Executive Director, Global Engagement

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Posting Information:

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

Reporting to the Associate Vice-President, Strategic Enrolment Management, the Executive Director, University Global Engagement, leads the strategic advancement of the University of Waterloo’s 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 university’s 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 in determining institutional international strategy, setting priorities, and monitoring progress.
• Advance the university’s 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 x+y 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 with appropriate bodies across 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 Waterloo’s 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 Waterloo’s 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 Waterloo’s global brand and visibility.
• Develop outreach campaigns to promote international programs and achievements.
• Serve as a spokesperson for global engagement initiatives.

Required Qualifications

Education

• Master’s 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.
• Proven track record of 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 at hrhelp@uwaterloo.ca or 519-888-4567, ext. 45935.