Director, Government Relations and Policy Advocacy

Overview

Director, Government Relations and Policy Advocacy Jobs in Toronto, Canada at Toronto Hydro

Position: Director, Government Relations and Policy Advocacy )

Director of Government Relations and Policy Advocacy

The Director of Government Relations and Policy Advocacy plays a pivotal leadership role in shaping Toronto Hydro’s engagement with governments and advancing public policy priorities that support long‑term corporate success. The Director leads municipal, provincial, and federal government relations strategies, works closely with senior leadership to influence policy, manage risk, and advance opportunities aligned with corporate objectives. They orchestrate the identification, development, refinement, and articulation of Toronto Hydro’s regulatory policy perspectives, positions, and advocacy, and act as a thought‑leader internally and in the provincial and national energy sector.

As a trusted advisor to senior leaders, the Director cultivates strong, credible partnerships within the organization, across government, with regulatory bodies, and among industry stakeholders, positioning the organization as a collaborative and influential voice.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop trusted relationships with the City of Toronto (Mayor’s Office, City Councillors and their offices, senior City Administration), city‑related agencies and corporations, and municipal stakeholders to collaboratively advance organizational strategies and plans.
• Develop trusted relationships with the federal and provincial governments, elected leaders and their staff, senior public service, and related stakeholders to cultivate opportunities for Toronto Hydro through legislation, regulation, programs, and other government initiatives that align with the utility’s objectives.
• Preserve and build upon Toronto Hydro’s positioning as a key stakeholder and participant in policy and other processes of the Ontario Energy Board, Independent Electricity System Operator, and use that positioning to influence frameworks and policies.
• Lead and mentor a team of high‑performing government relations and regulatory professionals, enabling curiosity, creativity, sound judgment, high performance, teamwork, and delivery of top‑quality products for internal and external use.
• Serve as Toronto Hydro’s representative in numerous governmental, regulatory, and industry association forums (Electricity Canada, Ontario Energy Association, Electricity Distributors Association, Toronto Region Board of Trade) demonstrating the company’s corporate values and culture.
• Design and execute a high‑performance policy advocacy strategy, developing policy positions that support the organization’s corporate strategy, business objectives, and investment priorities across both near and long‑term horizons.
• Design and execute plans to monitor government activities at all three levels, identify issues and manage them to resolution, and oversee the preparation of sophisticated internal reporting products that translate the complexities of the evolving governmental, regulatory, and policy landscape into digestible and actionable internal reports delivered through exceptional presentation skills to senior leadership.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Political Science, Public Policy, Public Administration, Law, or a related field.
• Minimum of ten (10) to fifteen (15) years of experience in government relations or public policy roles within a highly regulated industry corporation, or senior policy/leadership positions within the public sector or major government‑relations firms.
• Five (5) or more years of progressive leadership experience.
• Extensive knowledge of municipality structures and operations, including the City of Toronto.
• Demonstrated experience building relationships and effective partnerships across organizations and with senior leaders, regulators, and industry stakeholders.
• Extensive knowledge of and engagement with the Ontario Energy Board and Independent Electricity System Operator, especially regarding policies, codes, and the processes in which they are created and amended.
• Strong understanding of federal and provincial energy policy and regulations.
• Knowledge of regulatory laws within the commercial context.
• Excellent presentation and written communication skills, with a proven ability to negotiate and influence.
• Strong…

Title: Director, Government Relations and Policy Advocacy

Company: Toronto Hydro

Location: Toronto, Canada

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