Responsible for representing Toronto Hydro to the media, in various capacities, and acting as a main point of contact for news outlets. The incumbent will develop and execute planned and reactive activities to support corporate communications and brand building strategies. Provides expert guidance in media messaging, issues management, and brand management. Working with key stakeholders, they will support the Chief Executive Officer and executives in drafting strategic communications to the public.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
* Leads representation of the organization to the media by acting as the organization’s face and voice, including conducting interviews, drafting and coordinating media responses and approvals, building relationships with news outlets and journalists, and organizing news conferences when necessary.
* Implements proactive and reactive external communications and media relations strategies for strengthening the organization’s brand, reputation, and public presence.
* Provides advice, coaching, and training to relevant internal stakeholders on media relations.
* Acts as the primary point of contact for external media and proactively manages the development of news releases, media pitches, Q&As, and statements.
* Creates backgrounders, communication plans, and proactive and reactive messaging for the media.
* Contributes to strategic communications planning for campaigns, initiatives, and external events being planned for the organization.
* Manages day-to-day brand and reputation risk by utilizing issues management processes in collaboration with internal stakeholders to successfully manage power outage communications and emerging issues and crises, such as severe weather events.
* Coordinates responses to issues or crises that could impact the organization’s public perception, including timely and transparent communication.
* Monitors industry trends and identifies opportunities for public engagement and proactive storytelling.
* Manages regular monitoring and reporting of the organization’s reputation along with brand quality measurement.
* Provides recommendations, based on reporting, to improve and advance the brand.
* Works with internal stakeholders to align and guarantee that messaging follows organizational objectives.
* Supports the management of the Toronto Hydro brand by working with senior leaders to craft strategic messaging and speeches for executives and the organization’s President & CEO for key public appearances.
* Confirms messaging alignment with the organization’s goals and objectives. Recommends and drafts external communications to promote public events.
REQUIREMENTS:
* Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, or relevant field.
* Five (5) or more years of professional media relations and corporate communications experience.
* Prior spokesperson experience preferred.
* Ability to participate in standby rotation after hours and on weekends.
* Experience in a regulated environment, including electricity distribution, energy services/management, telecommunications, and/or financial services (preferred).
* Strong understanding of media relations and communications principles and tactics.
* Exceptional writing skills, particularly when communicating complex topics.
* Highly developed copyediting and writing skills, with strong attention to detail. Familiarity with Canadian Press style.
* Strong verbal communication and presentation skills.
* Understanding of issues management and crisis communications principles.
* Efficient collaborator and strong in building effective relationships with news outlets.
* Understanding of organizational priorities and their business reasons; and ability to address relevant issues through media relations and delivery of services, consultation, and projects.
* Understanding of current issues and the impact of events/news on the organization.
* Demonstrated understanding of crisis communication.
* Adaptability to fast-changing situations and circumstances.
Toronto Hydro has introduced a Hybrid Work Arrangement. This position allows for remote work up to three days per week, based on business needs. Employees will be required to come onsite on those days when they are involved in activities that they or their leader feel are better conducted in person. You are expected to live in Ontario and within reasonable commuting distance of the office.
Thank you for considering a career with Toronto Hydro. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates. If you’re having difficulty using our online application system and require accommodation, please email our Talent Acquisition team or call (416) 542-8000. Toronto Hydro is pleased to provide reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals throughout the job application process. Please note this email is for accommodation requests only. Resumes sent to this email address will not be considered. Learn more about our commitment to accessibility.
#J-18808-Ljbffr