Manager, Government Relations

Position Purpose

The Manager, Government Relations (GR), reporting to the Director, Government and Industry Relations, works to advance Alectra’s GR goals at all three levels of government with a priority focus on the municipal level. The Manager oversees the company’s comprehensive municipal GR program relating to operational issues of interest to municipalities and key business organizations across the company’s service territory.

The role leverages existing relationships held across the four predecessor utilities and supports the Director and the VP in establishing and maintaining positive and productive relationships.

Working collaboratively with colleagues from across the organization, the Manager of GR is responsible for implementing Alectra’s municipal engagement strategy. The manager also facilitates timely resolutions to operational issues raised by public office holders and local government officials throughout Alectra’s service territory as well as those received through the offices of senior executives in the company.

The Manager also supports the Director’s advocacy programs around provincial and federal energy policy through research and policy analysis and helps ensure executives are appropriately prepared for government meetings and other engagements.

Key Responsibilities/Accountabilities

• Working with the Director, develops a comprehensive strategy for Alectra’s Municipal GR function that includes a thorough stakeholder mapping exercise and varying approaches depending on the unique needs of each stakeholder group (elected officials, municipal staff, etc.)
  Provides oversight and direction to team on implementation of Municipal GR program and regularly attends and supports one-on-one meetings with Councilors and municipal staff
• Develops a system for monitoring and tracking meetings with elected officials across three levels of government and ensures consistency of messages and materials are disseminated
• Works collaboratively with colleagues across the organization, particularly in the Customer Service Department, to ensure the timely resolution of issues raised, as appropriate.
• Provides research and policy analysis support to the Director in preparation for meetings with government and industry associations and provides input into advocacy strategies

General Responsibilities

• Delivers municipal GR program across Alectra’s service territory and develops appropriate metrics to track commitments and deliverables
• Provides a point of contact for municipal staff and elected officials and ensures issues are resolved thoroughly and efficiently
• Creates and manages a municipal political monitoring program of committee and council agendas for issues of interest and relevance to Alectra
• Influences, advises and motivates others on GR matters and communicates complex issues in a clear and engaging manner
• Provides public, community and stakeholder relationship management assistance when needed and in collaboration with colleagues in the Government and Corporate Relations Department
• Ensures compliance to legislative, regulatory and Health & Safety policies, procedures and standards
• Ensures compliance with all municipal lobbyist registration requirements
• Performs other duties as assigned

Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills and Competencies

State the minimum qualifications required to successfully perform the role:

Education

• Bachelor’s Degree in Humanities, Social Science, Communications, Public Relations, or related discipline or equivalent experience
• Must hold and maintain a valid class “G” driver’s license
• Must be willing to regularly spend time traveling (by car) throughout Alectra’s service territory

Specialized knowledge

• Knowledge of municipal affairs and a thorough understanding of decision-making and relevant processes within Ontario
• Knowledge of the overall electricity industry and superior knowledge of the political landscape in Ontario an asset
• Experience in development and implementation of policy initiatives an asset
• Understanding of regulated business environment
• Proficiency with MS Office applications

Experience

• Minimum of 5 years’ experience in a public relations role at a senior advisory or management level
• Extensive experience with stakeholder and issues management
• Experience in a unionized and utility environment, regulated business and/or in government is an asset

Skills/Abilities/Competencies  

• Excellent written and oral communications and presentation skills, with the ability to organize and convey information in a compelling way
• Strong relationship management skills
• Ability to plan, prioritize and execute multiple projects and initiatives within established timelines
• Strong ability to lead change and engage, develop and motivate teams
• Strong planning skills, with the ability to assess the impact of decisions
• Strong conflict negotiation skills, with the ability to influence and resolve difficult situations
• Sensitivity to customer concerns in a heightened, politicized environment and ability to use tact and diplomacy to resolve and issue and protect valued relationships

To apply for this position, kindly visit Alectra's Career Page 
Submissions for this position will be accepted no later than May 26th 2017