Executive Director, Global Futures

University of Waterloo; Toronto; On-site; CAD 131,000 - 165,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent Canadian university is seeking an Executive Director to lead its Global Futures initiative. This role focuses on strategic planning, partnership building, and financial management. The ideal candidate will have over 10 years of experience in organizational development, alongside strong leadership skills. The position offers a competitive salary in a dynamic academic environment, emphasizing equity and inclusion.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 10 years of experience in organizational development and strategic planning.
• Proven experience in project development and implementation.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Global Futures Office and its initiatives.
• Develop and implement multi-year strategic plans.
• Build partnerships across disciplines and external stakeholders.

Skills

Strategic Planning

Fiscal Management

Fundraising

Leadership Experience

Public Speaking

Education

Masters degree or higher

MBA or other management degree

Job description

Overview

At the University of Waterloo we create and promote a culture where everyone can reach their full potential. As an employee you get support & opportunities that empower you to advance your career. Explore how we can bring big ideas to life together. The University is a welcoming workplace for those of all abilities interests and expertise. As part of our workforce you can do what you do best every day.

Learn more about our recruitment process.

Job Requisition ID : Time Type : Full time

Employee Group : Staff

Job Category : Strategy and Planning

Employment Type : Permanent

Department : Office of the Vice-President Academic and Provost

Hiring Range : $131704.19 - $164630.24

Posting Information : The internal posting deadline is Thursday September 18 2025 at 11:59PM

Job Description

Primary Purpose

The Executive Director leads the Global Futures Office (GFO) advancing the University of Waterloo’s Global Futures initiative — five interconnected areas where the institution aims to make a meaningful impact on humanity and the planet. These futures align with Waterloo’s academic research and institutional strengths, fostering collaboration across disciplines and boundaries.

The Global Futures Network (GFN) supports this vision through two core activities:

• Convene and Connect — Building partnerships across campus and with external stakeholders to promote interdisciplinary initiatives in research, education and service
• Support and Propel — Providing expertise and shared professional services (including seed funding through the Global Futures Fund) to accelerate impactful initiatives

The Executive Director works closely with the Special Advisor to the President and Provost on Global Futures to lead strategy, operations governance and engagement.

Key Accountabilities

Strategy and Planning

• Develop and implement multi-year and annual strategic plans aligned with institutional priorities (e.g. Waterloo at 100)
• Ensure GFO activities support GFN’s core functions: Convene and Connect; Support and Propel
• Facilitate collaboration across campuses and affiliated institutions
• Deliver annual planning documents including milestones, progress indicators and a Logic Model
• Translate strategic plans into operational work plans and resource allocations

Leadership and Talent Management

• Advise campus leaders on Global Futures initiatives
• Design and manage a shared professional services model (communications, events, knowledge mobilization)
• Align services with institutional reviews and future needs
• Oversee staffing, performance management and space planning
• Foster a collaborative, inclusive and innovative work environment

Stakeholder Engagement and Partnerships

• Increase awareness and engagement across internal and external stakeholders and campus partners to provide alternative pathways for further development and potential operationalization of proposed initiatives
• Build partnerships with Faculties, Academic Support Units and external organizations
• Lead roundtables and produce strategic papers for thematic Futures (e.g. Health, Sustainability)
• Facilitate interdisciplinary proposal development
• Respond to inquiries from partners, the public and campus constituents

Financial Management

• Lead the development and oversight of the GFO’s budget
• Design and manage the Global Futures Fund including policies, criteria and reporting
• Collaborate with Advancement and Research offices to secure funding
• Expand internal and external funding sources

Social and Policy Engagement

• Develop and implement a strategy for institutional social and policy engagement
• Centralize and amplify knowledge mobilization efforts
• Strengthen ties with local, regional, national and international communities

Communications and Outreach

• Lead strategic communications and branding for the GFN and GFO
• Represent Global Futures at key events and forums
• Oversee campus and community engagement activities
• Support advancement and alumni engagement

Governance Support

• Work with funded initiatives and institutional governance and program development processes to help assess and embed successful activities into university operations
• Establish governance mechanisms for the GFN, GFO and Global Futures Fund
• Prepare reports and updates for Deans Council Plus (DCPlus) Board and Senate
• Coordinate the GFN Steering Committee and funding adjudication processes

Required Qualifications

Education

• Masters degree or higher required
• MBA or other management degree is considered an asset
• Professional certifications or evidence of ongoing development in management are advantageous

Experience

• Minimum of 10 years of experience in organizational development and strategic planning, ideally within the higher education sector
• Proven experience in project development and implementation including financial planning, team leadership, stakeholder engagement and performance evaluation

Knowledge / Skills / Abilities

• Strong strategic thinking with the ability to align goals with institutional mission and long-term vision
• Effective decision-making skills with the ability to act independently and escalate appropriately
• Demonstrated leadership in working across teams and organizational units to foster collaboration
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Strong interpersonal skills for engaging diverse internal and external stakeholders
• Experience cultivating relationships with funders, academic institutions, industry and government
• Ability to analyze trends, metrics and feedback to inform strategy
• Skilled in change management and navigating organizational transitions
• Awareness of global and local challenges relevant to the interdisciplinary scope of the Global Futures framework

Equity Statement

The University of Waterloo acknowledges that much of our work takes place on the traditional territory of the Neutral, Anishinaabeg and Haudenosaunee peoples. Our main campus is situated on the Haldimand Tract, the land granted to the Six Nations that includes six miles on each side of the Grand River. Our active work toward reconciliation takes place across our campuses through research, learning, teaching and community building and is coordinated within the Office of Indigenous Relations.

The University values the diverse and intersectional identities of its students, faculty and staff. The University regards equity and diversity as an integral part of academic excellence and is committed to accessibility for all employees. The University of Waterloo seeks applicants who embrace our values of equity, anti-racism and inclusion. As such we encourage applications from candidates who have been historically disadvantaged and marginalized, including applicants who identify as First Nations, Métis and/or Inuit (Inuit), Black, racialized, a person with a disability, women and/or 2SLGBTQ.

Positions are open to qualified candidates who are legally entitled to work in Canada.

The University of Waterloo is committed to accessibility for persons with disabilities. If you have any application, interview or workplace accommodation requests please contact Human Resources or ext. 45935.

Experience :

Key Skills

• Fiscal Management
• Fundraising
• Management Experience
• Strategic Planning
• Budgeting
• Grant Writing
• Leadership Experience
• Public Speaking

Vacancy: 1

Monthly Salary: 131704 - 164630