Vice President, Public Affairs & Marketing

As a member of the Senior Leadership Team, the Vice President (VP) serves as the lead architect of Toronto Hydro’s brand, accountable for integrating, shaping and evolving Toronto Hydro’s external presence, marketing position and communications approach through leading senior cross-functional collaboration across Toronto Hydro with the needs of our customers, stakeholders, partners and other critical constituencies in mind. This high impact role requires an experienced, creative and insightful people leader and decision-maker to work with the EVP & Chief Customer Officer, Executive team and senior leadership team as a catalyst to drive our brand, marketing and public and stakeholder communications in support of the strategic direction of the organization, and to be accountable for delivering on Toronto Hydro’s commitments to customers and various constituencies.

The VP, Public Affairs & Marketing reports to the EVP & Chief Customer Officer and leads the active growth and progression of the organization’s external presence inclusive of corporate and stakeholder communications, brand development, marketing, digital communications, community engagement and internal and external communications strategies. They provide dynamic oversight, progressive team leadership and strategic direction for planning, implementing, managing and reporting of the organization’s expanding external and internal communication needs; bringing to life our evolving story in ways that engage and align our customers, stakeholders, communities and employees. This includes accountability for overall brand and presence development, media and social media management, community and customer communications and engagement, employee communications, crisis and issues management, and the development of research and execution capabilities to drive customer-focused marketing and awareness programs.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develops and executes enterprise-wide public affairs, communications, and marketing strategy that advances organizational goals and strengthens brand, reputation, customer engagement, industry relations, and partnerships. Creates integrated communications and marketing plans for employees, customers, and external stakeholders.
• Oversees digital and social media strategy and content, ensuring alignment with communications plans. Leads brand presence development, media management, customer and community engagement, employee communications, and issues management. Partners with internal teams to develop cohesive, compelling messaging for key audiences.
• Prepares proactive and reactive executive communications for the President & CEO, Executive Team, and senior leaders, ensuring a unified “one voice” narrative for media and public affairs. Serves as a senior advisor on reputation, messaging, and market positioning. Manages external vendors supporting communications and marketing work.
• Leads strategic market and customer research to inform and refine public affairs, communications, and marketing strategies. Acts as corporate brand steward, driving consistent brand identity and customer-focused marketing across all channels and business units, while monitoring and mitigating brand and reputation risks.
• Builds and maintains strong external stakeholder relationships, including with media partners. Leads media relations, serves as spokesperson as required, and oversees communications for corporate events. Directs crisis communications planning and execution, ensuring the organization has robust protocols and response strategies.
• Protects and enhances the company’s reputation through proactive narrative management and by training internal subject matter experts on media readiness, messaging, and issues preparedness.
• Leads community communications and engagement strategies related to the planning, building, maintenance, and operation of electric utility infrastructure, emphasizing the value and impact of the organization’s work.
• Leads, coaches, and develops a high-performing communications, public affairs, and marketing team, ensuring effective systems, processes, policies, and internal controls that support accurate, timely, and credible communications across all portfolio areas.
• Establishes portfolio strategy, performance metrics, and risk, compliance, and business continuity frameworks that support the division’s mandate and align with the organization’s overall business objectives.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Ten (10) or more years of progressive executive/senior management public affairs, brand or communication leadership experience.
• Fifteen (15) or more years of public affairs and external stakeholder engagement – media, government and large-scale infrastructure development would also be considered assets.
• Specialized energy, utility or linear infrastructure experience in regulated and unregulated settings, whether with either public, private or publicly traded organizations, is preferred.
• Demonstrated experience and positive connections with building and fostering a sophisticated network of external relationships and connections.
• Undergraduate/graduate degree in Communications, Business or related field of study. 
• Demonstrated knowledge of stakeholder, public affairs and media relations strategies, processes and programs.
• Superior understanding of local stakeholder landscape, news media, government leaders (municipal and provincial), and local community dynamics impacting the energy industry and organization specifically.
• Strong, proven experience in orchestrating crisis response management and corporate affairs programs.
• Board room verbal and written communication skills. Exceptional verbal and communication skills with an ability to present and communicate concisely and clearly to a variety of audiences, including in times of crisis.
• At Toronto Hydro, our values guide every decision, action, and outcome. We expect all team members to demonstrate these values in their work:
  • Safety First: Safety and well-being are the foundation of everything we do.
  • Customer-Centred Excellence: Excellence begins with a service and learning mindset.
  • Own the Outcome: Ownership starts with action and ends with results.
  • Driven to Perform: Excellence is the result of determination, curiosity, and drive.
  • Respect Every Voice: Valuing every voice leads to better decisions and outcomes.

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.