Lead Communications Specialist, Issues Management

University of Waterloo; Southwestern Ontario; On-site; CAD 88,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Waterloo is seeking a Lead Communications Specialist in the Media Relations and Issues Management team. The role leads complex, high-profile communications initiatives, develops strategic messaging, and guides decision-making for senior leaders across the institution.

Qualifications include an undergraduate degree and 6+ years in communications, with proven ability to manage reputationally sensitive issues and advise project teams.

Qualifications

• 6+ years of progressively responsible communications experience.
• Experience leading complex, high-profile communications initiatives.
• Experience developing strategic messaging and content for sensitive matters.
• Experience advising senior leaders or project teams.
• Experience managing reputationally sensitive issues.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic communications leadership for highly complex initiatives.
• Lead development of strategic messaging and communications materials.
• Advise senior leaders and stakeholders on communications risks and approaches.
• Coordinate cross-functional stakeholders to align institutional communications.

Skills

Strategic communications

Stakeholder engagement

Crisis communications

Media relations

Writing & editing

Education

Undergraduate degree in communications or related field

Job description

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.

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 collaborative, 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, compelling and audience-appropriate communications. Produces and reviews high-profile communications products across print, digital, executive and stakeholder-facing formats. Ensures communications are accurate, accessible, inclusive and aligned with institutional voice, tone and strategic direction. Provides subject-matter expertise on messaging, positioning and communications approaches within area of specialization.
• Stakeholder Partnership and Strategic Advisory Provides advanced communications advice and recommendations to senior leaders, stakeholders and project teams. Advises on communications risks, stakeholder considerations, reputational implications and implementation approaches. Builds trusted relationships with leaders, service partners and stakeholders across the institution. Influences communications approaches and decision-making through expertise, credibility and professional judgment. Supports complex stakeholder engagement, consultation and alignment activities.
• Issues Management, Risk Awareness and Institutional Readiness Identifies communications risks, stakeholder concerns and reputational considerations associated with institutional initiatives and decisions. Leads communications planning and implementation for sensitive, high-risk or emerging issues within area of expertise. Monitors internal and external environments to identify issues, trends and developments that may affect institutional communications. Advises stakeholders on communications implications, mitigation approaches and response considerations. Supports institutional preparedness, response planning and emergency communications activities as required.
• Measurement, Continuous Improvement and Practice Leadership Evaluates communications effectiveness, audience insight, stakeholder feedback and performance information to identify trends, risks and opportunities. Uses qualitative and quantitative information to inform recommendations, improve communications outcomes and strengthen institutional effectiveness. Contributes to the development and enhancement of communications frameworks, standards, tools and practices. Identifies opportunities to strengthen communications consistency, capability and service delivery across the institution. Provides leadership, coaching and guidance to communications colleagues and stakeholders on complex communications matters. Shares knowledge, lessons learned and emerging practices to support capability development across the communications function.

Required Qualifications

Education

Undergraduate degree in communications, public relations, journalism, English, marketing, political science or a related field. Continued post-degree coursework is an asset.

Experience

• 6 or more years of progressively responsible communications experience.
• Experience leading highly complex, high-profile or strategically significant communications initiatives.
• Experience developing strategic messaging and producing high-quality communications content for sensitive or high-visibility matters.
• Experience providing communications advice and recommendations to senior leaders, stakeholders or project teams.
• Experience managing reputationally sensitive, complex or emerging communications issues.
• Experience working in higher education, the broader public sector or another complex multi-stakeholder environment is an asset.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

• Advanced communications planning, strategic messaging, writing, editing and content-development skills.
• Ability to independently lead highly complex or strategically significant communications initiatives within established frameworks.
• Strong analytical skills and ability to synthesize information from multiple sources to inform recommendations and decisions.
• Ability to assess communications risks, stakeholder implications and reputational considerations and determine appropriate courses of action.
• Ability to interpret audience, stakeholder and performance information and apply insights to improve communications outcomes.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to communicate complex information effectively.
• Strong stakeholder relationship-management, consultation and advisory skills.
• Ability to provide guidance, coaching and informal leadership within area of expertise.
• Strong project leadership, coordination and organizational skills.
• Sound judgment, problem-solving capability and decision-making skills in complex, sensitive or ambiguous situations.
• Proficiency with communications, digital, reporting and collaboration tools.

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 Inuk (Inuit), Black, racialised, 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 at [e-mail] or 519-888-4567, ext. 45935.

At the University of Waterloo, we think differently, we act with purpose, and we work together. We advance learning and knowledge through teaching, research, and scholarship, nationally and internationally, in an environment of free expression and enquiry. We are a leading global research-intensive university, renowned for entrepreneurship and innovation, providing co-op and work-integrated learning at scale with impact. Learn more about Waterloo

Internal candidates are reviewed first before external applicants are considered. Due to the volume of applications, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.