Community Engagement Officer

By generating and distributing power, each person at Hydro Ottawa is part of empowering the lives of people in the communities we serve.

Our work means all the activities that make up our lives - at home, at work, at play - are there when we need them.

That purpose unites us and fuels our work. And if joining us in this essential work energizes you too, we may have the opportunity for you.

JOB SUMMARY

Reporting to the Manager, Media and Public Affairs, the Community Engagement Officer is responsible for the effective development and implementation of programs and initiatives that engage Hydro Ottawa’s customers and the community we serve and to monitor and measure the ‘voice of the community’ in relation to Hydro Ottawa’s activities and operations. This role is also responsible for assisting with the development, implementation and coordination of the delivery of strategic community engagement programs, functions and project initiatives. This includes the design and execution of plans for public consultations, community liaison, events and outreach, educational and electricity safety programs, sponsorships, charitable donations and various public engagement initiatives. Through this work, the Community Engagement Officer builds greater customer and stakeholder trust and bolsters the Hydro Ottawa brand and reputation.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES
- The essential responsibilities of the job include but are not necessarily restricted to the following:

- Identify, implement and evaluate strategies and materials to ensure Hydro Ottawa’s outreach activities are achieved strategically within common policies and guidelines in support of organizational goals.
- Champion the development, implementation and measurement of all community engagement activities, programs and initiatives. Examples include public events and announcements, public education programs, open houses and community information sessions.
- Recommend and implement metrics to measure and report the impact of Hydro Ottawa’s community engagement and corporate social responsibility activities and initiatives.
- Cultivate and maintain relationships with community charities, associations and other stakeholder organizations.
- Act as an advocate and ambassador of Hydro Ottawa within the community by engaging in dialogues, answering questions where appropriate, monitoring sentiment and identifying emerging issues.
- Identify and develop key community communication/education channels and networks.
- Steward the ongoing development and delivery of the Hydro Ottawa Brighter Tomorrows Community Investment Program and public electrical safety programs
- Promote employee awareness of and participation in the various activities and volunteer opportunities within the Brighter Tomorrows Community Investment Program.
- Work proactively with internal stakeholders to ensure the creation and consistent delivery of appropriate and comprehensive community engagement and communications tactics in support of planned construction and maintenance activities and programs.
- Prepare an annual work plan and budget and monitor/measure the effectiveness of such program. Provide supporting analysis and research for reports to management, as directed.
- Regularly provide insights gained from community engagement and monitoring activities to internal stakeholders to help them seize opportunities and be responsive to the evolving needs of the community and customers.
- Lead the development and oversight of content planning, writing and editing of a variety of communications tools including newsletters, blogs, websites, fact sheets and advertising that support community engagement activities.
- Provide direction to external advertising agencies, writers, designers, illustrators, photographers and web designers and developers.
- Maintain the integrity and consistency of the company’s brand.
- Continuously monitor the community/stakeholder landscape to identify opportunities and risks.
- Review and recommend requests for sponsorships from community organizations and charities. Liaise with internal and external approval authorities and facilitate the contract/agreement negotiation process.
- Plan and coordinate external events including logistics, stakeholder and VIP engagement, suppliers, staffing, training, and overall event management.
- Conduct research and prepare written and oral reports and presentations as required.
- Monitor and follow up on all activities to ensure desired results are delivered and objectives are met.
- Participate in the company’s Crisis Communications Team as required.
- Other related duties as required.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
- A post-secondary degree in Marketing, Communications, Public Relations, Journalism OR an equivalent combination of experience and training in a related field.
- 3 to 5 years of relevant experience, preferably in a community/stakeholder engagement or communications role.
- Significant experience and strong practical kn