled at balancing brand, audience needs, and strategic priorities.
• Calm under pressure, able to pivot quickly and make sound decisions in fast-paced environments.
• Deep appreciation for DEI, creative placemaking, and the integration of arts, tech, and culture.
• Strong writing and presentation skills in English with French considered a strong asset

Responsibilities

• Design and deliver a best-in-class, end-to-end stakeholder experience across events, tenancy, sponsorships, and onsite activations that reflects Invest Ottawa’s brand, values, and innovation story.
• Lead placemaking strategy at Bayview Yards, blending storytelling, design, technology, and programming to create memorable, high-touch experiences that inspire curiosity and engagement.
• Develop and execute an integrated sponsorship and partnership strategy focused on long-term sustainability, brand alignment, and measurable value for partners and Invest Ottawa.
• Drive earned revenue growth through sponsorships, space usage, events, tenancy, and value-added services, while ensuring authentic and mission-aligned activations.
• Build, manage, and steward strategic partner relationships, delivering high-quality sponsorship fulfillment, reporting, and continuous value creation.
• Ignite a vibrant, inclusive onsite ecosystem by attracting innovators, partners, and collaborators and fostering meaningful connections through high-impact events and community-driven programming.
• Act as a connector across internal teams and external stakeholders, breaking down silos and aligning shared goals to ensure consistency and excellence in stakeholder experiences.
• Lead and empower a multidisciplinary team across experience, partnerships, sponsorships, and corporate events , fostering a culture of trust, autonomy, experimentation, and service excellence.
• Serve as a coach, ambassador, and senior representative for staff, VIPs, partners, and stakeholders, reinforcing professionalism, responsiveness, and white-glove service standards.
• Shape strategy through data, insights, and community feedback, co-creating annual plans, KPIs, and funding proposals that align with Invest Ottawa’s objectives and Bayview Yards’ growth ambitions.
• Oversee tenant relations, contracting and fulfilment
• Any other duties as assigned by the manager.

Skills

Stakeholder engagement

Sponsorships

Event management

Team leadership

Strategic planning

Negotiation

Communications

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, Fundraising, Tourism & Hospitality, or related field

Equivalent leadership experience

Tools

Contract management

Budgeting

Job description

Invest Ottawa is seeking a Director, Stakeholder Engagement and Experience to lead two high-performing teams at Bayview Yards, Ottawa’s innovation hub, and to drive memorable experiences, sponsorships, and community engagement.

Based at Bayview Yards with some hybrid work, the role focuses on placemaking, revenue through sponsorships, and building partnerships while upholding white-glove service.