Director, Stakeholder Engagement and Experience

About the role

Invest Ottawa is looking for an experienced, empathetic Director, Stakeholder Engagement and Experience to lead two high-performing teams at Bayview Yards, Ottawa's innovation hub. The role unifies experience, sponsorship and partnership strategy and community engagement, driving revenue and reputation. It reports to the Vice President of Marketing and Bayview Impact, is primarily in person at Bayview Yards with some hybrid flexibility, and is a backfill.

Key responsibilities

• Design and deliver an end-to-end stakeholder experience across events, tenancy, sponsorships and onsite activations that reflects Invest Ottawa's brand and innovation story.
• Lead placemaking strategy, blending storytelling, design, technology and programming to create memorable, high-touch experiences.
• Develop and run an integrated sponsorship and partnership strategy focused on long-term sustainability and measurable value.
• Drive earned revenue growth through sponsorships, space usage, events, tenancy and value-added services.
• Build and manage strategic partner relationships, including sponsorship fulfillment and reporting.
• Lead a multidisciplinary team across experience, partnerships, sponsorships and corporate events, acting as coach, ambassador and senior representative.
• Shape strategy through data and community feedback, co-creating annual plans, KPIs and funding proposals.
• Oversee tenant relations, contracting and fulfilment.

Required profile

• Degree in Business, Marketing, Fundraising, Tourism & Hospitality or a 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 track record of deals from $100K to $3M+.
• 5+ years leading and mentoring teams in tech-driven or community-focused organizations.
• Strong writing and presentation skills in English; French is a strong asset.

Required skills

• Experience with contracts, budgeting, negotiation and stakeholder reporting.
• Ability to collect, interpret and analyze data to inform decisions.
• Strong interpersonal, negotiation and communication skills.