Community Relations Advisor

**47447** - **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

**Job Function**:
Under the direction of the Manager, Community Relations assist with the implementation of consultation plans, strategies, programs and initiatives in support of Hydro One projects across the Province.
- Identify key stakeholders affected by Hydro One's projects 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.
- 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 including consultation plans to inform stakeholders about Hydro One LOB activities/projects.
- Participate in project team meetings
- Represent Public Affairs and the community relations viewpoints in discussions of local project requirements and strategies to address issues.
- Act as a conduit between the Company and stakeholders, local officials and communities to raise awareness of, and rally support for company transmission and maintenance projects.
- Develop and maintain effective and strategic relationships with local opinion leaders, municipal and provincial elected officials and municipal staff.
- Implement and execute community relations programs under the manager's direction.
- Prepare supporting documents and materials for discussions and meetings with key audiences (e.g., council presentation).
- Organize consultation activities, e.g., public information centres, community meetings and the community events in support of Hydro One projects.
- 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 Public Affairs and Forestry staff.
- Ensure information exchange is conducted in a timely manner and updates are provided on a regular basis.
- Keep up-to-date with the latest developments in the field of community relations/public affairs and specifically public consultation research and techniques.
- Other duties as required.

**Selection Criteria**:
**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 knowledge of 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 4 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 with communications plans, tactics and products. A period of over 6 years and up to and including 8 years is considered necessary to gain this experience.
- Difficulties are encountered in developing appropriate community relations programs to meet specific needs that will assist line management in fulfilling their objectives.
- Requires gathering all essential data, contacting internal and external sources for information, reviewing, evaluating and interpreting all available information and based on this and past experience in dealings under somewhat similar conditions, recommend a course of action that will meet the criteria.
- Progress and quality checks are maintained through the requirement to keep the Supervisor informed of oral/written communications, the submission of repor