Director, Indigenous Relations

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

Reporting to the Vice President of Corporate Relations, Engagement and Strategy, the Director of Indigenous Relations will lead the development and implementation of the IESO’s Indigenous Relations Commitments and Truth and Reconciliation Action Plan, fostering meaningful partnerships with Indigenous communities. Serving as an external ambassador and advocate, they will work collaboratively with Indigenous partners to strengthen relationships and support positive, mutually beneficial outcomes. Reporting directly to the Vice President, Corporate Relations, Engagement & Strategy and managing a team of direct and indirect reports, the Director provides senior oversight and leadership to deliver Divisional initiatives.  

Aligned with the IESO’s commitment to strengthen existing and build new relationships, the role is accountable to ensure Indigenous voices are heard and understood in energy initiatives, promoting building capacity and meaningful participation. The Director will also develop and implement corporate strategies for delivering on the Division’s accountabilities of protecting, maintaining and enhancing the IESO’s reputation and relationships with Indigenous communities. 

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and guide the IESO’s overall relationship with Indigenous communities to raise the IESO’s visibility and enhance partnerships, including: 
  • Leading the development of comprehensive Indigenous relations strategies to foster positive relationships. 
  • Identifying and prioritizing key audiences and leading the development of tailored engagement plans for each group.
  • Continuously evaluating and refining relationship strategies to ensure alignment with divisional and organizational objectives. 
  • Building and maintaining strong relationships with Indigenous communities and leaders. 
  • Serving as the primary point of contact for Indigenous communities and acting as a liaison between the IESO and external parties. 
  • Fostering open lines of communication and collaboration to address concerns and build consensus on important issues. 
• Leads efforts to strengthen relationships with communities and elected leadership to raise the IESO’s visibility and facilitate positive outcomes in regional and bulk planning, resource procurements and other key IESO initiatives and programs. 
• Represents the IESO as spokesperson and/or facilitator when engaging with or making presentations to Indigenous partners, including senior administrators, elected officials/Councils, and Band Councils. 
• Develops and leads implementation of Indigenous relations strategies, systems, policies and plans to balance multiple interests and maintain and enhance IESO’s reputation and relationships with Indigenous communities. 
• Oversee, design, and administer the IESO’s Indigenous Energy Support Programs and other Indigenous capacity-building initiatives and efforts. 
• Act as key liaison across the IESO to support the Corporate Indigenous Peoples Policy and contribute to the development of a Truth and Reconciliation Action Plan.
• Leads team(s), including full responsibility for hiring and advancement, staff development, training, performance reviews, salary matters, and all aspects of performance management. 
• Acts as the VP delegate on some internal IESO committees. Ability to assume the signing authority and represent the VP as required. 
• Provides regular updates, advice, and guidance to the IESO Board of Directors and Executive Leadership team. 
• Participates as a management resource to resolve labour relations matters such as job challenges, grievances, and arbitration cases and is responsible for presenting management positions at staff grievances.

The Candidate

The IESO is seeking a candidate with proven success in managing and maintaining meaningful relationships with Indigenous communities through delivering on communications, engagement strategies, plans and programs that strive towards collaborative partnerships. The candidate will require a deep understanding of the unique perspectives of Indigenous Peoples, Indigenous cultures, traditions, and governance systems.

The candidate requires familiarity with Ontario’s energy landscape and future energy needs. Additionally, the candidate will have experience in policy development, advocacy, and project management. A strong ethical framework and an ability to navigate complex socio-political landscapes are crucial for fostering trust and achieving meaningful outcomes in this role.

Qualified Indigenous candidates will be given preference throughout the selection process. 

Skills and Qualifications

• The Director of Indigenous Relations should have ten years of extensive experience in Indigenous engagement, partnership development, and advocacy.
• Proven experience building positive relationships with Indigenous communities and organizations. 
• A background in Indigenous relations, policy, or project management is essential for this role.  
• Cultural sensitivity and a commitment to collaboration, ensuring that Indigenous voices are heard and integrated into decision-making processes. 
• Experience in business strategy, leading and developing teams, and developing and monitoring budgets.  
• Exceptional communication and negotiation skills, including writing and presentation skills. 
• High degree of political acuity and ability to understand and navigate processes with Indigenous community, municipalities and the province.  
• Strong knowledge and experience in business management and strategy development.  
• Technical and analytical knowledge and understanding of the energy industry – specifically energy systems, markets and energy management.  
• Current knowledge of industry activities, trends, best practices and technological developments related to Indigenous relations.  
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, conceptual and forward-thinking skills.  
• Demonstrated track record of collaboration and ability to bring together diverse perspectives in a complex business environment.   

Education

• University degree, or equivalent combination of education and lived or community-based experience.

Contact Information 

If you are interested in being considered for this exciting leadership opportunity, please submit your expression of interest (cover letter and current resume) by email to applications@pathwaysexecutivesearch.ca with “Director, Indigenous Relations” in the subject line.

Please note that all information you provide, or that is provided on your behalf to the IESO as a candidate for this job listing, will be reviewed by and shared with the IESO’s third party executive search service provider, Pathways Executive Search, for the purposes of the IESO’s recruitment and selection process.

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 

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 Toronto location.
 

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