Manager, WISA

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Posting Information:
This posting is for an existing vacancy.

The internal posting deadline for this position is September 24, 2026 at 11:59PM

This position is being offered as a Secondment or contract opportunity. Term: 2 years

Job Description:

Primary Purpose

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.

This position is central to advancing the University of Waterloo (UW) as a hub for sustainable aeronautical research and education.

Key Accountabilities

Strategy and Leadership

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;

• Monitors and advises on the progress of WISA relative to its objectives, goals, and targets;

• 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;

• Supports the formation and executes communication with the WISA Board, committees, and Members with guidance and direction from the Director and Associate Directors.

Partnership Development

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);

• Liaises with members and external partners to support potential research opportunities through calls for proposals and expressions of interest from external relationships;

• Assists in the formation of cross-campus collaborative and interdisciplinary research teams and funding proposals;

• 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

Monitors the day-to-day finances of WISA to ensure a sustainable cash flow, including, but not limited to:

• Implements and executes the financial administration of resources and activities to advance the mission of WISA;

• Consults with Human Resources, Finance, Procurement, to ensure activity is in compliance with UW guidelines, policies and procedures;

• Executes budget preparation and monitoring to ensure resources are allocated and tracked appropriately according to University and funders’ and granting agency policies;

• Liaises with the Office of Research to develop contracts with funders, as required;

• Liaises with the Office of Advancement to develop philanthropic support aligned with the mission of WISA;

• Administers and assigns tasks to staff, such as a part-time Simulator Technician or student co-op/volunteers.

Communications, Marketing and Knowledge Mobilization

• Administers the WISA brand strategy;

• 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;

• Implements content for website and social media accounts;

• Coordinate, plan, and administer WISA annual general meeting, campus visits, invited lectures, seminars, events and workshops

• Advocates for the mission of WISA by responding to inquiries from prospective partners, media, and the general public;

• Administer the preparation of the annual report and newsletters for university administration, WISA membership, and external partners.

Advance Education and Training

Administers market research, internal coordination, and external communication related to education and training programs developed through WISA. Including, but not limited to:

• Advocating for WISA training programs, involving a combination of online courses, faculty-student interactions (research, workshops, seminars, internships), connecting students with external organizations (research, project courses, and internships), and supporting the activities of the WISA-affiliated student association.

• 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.

Required Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor’s Degree is required, Master’s Degree preferred; equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered,

• Degree or experience working in an aviation / aerospace-related field is an asset,

• Professional certification within an aviation / aerospace field is an asset (for example, holding a commercial or airline transport pilot’s license),

• MBA or other management degree is an asset.

Experience

3+ years of practical work experience in scientific, academic, or aviation / aerospace sectors with direct experience in:

• Demonstrated experience in strategic planning.

• Communications - strategies, public relations, meeting planning, and media management.

• Relationship development and management

• Financial planning – budget management, project development and implementation, team development, management, and monitoring and reporting.

• Aviation and/or aerospace education or training professional practice is an asset.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

• Proven ability to work successfully with a wide range of groups and individuals, including community groups, researchers, the private sector, and multiple levels of government.

• Knowledge of sustainability issues in aviation and/or aerospace (or a closely aligned field) as well as related governance and professional practice is an asset.

• Strong leadership, interpersonal, and communication skills are essential.

• Proven management and strategic planning skills.

• Excellent writing and presentation skills (verbal/written; listening).

• Intermediate computer skills: Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint.

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 [email protected] or 519-888-4567, ext. 45935.