This job posting is a backfill for an existing vacancy within our organization.

At Invest Ottawa (IO), we empower the brightest minds and boldest innovators across Canada's Capital. Join our team and help shape a magnetic experience that delights entrepreneurs, partners, and community members who visit Bayview Yards - Ottawa's dynamic innovation hub, managed by Invest Ottawa and through corporate events.

We are seeking an experienced and empathetic Director, Stakeholder Engagement and Experience to lead two high-performing teams, create memorable and impactful customer experiences through innovative placemaking strategies, strengthen stakeholder relationships, and drive revenue and reputation for Bayview Yards and Invest Ottawa as a whole.

This role unifies the leadership of innovative space experience, sponsorship and partnership strategy, and community engagement under one mandate-ensuring every touchpoint feels cohesive, compelling, and meaningful for our partners, tenants, clients, and guests.

Spanning 55,000 square feet at the gateway to Westboro, Bayview Yards is not just a space, it's an experience. A collaborative epicenter that pulses with creativity, Bayview is home to the city's top tech talent, startups, scaleups, and changemakers. It's where vision becomes reality-complete with a prototyping lab, hybrid event spaces, an iconic red staircase to a riverside terrace, and a community garden. It's a place that sparks imagination and leaves visitors saying "wow."

• Corporate Pay Band F: $108,000- $163,000
• Hiring Salary Range: $108,000-$130,000
• Reason for opening: Backfilling a vacancy
• The role is primarily based in person at Bayview Yards, Ottawa's innovation hub, with flexibility for some hybrid work

WHY THIS ROLE:

Reporting to the Vice President of Marketing and Bayview Impact, the Director, Stakeholder Engagement Experience is a visionary, experience-driven leader who will:

• Curate exceptional and emotionally engaging experiences that transform every touchpoint into a "moment of delight."
• Foster a thriving onsite and extended innovation community.
• Lead a creative, high-performing team that delivers impact at scale.
• Champion the continuous evolution of Bayview Yards and other Invest Ottawa properties as innovation landmarks, aligned with future-forward urban development initiatives such as Ottawa's Innovation Village.

WHAT YOU WILL BE DOING:

• Design and deliver a best-in-class, end-to-end stakeholder experience across events, tenancy, sponsorships, and onsite activations that reflects Invest Ottawa's brand, values, and innovation story.
• Lead placemaking strategy at Bayview Yards, blending storytelling, design, technology, and programming to create memorable, high-touch experiences that inspire curiosity and engagement.
• Develop and execute an integrated sponsorship and partnership strategy focused on long-term sustainability, brand alignment, and measurable value for partners and Invest Ottawa.
• Drive earned revenue growth through sponsorships, space usage, events, tenancy, and value-added services, while ensuring authentic and mission-aligned activations.
• Build, manage, and steward strategic partner relationships, delivering high-quality sponsorship fulfillment, reporting, and continuous value creation.
• Ignite a vibrant, inclusive onsite ecosystem by attracting innovators, partners, and collaborators and fostering meaningful connections through high-impact events and community-driven programming.
• Act as a connector across internal teams and external stakeholders, breaking down silos and aligning shared goals to ensure consistency and excellence in stakeholder experiences.
• Lead and empower a multidisciplinary team across experience, partnerships, sponsorships, and corporate events , fostering a culture of trust, autonomy, experimentation, and service excellence.
• Serve as a coach, ambassador, and senior representative for staff, VIPs, partners, and stakeholders, reinforcing professionalism, responsiveness, and white-glove service standards.
• Shape strategy through data, insights, and community feedback, co-creating annual plans, KPIs, and funding proposals that align with Invest Ottawa's objectives and Bayview Yards' growth ambitions.
• Oversee tenant relations, contracting and fulfilment
• Any other duties as assigned by the manager.

WHAT YOU HAVE ACCOMPLISHED/ GAINED THROUGHOUT YOUR CAREER:

• A degree in Business, Marketing, Fundraising, Tourism & Hospitality, or 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 documented track record representing deals from $100K to $3M+.
• 5+ years leading and mentoring dynamic teams in tech-driven or community-focused organizations.
• A visionary mindset with a passion for trendspotting, user experience design, and reimagining how spaces can inspire.
• Outstanding interpersonal, negotiation, and communication skills-with a natural ability to turn ideas into action.
• Operational confidence with contracts, budgeting, negotiation, and stakeholder reporting.
• Ability to collect, interpret and analyze data to inform decision-making.
• Skilled at balancing brand, audience needs, and strategic priorities.
• Calm under pressure, able to pivot quickly and make sound decisions in fast-paced environments.
• Deep appreciation for DEI, creative placemaking, and the integration of arts, tech, and culture.
• Strong writing and presentation skills in English with French considered a strong asset

Why This Role is Special

You won't just lead a hub or find any sponsor. You'll craft a destination. A canvas for innovation where people come to connect, collaborate, and be inspired. You'll make Bayview Yards and every IO experience more than a place-it will become a feeling, an experience, and a signature part of Ottawa's innovation story.

Department Marketing Locations Ottawa Yearly salary CAD108,000 - CAD130,000 Employment type Full-time Apply for this job