Community Relations Consultant

at  Hydro One Networks Inc

49800 - Toronto - Regular - Ongoing
Hydro One is proud to be the largest electricity transmission and distribution provider in Ontario, serving nearly 1.4 million customers. We have a long history in the industry with our roots dating back over 110 years to 1906. Since then, we have worked to grow and evolve to meet the changing needs of our customers and communities across Ontario. Today, we’re focused on providing exceptional customer service and ensuring we are building safe communities where we live, work and play.
It’s an exciting time to join the team at Hydro One!

GENERAL ACCOUNTABILITIES:

• Compile and maintain community profile database.
• Identify key stakeholders affected by the project or who may have an interest in the project e.g. elected officials (e.g., mayors, councillors, MPPs), municipal/regional/county staff, public interest and ratepayers groups, media, members of the general public and other key stakeholders for each transmission project or community issue.
• Research interests, demographics and unique features of the community (e.g., recent economic and growth trends and new facilities development).
• Prepare a range of written documents and communication pieces to inform/educate stakeholders about Hydro One activities/projects.
• Respond to written enquiries and document consultation process in reports for the purposes of regulatory proceedings including written products such as letters, reports, notes of meeting, evidence for regulatory applications and hearings, news releases, newspaper ads, information panels and web copy in support of transmission projects or community issues.
• Attend team meetings for transmission projects and community issues.
• Represent corporate communications and the community relations viewpoints in discussions of local project requirements and strategies to address issues.
• Assist senior staff in implementing community relations programs.
• Prepare supporting documents and materials for discussions and meetings with key audiences (e.g., council presentation).
• Organize public consultation activities, e.g., public information centres, community meetings and other community events in support of Hydro One transmission project.
• Represent the company at other municipal, community or special events to further corporate objectives (e.g., trades shows, local fairs, community presentations, municipal conferences, etc,). Manage logistics with respect to venues, arranging staff attendance and the production and transport of supporting materials.
• Provide a communications link between key stakeholders (e.g., municipal staff, elected officials, special interest groups, property owners) and Hydro One’s corporate communications staff.
• Ensure information exchange is conducted in a timely manner and updates are provided on a regular basis.
• Document all correspondence, written and oral in database.
• Respond to telephone or email enquiries from the general public and the media when they show interest or concern in matters related to Hydro One projects or other activities or issues affecting Hydro One served communities.
• Track all public contacts in database.
• Keep up-to-date with the latest developments in the field of community relations/public affairs and specifically public consultation research and techniques.
• Perform other duties as required.
• Positions located in Thunder Bay, Southwestern Ontario and Toronto

EDUCATION:

• Requires a knowledge of corporate communications specializing in public affairs and consultation to evaluate and interpret trends and public opinion patterns.
• Requires a good knowledgeof English and communication skills to effectively communicate both orally and in writing with all levels of management, municipals officials, community leaders and the general public.
• This knowledge is considered to be normally acquired through the completion of 4 years of University training (Grade XII plus 5 years).

EXPERIENCE:

• Requires experience in such fields as corporate communications, public affairs and media relations to be familiar with the preparation of public information centres, stakeholder meetings, the preparation of material for publication, documentation testimony at public hearings for public relations and public consultation programs.
• Requires experience to be familiar with the organization, the responsibilities, contacts in the areas to be serviced, the developing and organizing of community relations programs.
• Requires experience in influencing and managing relationships with elected officials (provincial and municipal) in Ontario, community groups, and stakeholders.
• Requires experience with municipal and provincial politics and associated legislative frameworks.
• Requires experience managing sensitive issues in an often highly charged, political/environment.
• Requires experience identifying conflicting and emerging issues that may impact the company’s objectives and corporate reputation.
• Requires experience with communications plans, tactics andproducts.
• Requires experience working with management teams and senior executives.
• Requires extensive professional public affairs experience in a multi-faceted working environment.
• A period of over 8 years and up to and including 10 years is considered necessary to gain this experience.
  At Hydro One we understand that the success and strength of our business rests with our people. When we develop their skills, we are investing in both their success and ours. To secure the best talent, we seek to create a workforce that reflects the diverse populations of the communities where we live and work and to create a culture based on safety, innovation and inclusiveness.

Please refer the Job description for details