Advisor Stakeholder Engagement

INDEPENDENT ELECTRICITY SYSTEM OPERATOR (IESO)

Why join us? 

You’ve got great skills. And you want to use them in an organization where you know what you do every day matters. We get that.
We also know that ensuring Ontarians have access to affordable and reliable power doesn’t happen by accident. So we give you the tools, flexibility and support you need to achieve your goals, and development opportunities to help you grow. You’ll thrive in a collaborative, team-based environment that values your unique skills and experiences – and recognizes that when you do better, we become even better too.  

Who we are 

The Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) works at the centre of the province’s power system, ensuring Ontarians have access to reliable and cost-effective electricity when and where they need it. We operate the province’s electricity grid 24/7, design, run and oversee the wholesale electricity markets, and plan and prepare to meet Ontario’s electricity needs – now and into the future.

 

The Opportunity

The Advisor, Stakeholder Engagement will manage, coordinate, and support stakeholder engagement processes and mechanisms across the IESO, including engagements to support the implementation of the Market Renewal Program (MRP).

Ensure the processes for stakeholder feedback are fair and equitable, and actively encourage all stakeholder segments with an interest in an initiative to participate in the process.

Develop and manage strong business relationships with various stakeholders and community members across Ontario to support effective engagement processes. This includes generators, consumers, traders, municipalities, associations, third party sector organizations, chambers and boards of trade with an objective to understanding needs and characteristics associated with their interest in IESO engagement activities. These relationships are critical to informing the IESO’s change initiatives. This position is also responsible for maximizing engagement in the IESO’s engagement initiatives.

Lead and implement engagement activities to support broader sector outreach initiatives (e.g., MRP implementation) as requested by the Corporate Affairs group.

Ensure the implementation of engagement initiatives positively builds the IESO’s visibility, presence and reputation with stakeholders and communities.

What you'll do

Leadership

• Influence the culture of engagement internally and externally
• Demonstrate by example the values of the IESO and the culture of the Stakeholder Engagement team.

Technical

• Develop and implement strategic engagement plans, in accordance with IESO engagement process and principles to IESO change initiatives and other IESO projects (e.g., MRP); consult and collaborate with staff to develop an engagement plan, complete with tools to meet the unique needs of a engagement and maximize the two-way dialogue with stakeholders
• Participate in cross-functional, internal and external working groups to provide input on engagement process for implementation of effective plans with communities and stakeholders
• Establish, manage and lead engagement activities associated with IESO activities including implementation of tools, materials, webinars, workshops and FAQs
• Complete proper documentation of engagement activities including preparation of the engagement reports and documents, and review applicable reports to ensure stakeholder and community views are accurately represented
• Develop web copy as required for stakeholder engagement section on the IESO website to ensure accurate and timely information is provided on engagement activities
• Liaise with the other IESO teams to ensure outreach and communication efforts are coordinated across business units
• Support the planning and implementation of other engagement initiatives – i.e. forums, technical working groups, advisory committees community outreach/update meetings
  • Coordinate contributions from across the IESO
  • Identify key audiences and targeted participants
  • Draft materials and agendas
  • Prepare speakers
  • Facilitate/moderate sessions when needed
• Represent IESO on external committees to positively influence outcomes and ensure communities and stakeholder groups are aware of the IESO’s stakeholder engagement activities
• Undertake special projects as required, including management of external resources

Focus on Engagement

• Act as a point of contact for stakeholders and the constituencies and representatives that they serve (i.e. generators, consumers, associations, chambers of commerce, boards of trades, etc.)
• Continue to look for ways to improve outreach and to build education capacity among communities to enable effective participation in engagement initiatives
• Build and manage effective relationships with external stakeholders and community representatives
• Develop and manage project specific outreach plans designed to project a favourable corporate image and gain public support for company objectives
• Provide sound advice/guidance/information directly to customers and others on issues related to their relationship with the IESO
• Develop an understanding of the specific customer issues and support their resolution within the IESO
• Collaborate with internal staff and provide analytical support in developing engagement techniques to promote and enhance the overall awareness of electricity planning across the province

And other duties or responsibilities as may be assigned.

What you need to succeed

• 4 years University Degree/training
• 6-8 years professional work experience
• Demonstrated experience in successfully developing, managing and executing stakeholder engagement plans and programs
• Superior communications skills – written oral and presentation, with strong diplomatic skills and the ability interact with all levels of the organization and with stakeholders
• Proven contract and vendor management experience for projects related to stakeholder, public and community relations and communication support
• Demonstrated ability to analyze issue, consolidate feedback, develop hypotheses and/or strategic responses, consistent with corporate objectives
• A positive, energetic individual with the demonstrated ability to lead activities, with and without direct positional authority
• Demonstrated ability to problem solve and to manage groups with divergent views
• Demonstrated research and writing skills
• Detail oriented; attention to accuracy
• Ability to build relationships; excellent interpersonal skills
• Strong leadership skills coupled with a passion for stakeholder outreach and public affairs
• Ability to respond to fast paced environment, where priorities can shift quickly
• A general understanding of the IESO’s structure and functional areas is needed
• Requires experience in dealing with customers (internal and external to the IESO) in a professional and service focused environment. Requires experience to effectively deal with complex inquiries as well as escalated and sensitive situations
• Excellent project management skills; ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines
• Exceptional organizational skills and time management skills
• Influence and negotiation skills; ability to persuade or influence others to adopt or accept a point of view or take a course of action
• Self-motivated; ability to work both independently with minimal supervision and as a team player and/or team leader
• Computer literacy in MS Office suite
• Knowledge of energy issues an asset
• Subject matter expertise and knowledge of Market Renewal Program is an asset

What’s in it for you

• A comprehensive total rewards program, including best-in-class benefits and a flexible workplace 
• A challenging, fast-paced and collaborative team environment, where your perspectives and experiences matter 
• Leaders who support your growth and success through regular feedback and coaching 
• The opportunity to work with some of the brightest minds in the industry 
   

Deadline: January 28, 2025

For future reference, please ensure to save a copy of the job description as it will no longer be available once the posting closes.

At the IESO, we know that achieving great results depends on embracing diversity by attracting, developing and retaining people from a wide variety of backgrounds. We do this by ensuring our recruitment and advancement policies are fair and equitable, and by creating an accessible and inclusive environment – one that values every team member’s unique skills and experiences and ensures they have the support they need to achieve their potential. If you require accommodation during the recruitment process, please let us know. 

We thank you for your interest in a career at the IESO, but we will only contact those candidates selected for an interview. 

Note: The successful candidate must be eligible to work in Canada and will be subject to a background check.

The IESO offers a hybrid work model program to most of our employees, based on business needs. Individuals participating in the program can work an average of three days per week remotely within Ontario. It also offers three flex weeks when individuals can work remotely within Ontario . When working in the office, you will be located at our Mississauga, Toronto, or Oakville location.

Join our talent community

Sign up for talent community; stay in touch, find out about new opportunities – and discover how you can make a difference. Discover how we use our expertise and commitment to deliver reliable and affordable electricity to Ontario’s businesses and communities, and how we’re innovating to secure a stronger energy future for all Ontarians. Visit Careers at IESO and be sure to follow us on LinkedIn.

Find out why we were selected as Greater Toronto’s Top 2024 Employers, and what we offer.