| Department: |
University Relations |
Effective Date: |
January, 2012 |
| Grade: |
USG 17
35 hr/wk
|
Reports to: |
Vice-President, University Relations |
General Accountability
Reporting to and working closely with the Vice-President, University Relations, this position is responsible for developing and implementing strategy for special and university-wide initiatives related to activities in the University Relations portfolio. The Associate Vice-President, Strategic Initiatives (AVPSI) works collaboratively and in partnership with the functional heads of Communications and Public Affairs and Government Relations activities. The AVPSI is responsible for the University of Waterloo’s advocacy efforts with government and institutional partners. Within this portfolio, the AVPSI also has responsibility for institutional data analysis projects. In addition, the AVPSI takes leadership and ownership of strategic initiatives and serves as the primary conduit between University Relations and the Office of Development.
The Associate Vice-President, Strategic Initiatives will work in partnership with the Vice-President, University Relations to:
- Ensure university relations activities are consistent with the university’s Sixth Decade Plan
- Enhance the university’s community presence (locally, nationally and internationally) through representation on boards, appropriate positioning and communication
- Oversee collaboration between University Relations and the Office of Development
- Oversee strategic initiatives that are undertaken by the office of the VP, University Relations (e.g., Waterloo Global Science Initiative (WGSI), Entrepreneurship at uWaterloo, Stratford Campus)
- Build the business case, plan and implement an operational model for the university’s physical presence in Toronto and Ottawa
- Support the institution and faculties/deans and their respective professional school directors in growth of the professional and institutional networks associated with faculties and schools with related government ministries, third party and other associations
- Collaborate with Institutional Analysis and Planning (IAP) to establish metrics for and plan for the university to reach the top 100 globally
- Review and renew the economic impact value positioning of the university through appropriate commissioning, inclusion in different studies, whether local, regional, provincial, national, etc.
- Position the institution environmentally, e.g., carbon footprint and other impact work
- Coordinate cross campus initiatives to have our employees and volunteers recognized externally through programs such as “Top 40 under 40”, Barnraiser Award, Order of Canada appointments, etc.
Nature and Scope
1. Organizational Relationships
The incumbent will work closely with the Vice-President, University Relations, the Associate Vice-President, Communications and Public Affairs, and the Senior Director, Government Relations.
The incumbent will also work collaboratively with Office of Development staff and with faculty communication officers ensuring consistent messaging both on and off campus.
Due to the strategic initiatives aspect of the role, the incumbent will also have to work collaboratively with a variety of others including the president, vice-presidents, deans, directors of professional schools, Director of Institutional Analysis and Planning, industrial liaison officers and development officers.
2. Description of general framework and environment
The University of Waterloo has recently split its External/University Relations department into two functional groups with the addition of a new Vice-President, Advancement position. This speaks to the importance the university is placing on university relations dedicating a vice-president to those activities. The Associate Vice-President, Strategic Initiatives will play an important role on matters relating to: internal communications, external communications, government relations, community relations as well as special initiatives such as entrepreneurship activities and the Stratford campus.
3. Significant Internal Relationships
Office of the President/Vice-Chancellor
Vice-President, Academic & Provost
Vice-President, University Relations
Vice-President, Advancement
Vice-President, Administration & Finance
Associate Vice-President, Communications and Public Affairs
Director, Government Relations
Director, Institutional Analysis and Planning
Faculty deans
Directors of professional schools (e.g., Pharmacy, Accounting and Finance, Architecture, etc.)
Office of Development team
Faculty development directors
Faculty and college heads
Communications & Public Affairs team
4. Significant University Relationships
Government staff, politicians, community leaders, uWaterloo partners (e.g., Perimeter Institute re: WGSI), uWaterloo alumni, volunteers, friends, donors and prospects (individual, corporate, foundation, etc.), community organizations such as Communitech, United Way, CTT, etc.
Statistical Data
Specific Accountabilities
The role of University Relations is to foster and support strong relationships with a wide range of external stakeholders and partners for the benefit of students, faculty, staff and the community.
Strategic Planning
- Establishes and implements integrated strategic plans for the University Relations portfolio
- Monitors and evaluates the portfolio’s effectiveness against priorities and performance targets; effects changes required for improvement
- Ensures University Relations programs are in-line with overall university goals and objectives
- Provides input to capital and other university-wide fundraising campaigns and project themes
- Provides advice to academic leaders and senior staff on the feasibility of specific University Relations initiatives and the effectiveness of communications strategies
- Works collaboratively with the Office of Development and Alumni Affairs, works with departments, schools, and research institutes to develop UR/communications strategies that are aligned with university wide priorities
Leadership
- Develop, implement and execute strategic plan for UR – community outreach, public relations, government relations, and other initiatives
- Providing leadership for revenue allocation, communications and policy development
- Project a passion for the university’s sixth decade plan with the highest levels of integrity and authenticity
Relationship with VPUR and senior leadership
- Provide the VPUR with the organizational information needed for its governance responsibilities ensuring each member of the Board of Governors is well-informed with respect to the VPUR’s related responsibilities
- Prepares for the VP/Board tactical, operating and financial plans in-line with the agreed vision and strategic plan
- Develops and maintains strong, open, respectful working relationships
- Effectively communicates and updates VPUR on activities, events and issues with sufficient information to make sound decisions
Fiscal Management
- Prepare annual budget for the approval of the VPUR and thereafter monitor the budget, maintain financial reports in an up-to-date and organized manner
- Develop long-range fiscal plan. Chart growth and anticipate new challenges
- Ensure compliance with all fiscal policies and procedures and communicate any possible financial problems
- Attempt to minimize operating expenses
University Relations and Advocacy
- Strengthen uWaterloo’s profile in the region, province, and nationally, with range of stakeholders – government leaders through to funders and future prospective students
- Develop and maintain a high level of awareness of the needs of the community through regular assessment and evaluation of relative needs
- Forge friendly relationships with community agencies, residents, donors, corporations, government staff, volunteers and board members
- Expand market presence, develop sustainable competitive advantage and build brand equity
- Advocacy
- Submissions to government
- Environmental scanning and institutional data analysis and benchmarking
- Publish some ofthe key data about the university, particularly with regard to accountability and performance:
- institutional rankings
- key performance indicators
- community impact
- progress against plan
- facts and figures
- Be an ambassador for the organization; continue to raise awareness for the mission, while further developing external partnerships and networks
- Comfortable acting as spokesperson for the university
Administration and Staff Development
- Engaged and collaborative management style
- Overall responsibility for the administration of programs
- Focus on internal operational efficiencies
- Engage senior leaders to leverage collective expertise, abilities and connections
- Inspire and motivate a strong dynamic team by setting clear goals, objectives and priorities for overall success and career development
Working Conditions
