Sr. Communications Advisor Jobs

47407 - Toronto - Regular -

Hydro One is proud to be the largest electricity transmission and distribution provider in Ontario, serving nearly 1.4 million customers. We have a long history in the industry with our roots dating back over 110 years to 1906. Since then, we have worked to grow and evolve to meet the changing needs of our customers and communities across Ontario. Today, we’re focused on providing exceptional customer service and ensuring we are building safe communities where we live, work and play.

It’s an exciting time to join the team at Hydro One!

General Accountabilities

Assist the Manager in the planning, development and implementation of communications programs to meet the specific information needs of the Company, staff and the public.

Participate in the preparation and provision of written and verbal information on a forward looking or proactive basis to customers, stakeholder groups, Company staff, media contacts and governmental agencies.

Specific Accountabilities

Support the media relations function by acting as a primary Company spokesperson on operational and sensitive issues. Research issues to identify appropriate approaches, strategies and responses. Develop key messages and press releases and identifies opportunities for positive media profile and coordinate team members for message consistency.

Plan, develop and implement internal and external communications plans and strategies in support of corporately stated objectives and to address stakeholder, customer and employee needs. Write press releases, articles, talking points, speaking notes, advertisements in support of Company initiatives. Coach executive and senior spokespeople on key messages, organize interviews, inform external media and stakeholders on background, and conduct follow-up. Monitor the success of existing programs through feedback, surveys and continued alertness.

Provide operational support to myriad corporate communications activities, including media events, speeches, employee events, trade shows and stakeholder meetings.

Assist the Manager in coordinating special employee and media events at the site.

Participate in the department’s rotating on-call schedule, which involves working evenings and weekends as part of a team to manage after-hours communications requirements during storm events causing power outages or other urgent situations.

Confer with field or other Company personnel involved in related or shared projects/programs, to discuss and solve problems of mutual concern.

Act as a resource and work with various media relations contacts regarding continuing communications at and on behalf of the Company.

Keep abreast of and maintain a general knowledge and information data bank on current and developing energy sources, electricity, the Company's role, objectives and policies and other relevant topics.

Support employee communication efforts through the development and implementation of internal communication plans and strategies that improve employee engagement. Organize and participate in employee events including webcasts, meetings, campaigns and other events.

Play a key role in the development and oversight of the social media strategy and oversee the execution of proactive and reactive tactics on company social media accounts, organizing original content, fielding questions/inquiries from customers/stakeholders, ensuring cross-platform consistency on position statements, escalating emerging issues, and serve as final approver of post content. Monitor and measure the success of all social platforms.

Act as the media contact in emergency situations; be responsible for the operation of the local Information Centre set up in the local municipality (i.e., prepare news bulletins on the emergency situation for release to media).

Perform Other Duties As Required.

Selection Criteria

Education

Requires knowledge of public relations, journalism, the social sciences, communication skills and English to assist in the planning and development of Corporate relations communications programs, to provide effective oral or written responses to the media (press releases), local governments, etc. on various Company matters.

This knowledge is considered to be normally acquired either through the successful completion of a four year university education in an appropriate field or by having the equivalent level of education.

A post-graduate program in communications or journalism would be considered an asset.

Experience

Requires experience in such areas as public participation, communications, and news media work to acquire understanding of the public relations concept and a broadening of skill in the techniques of media communication and development of material for public consumption and reaction.

Requires sophisticated communications skills and the ability to become familiar with the Company’s organization structures, its communications policies and objectives including the gathering and release of information, their application and intent, and the programs and issues to be covered.

A period of up to eight years is considered necessary to gain this experience.

At Hydro One we understand that the success and strength of our business rests with our people. When we develop their skills, we are investing in both their success and ours. To secure the best talent, we seek to create a workforce that reflects the diverse populations of the communities where we live and work and to create a culture based on safety, innovation and inclusiveness.

We are honoured to be recognized by Forbes in its list of Canada’s Best Employers for 2023.

Thank you for considering a career with Hydro One, we welcome applications from all qualified candidates. If you are having difficulty using our online application system and you need an accommodation due to a disability, please email [email protected] . Hydro One will provide reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals with disabilities in the job application process.

Please note this email is only for accommodation requests. Resumes sent to this email address will not be considered.

Deadline: July 31st, 2023

In the event you are experiencing difficulties applying to this job please consult our help page here .