Government Relations Consultant

Expected Salary Range: $100943 - $126179 Annually

Target Variable Performance Pay: 10%

The salary range shown above reflects the expected  compensation for this position. The final salary offered will be determined based on a holistic assessment of the candidate’s experience, education, training, and alignment with the role’s requirements. For positions covered by a collective agreement, placement within the range will follow the applicable step or classification.

The Government Relations Consultant is responsible for leading municipal policy and issues management activities aligned with the organization’s corporate objectives, with a focus on City of Toronto operations. Working closely with senior leadership and municipal stakeholders, the role provides policy analysis and strategic advice on emerging issues, identifies and mitigates risks in coordination with internal business units, and pursues advocacy on sensitive matters.

This posting is for an existing vacancy.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Represents Toronto Hydro in highly politicized and high-risk situations affecting brand and reputation, such as complex or sensitive customer escalations, as well as broader corporate interests
• Serves as Toronto Hydro's liaison with elected officials at the ward/riding level (Councillors, MPP’s, MP’s) to resolve issues, identify and mitigate broader corporate risks, and in the promotion of positive customer and stakeholder experience
• Executes strategies to mitigate emerging or identified risks by working closely with subject matter experts and collaborating with government officials
• Generates qualitative and quantitative analysis on emerging municipal and provincial issues to advise senior management
• Conducts research and environmental scanning of the industry and like organizations to understand and validate best practices on emerging risks and issues
• Conducts reviews of government reports or proposals to inform risk mitigation activities and prospective lines of advocacy in support of corporate objectives
• Monitors and reports on developments at City Council, including Council and Committee agendas and meetings

REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor’s degree in Political Science, Public Administration, Public Policy or a related field
• Five (5) or more years of experience in communications, public policy or government relations, including stakeholder relations
• Demonstrated experience writing communications products including briefing notes and key messages
• Strong understanding of municipal and provincial government processes, including the City of Toronto’s operations
• Demonstrated experience engaging with municipal public officials and office holders on complex or sensitive issues
• Experience working in municipal government or municipal government relations strongly preferred
• Knowledge of energy-related policies and the utilities industry is considered an asset
• Demonstrated experience advising and working with senior leaders on the development and implementation of issues management strategies
• Proven analytical, political acuity and problem-solving skills with strong attention to detail
• Strong relationship management skills to build trusted relationships with leaders, internal and external stakeholders 
• Strong networking skills developed through government relations, industry associations and professional associations
• Excellent verbal and written communications skills, including the ability to negotiate
• Proven ability to manage competing priorities and adapt in a fast-paced environment    

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 hr_talent@torontohydro.com 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.