Director, Community Relations

At VIA HFR, we are re-imagining passenger rail service on behalf of the Government of Canada Our goal is to create a new sustainable train network that that will run faster, more often and will be more reliable between Toronto and Québec City. The HFR project is Canada's largest infrastructure project in generations.

**The role**

Reporting to the Vice President, Community Relations, the Director Community Relations - Ontario, in collaboration with the Vice President and their counterpart in Québec, is responsible for defining the Project's overall consultation strategy with all groups and stakeholders, which must meet regulatory standards and be aligned with the company's mission and values. Every day, they and their team lay the foundation for respectful and lasting relationships.

They are responsible for defining and implementing appropriate plans adapted to Ontario's regions and realities. They will actively participate in consultation activities in the various target implementation zones and be called upon to represent the Project at the regional level and on specific occasions. They are responsible for the deployment and supervision of the team and the day-to-day management of the consultants with whom the team works.

**The responsibilities**
- Contribute to defining and managing the community relations and public consultation strategy.
- Develop plans for community participation in Project development activities.
- Ensure and coordinate the regular presence of regional teams in communities along the Project route.
- Ensure the necessary collaboration between their team, the Québec team, and the Indigenous Relations team.
- Establish and maintain regular contact with key stakeholders (community representatives, environmental groups, civic associations, etc.).
- Represent the Project at various regional events.
- Work with the Media Relations and Internal Communications team to develop the communication tools needed for consultations.
- Liaise with external consultants on the logístical organization and execution of consultation activities.
- Ensure rigorous documentation of consultation processes and efforts within the Boréalis platform.
- Contribute to the management and development of their team.
- Prepare detailed briefings and reports on the status of activities for senior management.

**The requirements**
- Bachelor's degree in communications, administration, environment or equivalent.
- At least 10 years' experience in community relations or related field.
- Team and project management experience.
- Ability to build and maintain strong relationships.
- Ability to communicate complex concepts and express themselves clearly to the public.
- Exceptional listening skills.
- In-depth knowledge of Ontario's socio-economic issues, including those related to the realities and experiences of Indigenous groups, as well as the best consultation practices applicable in these contexts.
- Knowledge of municipal political and administrative structures in Ontario (with a minimum understanding of those in Québec).
- Strong sense of ethics.
- Excellent negotiation and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to remain calm in the face of intense or potentially hostile situations.
- Proficiency in technological and office electronic tools (in particular, the Microsoft suite).
- Bilingualism (English and French), both spoken and written (an asset).
- Previous experience working on a project under federal jurisdiction (a strong asset).
- Experience with regulatory processes (federal and/or provincial), such as the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada (IAAC) (an asset).
- Knowledge of the public transit and rail transportation sectors and their specific issues (an asset).
- Knowledge of linear projects or infrastructures (an asset).
- Knowledge of the Boréalis platform (an asset).
- Requires frequent travel.

**Why join our innovative team?**
- Group insurance that is fully paid for you and your family, including medical, dental, life, disability, etc.
- A pension plan and saving options (RRSP and TFSA)
- Flexible benefits: access to wellness and health accounts to support your lifestyle
- Vacation based on experience, available as soon as you're hired
- Incentive bonus program
- Work in flexible hybrid mode
- A work environment that encourages initiative, innovation and forward-thinking solutions
- A unique opportunity to craft the future of transportation in Canada

**We strive to create strong and diverse teams**

At VIA HFR, we believe in the strength of diverse teams. We aspire to offer an inclusive and equitable work environment where everyone can develop and flourish. We therefore invite all qualified individuals, whatever their identity or specificity, to apply. You can learn more about the whole project on our VIA HFR webpage.

Please let us know if you require any adjustments during the recruitment process. We will do our utmost to provide you with a fair and pleasant experience, while keeping any adjustm