Vice President, Public Affairs & Marketing

About Toronto Hydro

As a member of the Senior Leadership Team, the Vice President (VP) serves as the lead architect of Toronto Hydro’s brand, accountable for integrating, shaping and evolving Toronto Hydro’s external presence, marketing position and communications approach. This high-impact role requires an experienced, creative, and insightful people leader to drive the brand, marketing, and public communications in support of the organization's strategic direction.

The Role of Vice President, Public Affairs & Marketing

The Vice President, Public Affairs & Marketing reports to the EVP & Chief Customer Officer. This role leads the active growth and progression of the organization’s external presence, including corporate and stakeholder communications, brand development, marketing, digital communications, community engagement, and internal/external communication strategies. You will provide dynamic oversight and strategic direction for planning, implementing, managing, and reporting on the organization’s communication needs, bringing Toronto Hydro’s evolving story to life for customers, stakeholders, communities, and employees. Key accountabilities include brand and presence development, media and social media management, community and customer communications, employee communications, crisis and issues management, and driving customer-focused marketing and awareness programs.

Key Responsibilities

• Develops and executes enterprise-wide public affairs, communications, and marketing strategy to advance organizational goals and strengthen brand, reputation, customer engagement, industry relations, and partnerships.
• Creates integrated communications and marketing plans for employees, customers, and external stakeholders, overseeing digital and social media strategy and content.
• Leads brand presence development, media management, customer and community engagement, employee communications, and issues management.
• Partners with internal teams to develop cohesive, compelling messaging for key audiences and prepares executive communications for senior leadership.
• Serves as a senior advisor on reputation, messaging, and market positioning, managing external vendors.
• Leads strategic market and customer research to inform and refine strategies and acts as corporate brand steward, monitoring and mitigating brand and reputation risks.
• Builds and maintains strong external stakeholder relationships, including media partners, and serves as spokesperson as required.
• Directs crisis communications planning and execution, ensuring robust protocols and response strategies.
• Protects and enhances company reputation through proactive narrative management and training internal subject matter experts.
• Leads community communications and engagement strategies related to electric utility infrastructure, emphasizing value and impact.
• Leads, coaches, and develops a high-performing communications, public affairs, and marketing team.
• Establishes portfolio strategy, performance metrics, and risk, compliance, and business continuity frameworks.

Requirements

• Ten (10) or more years of progressive executive/senior management public affairs, brand, or communication leadership experience.
• Fifteen (15) or more years of public affairs and external stakeholder engagement; experience in media, government, and large-scale infrastructure development is an asset.
• Specialized energy, utility, or linear infrastructure experience in regulated and unregulated settings is preferred.
• Demonstrated experience and positive connections with building and fostering a sophisticated network of external relationships.
• Undergraduate/graduate degree in Communications, Business, or a related field of study.
• Demonstrated knowledge of stakeholder, public affairs, and media relations strategies, processes, and programs.
• Superior understanding of the local stakeholder landscape, news media, government leaders (municipal and provincial), and community dynamics impacting the energy industry.
• Strong, proven experience in orchestrating crisis response management and corporate affairs programs.
• Boardroom-level verbal and written communication skills; exceptional ability to present concisely and clearly to a variety of audiences, including in times of crisis.

Our Values

At Toronto Hydro, our values guide every decision, action, and outcome:

• Safety First: Safety and well-being are the foundation of everything we do.
• Customer-Centred Excellence: Excellence begins with a service and learning mindset.
• Own the Outcome: Ownership starts with action and ends with results.
• Driven to Perform: Excellence is the result of determination, curiosity, and drive.
• Respect Every Voice: Valuing every voice leads to better decisions and outcomes.

Total Rewards

Toronto Hydro provides a comprehensive total rewards package, including:

• 100% employer paid Health & Dental benefits.
• 24/7 access to Employee & Family Assistance Program and Virtual Healthcare.
• Company-paid life insurance and long-term disability.
• Spending account to support fitness goals.
• Competitive paid time off (including vacation and parental leave).
• Defined Benefits Pension Plan through OMERS.
• Career development and tuition reimbursement.
• Exciting employee engagement and appreciation events.

This position operates in a hybrid environment, allowing for remote work two days per week, with onsite presence required Tuesday to Thursday. Candidates are expected to live in Ontario within reasonable commuting distance of the office.

Accessibility and Application Support

Toronto Hydro is committed to fostering an inclusive and accessible recruitment process. If you require accommodation using our online application system, please email hr_talent@torontohydro.com or call (416) 542-8000. Toronto Hydro is pleased to provide reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals throughout the job application process.

Key skills/competency

• Public Affairs
• Marketing Strategy
• Brand Management
• Corporate Communications
• Stakeholder Engagement
• Crisis Management
• Media Relations
• Digital Strategy
• Leadership
• Strategic Planning