Head of Public Affairs

Toronto Pearson is transforming. Now's the time for your career to fly.

The Greater Toronto Airports Authority (GTAA) is a unique and dynamic place to work, with a bold plan to make Toronto Pearson, Canada's leading global hub airport, a global leader in airport performance, customer care and sustainability. Together with our partners, approximately 1,900 GTAA employees are working to create a next-generation airport by innovating in all we do and striving for the most uplifting, safe and efficient experience for our passengers – all while championing the prosperity of our people, the community we call home, and our aviation partners. Join us on our journey together, as we put the joy back into travel and make Toronto Pearson the chosen place to fly and work.

What's in it for you?

• An opportunity to grow, develop, and thrive within a dynamic, and fast-growing company alongside thoughtful and passionate individuals dedicated to their work and community.
• Eligibility to participate in our Group Health Benefits Program.
• A flexible hybrid work environment, continuous internal and external learning opportunities, and a meaningful reward and recognition program.

What can you expect from this position?

The Head of Public Affairs leads and drives the airport's government advocacy, industry partnerships, and strategic external relations, driving influence in new areas and supporting enterprise initiatives such as the LIFT program. This role shapes and executes public affairs strategies to protect and enhance the airport's reputation, expand its reach, and ensure alignment with business priorities. Reporting to the VP, Stakeholder Relations & Communications, the Head of Public Affairs is a senior leader who cultivates relationships with government, industry, and community partners, and enables the organization to achieve its strategic vision.

As Head of Public Affairs, you will:

• Lead Government Relations and Lobbying: Direct lobbying efforts to proactively shape policy, advance the organization's strategic objectives, and champion expansion into emerging areas of influence.
• Establish and Maintain Senior-Level Relationships: Cultivate and maintain senior-level relationships with elected officials and government staff, serving as the primary liaison and official representative for the airport in hearings, briefings, and stakeholder meetings.
• Design and Execute Advocacy Campaigns: Develop and lead high-impact advocacy campaigns on key issues (e.g., infrastructure funding, sustainability) and coordinate grassroots and coalition-building efforts with industry and community partners.
• Shape Aviation Policy: Serve as a key influencer by providing expert input into legislative reviews and working groups, and channeling government feedback to the policy development team to ensure favorable outcomes and external perspectives are considered.
• Manage Strategic Communications: Develop and execute strategic communication plans for government affairs, manage issues and crisis communications, and act as the Senior Spokesperson on public policy matters, representing the airport in high-stakes meetings and media engagements.
• Coordinate Executive Engagement: Align the executive team on government engagement strategies, facilitate coordinated advocacy efforts, and identify executive speaking opportunities to advance the airport's reputation and reinforce enterprise priorities.
• Build and Sustain High-Value Partnerships: Build and nurture coalitions with like-minded partners to amplify advocacy, and sustain high-value relationships with external industry associations (e.g., Boards of Trade) to expand influence and drive joint economic development initiatives.
• Oversee Innovation and Reputation Management: Safeguard and enhance the airport's reputation through proactive stakeholder engagement and strategic storytelling, and oversee the strategic development of industry partnerships (like the LIFT consortium) to position the organization as a leader in aviation innovation.

This is the role for you, if you have:

• 15+ years in public affairs, communications, or related field.
• Minimum 8+ years in senior leadership roles, ideally in complex, multi-stakeholder environments.
• Experience in aviation, transportation, or infrastructure sectors.
• Superior political/organizational acuity and emotional intelligence.
• Expert relationship-building and stakeholder management skills.
• Advanced presentation, content development, and communication skills.
• Highly proficient in project management, strategic planning, and organizational development.
• Diplomacy, facilitation, influencing, conceptual and analytical skills.
• Ability to obtain and retain a Transportation Security Clearance.

The GTAA is committed to Employment Equity and maintaining a diverse, equitable and inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive.