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
