AeroWR Growth Lead

The Role

Leads the day-to-day execution of the AeroWR strategic growth initiative to support, expand, and promote Waterloo Region’s aviation, aerospace, and defence sectors. Cultivates high-impact partnerships at the local, provincial, national, and global levels.

Leads continuous industry engagement, plans flagship sector events, drives the initiative's multi-channel communications strategy, and oversees the execution and provincial reporting for projects funded by the Trade Impacted Community Program.

Duties/Responsibilities

• Serves as the primary operational lead and community point of contact for the AeroWR initiative. Maintains continuous, proactive engagement with local aviation, aerospace, and defence industry stakeholders to understand market needs, supply chain opportunities, and growth barriers.
• Identifies, creates, and cultivates strategic partnerships across local, provincial, national, and global ecosystems. Connects regional enterprises with post-secondary institutions, industry associations, and international trade networks to advance sector innovation and investment.
• Leads the execution, financial tracking, and milestone delivery of projects funded by the provincial Trade Impacted Community Program. Ensures rigorous data collection and prepares all mandatory compliance, impact, and financial reporting required by the province.
• Conceptualizes, plans, and executes bi-annual AeroWR roundtable events. Coordinates logistics, curates agendas, secures speakers, and facilitates discussions to bring together industry leaders, academic institutions, and government partners for collaborative sector planning.
• Generates ongoing, high-quality content to build and maintain the AeroWR brand. Writes, designs, and publishes materials across multiple channels including blogs, social media platforms, digital newsletters, and the AeroWR website. Translates complex industry wins and sector data into compelling public narratives.
• Supports the BuildWR team with industry data, market insights, and partnership opportunities that cross over into the Homes and Strategic Projects pillars.
• Tracks trends, policy shifts, and funding opportunities within the aviation, aerospace, and defence sectors. Prepares briefs and updates for the division leadership.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge and skills are acquired through a 3-year degree/diploma in a related field (such as but not limited to communications, public relations, commerce, public administration, strategic management) and 4 years of related experience, or a 4-year undergraduate degree in a related field and 3 years of experience.
• Knowledge and skill in strategic communications, project management, and community relations.
• Familiarity with the aviation, aerospace, and defence sectors, including stakeholders, regulatory environments, and market trends.
• Written and verbal communication skills with proven ability to generate content for diverse audiences. Proficiency in managing digital channels, including website content management systems (CMS), email marketing software, and social media platforms.
• Strong organizational and event planning skills to manage high-profile roundtables and stakeholder gatherings. Proven project management skills with the ability to manage government-funded projects, track deliverables, and fulfill strict provincial reporting requirements.
• Interpersonal, networking, and facilitation skills to build trust with enterprise leaders, government officials, and community partners. Ability to represent the Region of Waterloo professionally on global, national, and local stages. Ability to participate as an effective team member.
• Computer skills with ability to use software such as Microsoft Office, graphic design/layout tools (e.g., Canva, Adobe Creative Suite), and customer relationship management (CRM) systems. Ability to draft reports, funding updates, correspondence, and promotional materials.
• Ability to travel within and occasionally outside Waterloo Region.
• Ability to support and demonstrate the Region’s values.