Director, Community Relations

WORK ILLUSTRATION

Reporting to the Vice President, Marketing & Public Affairs, the Director, Community Relations provides strategic leadership for community engagement, public consultation, issues management, and stakeholder communication initiatives in support of the organization's operations and infrastructure investment programs. This role is responsible for building and maintaining trusted relationships with residents, businesses, community organizations, elected officials and other key stakeholders across the city of Toronto. Through effective engagement and consultation, the Director ensures community perspectives inform organizational planning and decision-making, while fostering transparency and confidence in Toronto Hydro's services and investments.

The Director provides strategic leadership in community relations, stakeholder engagement, public consultation and issues management to support the organization’s operational and capital priorities. Working collaboratively across the organization, the Director develops and implements strategic advice and helps mitigate reputational and operational risks to support the successful delivery of key initiatives.

The successful candidate is an experienced and collaborative leader with exceptional relationship building, communication and strategic thinking skills. They are adept at navigating complex stakeholder environments, balancing diverse interests and providing practice advice that supports operational objectives while strengthening relationships with the communities we serve.

The incumbent is expected to behave ethically and follow the established code of business conduct, policies and internal control procedures, laws and regulations governing Toronto Hydro. 

This posting is for an existing vacancy.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develop and execute community engagement and stakeholder relations strategies that in alignment with organizational objectives and infrastructure investment plans.


• Build and maintain strong relationships with residents, businesses, community organizations, elected officials, Business Improvement Areas (BIAs), and other key stakeholders.


• Lead proactive community engagement activities, public consultations, meetings, and outreach initiatives in support of capital projects and operational priorities.


• Provide strategic advice to senior leadership on community issues, stakeholder concerns, reputational risks, and engagement opportunities.


• Oversee the management and resolution of community inquiries, complaints, and high-profile or sensitive issues.


• Anticipate, assess and manage community and stakeholder issues that may affect organizational priorities or reputation and identify emerging risks, trends, and opportunities to strengthen public trust and support.


• Collaborate with internal teams and external partners to minimize community impacts related to construction and operational activities.


• Manage departmental budgets, external consultants, and service providers to ensure effective delivery of engagement programs.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Post-secondary education in Communications, Public Relations, Public Administration, Political Science, Business Administration, Urban Planning, or a related field. Master's degree (MBA, MPA, or related discipline) is an asset.


• Minimum ten (10) years of progressive experience in community engagement, stakeholder relations, public affairs, or strategic communications within a complex environment. A combination of education and experience may be considered.


• Minimum five (5) years of progressive leadership experience managing teams and developing talent, senior leadership experience is preferred.


• Professional certifications such as APR, IAP2, or PMP are considered assets.


• Experience in issues management, stakeholder communications, and vendor or consultant management.


• Familiarity with capital construction and infrastructure project environments.


• Exceptional relationship-building and interpersonal skills, with the ability to establish credibility and trust with diverse stakeholders.


• Strong strategic thinking, political acuity and sound judgement with experience managing complex stakeholders and reputational risk.


• Experience providing strategic advice to senior leaders and influencing decision making on complex or sensitive issues.  


• Excellent project management and organizational skills with the ability to manage competing priorities.


• Superior verbal, written, presentation, and public speaking skills, with the ability to communicate complex information clearly and effectively.


• Strong leadership skills with a commitment to employee development, inclusion, and team engagement         

TOTAL REWARDS

To support the overall well-being and success of our employees, Toronto Hydro provides a comprehensive total rewards package which includes:

• 100% employer paid Health & Dental benefits


• 24/7 access to Employee & Family Assistance Program and Virtual Healthcare


• Company-paid life insurance and long term disability


• Spending account to support fitness goals (e.g. gym memberships)


• Competitive paid time off (including vacation and parental leave)


• Defined Benefits Pension Plan through OMERS


• Career development and tuition reimbursement


• Exciting employee engagement and appreciation events throughout the year

This position is based in a hybrid environment allowing for remote work two days per week, based on business needs. Employees will be required to come onsite Tuesday to Thursday. You are expected to live in Ontario and within reasonable commuting distance of the office.

Toronto Hydro is committed to leveraging new technologies to support an efficient and inclusive recruitment process. As part of this, artificial intelligence (AI) systems may be used to assist in screening, assessing, or selecting applicants for this position. These tools are used in combination with human decision-making to ensure fairness and consistency. 

ACCESSIBILITY AND APPLICATION SUPPORT

Toronto Hydro is committed to fostering an inclusive and accessible recruitment process. Thank you for considering a career with Toronto Hydro. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates. If you’re having difficulty using our online application system and require accommodation, please email [email protected] or call (416) 542-8000. Toronto Hydro is pleased to provide reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals throughout the job application process. Please note this email is for accommodation requests only. Resumes sent to this email address will not be considered. Learn more about our commitment to accessibility.