Director, Communications 2026-0026

Occ Code: 544058

Shift Information: Monday to Friday, 35 hours per week

Affiliation: NRG, Management/SLT

Number of Positions Open: 1

Posting Period: April 10/26 - April 23/26

POSITION DESCRIPTION

Reporting to the VP, Communications, Strategy and Innovation, the Director, Communications has responsibility for ESA’s liaison and interaction with various internal stakeholders, agencies and media organizations. Provide advice, guidance and assistance in a functional capacity to all levels within the Company on matters of communication – both internal and external.

Responsible for managing major initiatives in the department in support of ESA’s marketing and communication strategies and will align closely with stakeholder relations. Develops and leads the education & marketing, public relations and internal communications strategies, including communications related to labour relations, Board of Directors support for appointments and ensures there is departmental tactical support for communications around IDEA strategy, culture, operations and licensing. Lead a team in the department and be responsible for their work, by facilitating the planning, organizing and providing advice, guidance and direction.

ROLE DESCRIPTION

• Develop and recommend a multi-year communications strategy in support of the business plans and strategic direction of the organization. Align the communications strategy with other internal ESA departments to ensure quality of execution, and delivery of results in support of the overall corporate strategic plan.
• Provide coaching, mentoring and management to direct reports and the overall development team to achieve business, functional and individual goals.
• Create and support a team environment that encourages collaboration, productivity, diversity, teamwork and a high level of professionalism.
• Lead and manage the execution and budgeting of marketing and public relations programs including effective use of resources to maximize reach. Lead and direct the work of external agencies and the associated procurement processes.
• Responsible for the development and execution of major initiatives in the department with little advice or instruction except on the framework of the initiatives. Problems are expected to be resolved without reference to the Vice President and progress and quality are assessed on the general performance of the work.
• Act as external spokesperson when required.
• Develop and lead web and social media strategies in support of organizational goals.
• Provide senior level leadership related to issues management and crisis communications.
• Lead and advise internal communications strategic counsel to business units and senior executives, including leadership on labour relations communications strategies and change management initiatives.
• Establish and encourage a continuous improvement mindset within the team across accountabilities.
• Lead and monitor team progress against the plan, adjusting priorities as required and regularly communicating progress to key stakeholders.
• Participate on the creation and management of the departmental budget and report on actual costs and forecast regularly through the fiscal year and track against Statements of Work as required.
• Establish, recommend and monitor performance metrics of the department.
• Required to prepare and occasionally present materials at Board of Directors meetings.

QUALIFICATIONS & REQUIREMENTS

• This job requires a 4-year university degree in marketing, communications or a similar level of education.
• Requires in-depth knowledge about communications tools, tactics and strategies, including key metrics.
• Requires extensive experience in communications and knowledge of media relations and emerging media opportunities.
• Requires extensive experience related to crisis communications and issues management.
• Requires working knowledge of business practices, public administration and strategic planning.
• This role requires a period of at least 10 years to gain a sufficiently detailed understanding in each requirement and qualification area.
• Ideally requires some experience in the electricity industry to understand relevant issues related to safety.
• Requires project management and negotiating skills to provide effective consultation and support to ESA’s internal and external communications.
• Requires excellent written, verbal and listening skills.
• Requires demonstrated listening and negotiating skills to support ESA’s marketing initiatives and to develop education and awareness campaigns for the public and business on regulatory initiatives.
• The ability to work in an environment that may require a high degree of confidentiality.
• Requires the ability to work effectively with people inside and outside the organization to achieve the required results.

Notes(s):

• PLEASE NOTE THAT THE CLOSING DATE IS FIRM.
• Please note – the company has the right to make additional selections to a single posting as per Part A, Item 17.3 – Similar Vacancies.
• ESA Applicants – please ensure you have communicated your intention to apply to your Direct People leader and Senior Leadership Team(SLT) member.

ESA may use automated or AI-assisted tools to support certain aspects of the recruitment and selection process.

The salary range for this position is subject to change and will be determined in accordance with the applicable collective agreement or, where no collective agreement applies, based on the successful candidate’s skills, experience, and internal equity.

We are committed to removing barriers that candidates may experience in our recruitment process. Please email careers@electricalsafety.on.ca with any accommodation requests, or if there is anything we can do to enable your inclusive participation in the process.