Director, Community Relations

Toronto Hydro•Toronto, ON

11d•Hybrid

About The Position

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.

Requirements

Post-secondary education in Communications, Public Relations, Public Administration, Political Science, Business Administration, Urban Planning, or a related field.
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.
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

Nice To Haves

Master's degree (MBA, MPA, or related discipline) is an asset.
Professional certifications such as APR, IAP2, or PMP are considered assets.

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.