Manager, WISA

This temporary 2-year Manager position at the University of Waterloo's Institute for Sustainable Aeronautics will oversee daily operations and support the institute's mission. Key responsibilities include developing partnerships, implementing strategic and communications plans, ensuring financial sustainability, and promoting research. A Bachelor's degree and 3+ years of experience in strategic planning, communications, relationship management, and financial planning are required.

• The Manager is responsible for administering day-to-day operations of the Waterloo Institute for Sustainable Aeronautics (WISA).
• As a member of the WISA leadership team, the Manager will support WISA’s Director and Associate Directors in achieving the mission of the institute.
• This will include the development of internal/external partnerships, the implementation of strategic and communications plans, ensuring the financial sustainability of the institute, and promoting research and knowledge mobilization to advance the mission of WISA.
• Administers the vision and mission of WISA and play a leadership role in achieving these objectives, including, but not limited to:
• Administers the development of, implementation, and reporting on a multi-year strategic plan with guidance and direction from the Director and Associate Directors of WISA
• Supports and nurtures relationships with an external advisory committee, comprised of leaders in aviation and aerospace research and practice from government, business, and civil society
• Implements and manages relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including, but not limited to:
• Coordinates various internal and external contacts for the purpose of establishing research and knowledge mobilization relationships, providing input, fostering funding opportunities, and identifying opportunities for strategic alignment (external partnerships may include industry, government, non-governmental organizations, and academic groups such as external research centres)
• Assists in the development, implementation, and reporting of major research and program funding proposals led by WISA
• Liaises and assists in the development of collaborations with other research Centres/Institutes on campus
• Administers contact management and expert database in collaboration with the Office of Research, Faculties and Media Relations.
• Financial Planning and Management
• Liaises with the Office of Advancement to develop philanthropic support aligned with the mission of WISA
• Oversee development and maintain a professional portfolio of marketing communications materials (including website, social media, brochure, conference booth)
• Oversee media management (e.g., press releases, media interviews, and social media). Support WISA members in media opportunities through coordination with Faculty and University communications staff
• Coordinate, plan, and administer WISA annual general meeting, campus visits, invited lectures, seminars, events and workshops
• Administers market research, internal coordination, and external communication related to education and training programs developed through WISA. Including, but not limited to:
• Supporting UW’s leading aviation/aerospace-related education and training programs, including assisting with the development of a unique-in-Canada Collaborative Aeronautics graduate program led by the WISA Director and Associate Directors.
• MBA or other management degree is an asset.
• Communications - strategies, public relations, meeting planning, and media management.

• Liaises with the Office of Research to develop contracts with funders, as required
• Bachelor’s Degree is required, Master’s Degree preferred
• Demonstrated experience in strategic planning.
• Strong leadership, interpersonal, and communication skills are essential.