Director, Community Relations

Role Overview

Reporting to the Vice President of Marketing & Public Affairs, the Director of Community Relations spearheads the strategic direction of community engagement, public consultation, stakeholder communications, and issues management activities aligned with Toronto Hydro's operational and infrastructure goals. The role is focused on establishing and nurturing trustworthy relationships with residents, businesses, community groups, elected representatives, and other key stakeholders throughout Toronto.

Through dynamic community engagement and effective consultation processes, the Director ensures that the perspectives of the community shape organizational decision-making and planning while fostering transparency and confidence in Toronto Hydro's services and investment initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement comprehensive strategies for community engagement and stakeholder relations consistent with corporate goals and infrastructure plans.
• Build and sustain strong partnerships with diverse groups including residents, businesses, community bodies, elected officials, and Business Improvement Areas (BIAs).
• Lead and manage community outreach, public consultations, meetings, and engagement efforts supporting capital projects and operational priorities.
• Offer strategic counsel to senior leaders on matters related to community issues, stakeholder concerns, reputational risks, and engagement potential.
• Oversee the resolution of inquiries, complaints, and sensitive or high-profile community issues promptly and effectively.
• Proactively identify, analyze, and manage stakeholder concerns or emerging risks and opportunities that could impact Toronto Hydro’s reputation or priorities.
• Collaborate internally and externally to reduce the community's impact from construction and operational activities.
• Manage departmental budgets and coordinate with external consultants and service providers to deliver impactful engagement efforts.

Qualifications and Experience

• Post-secondary education in fields such as Communications, Public Relations, Public Administration, Political Science, Business Administration, Urban Planning, or related disciplines. An advanced degree (MBA, MPA, or similar) is advantageous.
• At least 10 years of progressive experience in community engagement, stakeholder relations, public affairs, or strategic communications within complex organizational settings, with education and experience considered in tandem.
• Minimum 5 years of progressively responsible leadership experience managing teams and nurturing talent, with senior leadership exposure preferred.
• Professional credentials like APR, IAP2, or PMP are considered valuable assets.
• Experience in handling issues management, stakeholder communications, and managing consultants or vendors.
• Working knowledge of capital construction and infrastructure project environments.
• Exceptional interpersonal and relationship-building abilities capable of instilling credibility and trust among diverse groups.
• Proficient strategic thinker with political insight and sound judgment skillful in handling complex stakeholder dynamics and reputational risks.
• Experienced in advising senior leadership and influencing decisions related to complex or sensitive affairs.
• Strong organizational and project management skills, adept at balancing multiple priorities.
• Excellent communication skills across verbal, written, presentation, and public speaking contexts conveying complex information effectively.
• Dedicated leadership skills with emphasis on employee development, inclusiveness, and team engagement.

Total Rewards

• Full coverage of health and dental benefits by the employer.
• 24/7 access to Employee and Family Assistance Programs along with virtual healthcare services.
• Company-paid life insurance and long-term disability coverage.
• A spending account to support fitness-related goals such as gym memberships.
• Competitive paid time off including vacation and parental leave.
• Defined Benefits Pension Plan participation through OMERS.
• Opportunities for career growth and tuition reimbursement.
• Employee engagement and appreciation events throughout the year.

Work Arrangement

This role features a hybrid working model, allowing remote work two days per week contingent on business needs, with onsite presence required from Tuesday to Thursday. Applicants must reside in Ontario within reasonable commuting distance of the office.

Organizational Ethics

The successful candidate is expected to uphold ethical conduct and comply with Toronto Hydro’s code of business conduct, internal policies, control procedures, and all relevant laws and regulations.

Accessibility and Application Support

Toronto Hydro is committed to providing an inclusive and accessible recruitment experience. Applicants requiring accommodation during the application process may contact Human Resources via a dedicated email or phone number for assistance. Resumes sent to the accommodation contact will not be reviewed. More information regarding accessibility commitments is available upon request.

Use of Technology in Hiring

Toronto Hydro employs emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence to support efficient and unbiased selection processes. These tools assist in screening and assessing candidates alongside human decision-making to ensure fairness.

Additional Information

This vacancy is for an existing position.