Executive Director, Global Engagement

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This posting is for an existing vacancy.
The internal posting deadline for this position is Thursday February 12 2026 at 11:59PM

Job Description:

Primary Purpose

The Executive Director University Global Engagement leads the strategic advancement of the University of Waterloos internationalization efforts. This role drives the development of academic institutional (MOU) partnerships mobility programs revenue generation through enrolment priorities aligned with the internationalization strategy while enhancing the universitys global reputation and supporting institutional goals under the Waterloo at 100 strategic plan.

Key Accountabilities

Strategic Leadership

• Coordinate the activities of the Global Engagement Steering Committee including senior university leaders supporting its role indetermininginstitutional international strategy setting priorities and monitoring progress.
• Advance the universitys international priorities across five Global Futures domains: Societal Health Sustainable Technological and Economic futures.
• Integrate global perspectives into institutional planning and decision-making in collaboration with senior leadership.

International Agreements and Mobility Programs

• Lead the development negotiation and oversight of international exchange agreements and xy articulation agreements with prioritized global partner institutions based on the international strategy.
• Ensure alignment of mobility programs with academic standards student experience goals and strategic international priorities in consultation withappropriate bodiesacross campus.
• Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of international academic partnerships and mobility programs and recommend improvements.

Delegation and Travel Coordination

• Coordinate executive travel to priority regions for student recruitment revenue and strategic partnership development ensuring alignment with institutional goals.
• Collaborate with Advancement and Alumni Relations.
• Provide briefing materials and post-visit reports to support strategic follow-up and relationship building.

Scholarship Programs and Student Support

• Oversee Waterloos participation in programs such as ERASMUS Global Affairs Canada International Scholarships Global Skills Opportunity Queen Elizabeth Scholars.
• Coordinate the activities of the Global Emergency Relief Student Fund supporting the creation and maintenance of terms of reference coordination with RO and GSPA on administration of fund and with Advancement on expanding the fund.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Engage with external stakeholders to advance Waterloos internationalization efforts and strategy (e.g. Canadian Bureau for International Education Universities Canada etc.).
• Engage internal stakeholders including faculty staff and students to promote global opportunities and build capacity for international collaboration.
• Support advancement and alumni relations in global contexts.

Communications and Advocacy

• Lead strategic communications to enhance Waterloos global brand and visibility.
• Develop outreach campaigns to promote international programs and achievements.
• Serve as a spokesperson for global engagement initiatives.

Required Qualifications

Education

• Masters or doctoral degree in international relations global studies higher education leadership or a related field.

Experience

• Minimum 10 years of progressive leadership experience in international education global strategy or academic administration.
• Proventrack recordof developing and managing international partnerships and programs.
• Strong understanding of global higher education trends policy environments and intercultural dynamics.
• Exceptional communication negotiation and stakeholder engagement skills.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

• Experience working in a research-intensive university.
• Familiarity with Canadian and international funding mechanisms.
• Demonstrated commitment to equity diversity inclusion and reconciliation in global contexts.

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 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.