Sr Advisor Communications

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 Senior Advisor, Communications will be responsible for leading the IESO’s media relations and issues management functions. With a finger on the pulse of the media and stakeholder landscape, and a sharp understanding of the latest developments across the sector, the Senior Advisor will implement proactive and reactive communications strategies to enhance the organization’s reputation.

A strong writer and relationship builder, the Senior Advisor works with others across the company to develop and maintain updated messaging on a variety of topics that connect to our broader strategy and help tell our story. The Senior Advisor is also experienced advising and preparing senior leadership to support media interviews and events.

Ontario’s electricity system is undergoing a dramatic transformation, with economic development and decarbonization significantly increasing the need for new generation and transmission infrastructure across the province. The Senior Advisor will join a fast-paced and dynamic team that is helping the organization inform and build support among industry stakeholders, businesses, municipalities, and Indigenous communities as we prepare the province’s electricity system for the future.

What you will be doing

• Initiate, design and execute media relations strategies, including the development of supporting written materials.
• Provides advice and guidance to senior IESO management when acting as spokespeople, and oversees regular training to staff to expand and strengthen the spokespeople roster.
• Participate in crisis communications exercises, make regular updates to the crisis communications binder and develop strategies to address any shortfalls found in the IESO’s crisis communications procedures.
• Conducts internal research and makes recommendations on how to respond to media and other inquires within tight timelines, identifying opportunities to accomplish broader communication objectives.
• Ensure proactive and timely communications with media, acting as a point of contact for all incoming IESO media inquiries and coordinates follow-up information and/or interviews.
• Maintain an in-depth understanding of plans, activities and issues in key areas of the IESO and their potential impact on the IESO’s relationships with its public.
• Lead discussions with internal stakeholders to help form and articulate IESO positions on new developments, developing messaging that is accurate, clear and credible.
• Maintain awareness of latest media relations and external communication techniques and key stakeholder and public policy trends developing or being used outside the organization.  
• Identify to the Manager, issues arising or likely to arise from the public, media, key stakeholders or within the Corporation and recommend immediate, short and medium-term strategies, for addressing such issues with specific audiences.
• Review, edit and may write copy for brochures, bulletins, booklets, and web based material.
• Represent the IESO at various public events and act as a corporate spokesperson when Manager is unavailable.
• Exercise limited supervision over others designated to assist on certain projects/programs.
• Perform other duties as may be required.

What you need to succeed

Education

• Requires a strong knowledge of media relations and communications principles, techniques and applications to determine and develop communications strategies to meet these needs.
• Requires strong knowledge of English language in order to communicate effectively both orally and in writing with all levels of management and external parties.
• This knowledge is normally acquired either through the successful completion of a 4 year university education in the appropriate discipline, or by having the equivalent.

Experience

• Requires experience in a broad range of communications activities to develop communication plans and appropriate action.
• Requires experience in handling media relations and public affairs.
• Requires experience in research and analysis on policies, decisions, corporate business plans and other current issues in order to prepare information for background reports, correspondence, briefing files, etc.
• Requires communication and interpersonal skills that support the ability to lead, influence and persuade individuals or groups.
• A period of over 8 years, up to and including 10 years is considered necessary to gain this experience.

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: Mach 30 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.

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