Director, Communications & Engagement

Ontario Energy Board; Toronto; Hybrid; CAD 169,000 - 189,000; Full time

Job summary

Ontario Energy Board is seeking a Director of Communications & Engagement to provide strategic leadership across corporate communications, stakeholder engagement, and public affairs. You will report to the CEO and serve as a trusted advisor on complex issues with reputational impact.

The role leads the Communications and Engagement teams, shaping organizational messaging and engagement with government, industry, and consumers. The position is hybrid with evolving in-office requirements.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of corporate communications experience with leadership.
• 5–7 years of management experience leading communications professionals.
• Proven ability to advise senior leaders and manage high-profile initiatives.
• Strong expertise in digital, multimedia, and emerging communications technologies.
• Proven ability to influence senior leaders, government officials, and stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Communications & Engagement function with strategic vision and leadership.
• Develop and implement communications and engagement strategies to strengthen public trust and reputation.
• Advise the CEO and executive leadership on stakeholder relations and government matters.
• Oversee digital communications, media relations, and public affairs.
• Foster an inclusive culture and develop talent within the teams.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic thinking

Stakeholder management

Crisis communications

Digital communications

Education

University degree in English, Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Political Science

Graduate degree or professional designation (asset)

Job description

Job ID: 988
Position Type: Non-Union Temporary
Department: Communications
Job Posting Close Date: 09/08/2026
Join the Ontario Energy Board's Senior Leadership Team as Director, Communications & Engagement. This exciting development opportunity offers the chance to influence organizational strategy, advise senior executives, lead talented teams, and strengthen public trust in an organization that plays a critical role in Ontario's energy sector. Recognized as one of Greater Toronto's Top Employers for four consecutive years, the OEB offers a collaborative, purpose-driven environment where leaders can make a lasting impact.

Overview

HRING RANGE $169,000 - $189,000
The role is a 12 month backfill for a leave

• The role is currently hybrid, with 2 days per week in our Yonge & Eglinton office. Effective January 1, 2027, the position will require 4 days per week in the office, increasing to 5 days per week effective March 1, 2027.

The Director is responsible for providing strategic leadership and oversight of the OEB's communications and stakeholder engagement functions. The role drives the development and implementation of integrated communications, engagement, and reputation management strategies that strengthen public trust, enhance organizational reputation, and support the achievement of the OEB's strategic priorities. Reporting as a senior leader within the organization, the Director leads all aspects of corporate communications, employee communications, stakeholder engagement, digital communications, creative services, media relations, executive communications, and public affairs. The role ensures the effective management of the OEB's communication channels, products, services, and stakeholder-facing initiatives while providing strategic counsel to executives and supporting relationships with government, including the Ministry and Minister's Office. Leading the Communications and Engagement teams, the Director champions a culture of excellence, innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement. Through strong leadership and people development, the Director empowers teams to deliver impactful communications and engagement strategies that create value for stakeholders and advance the OEB's mandate.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Communications & Engagement function, providing strategic vision, leadership, and oversight to support the achievement of the OEB’s mandate and strategic priorities.
• Develop organizational communications and engagement strategies that strengthen stakeholder confidence, enhance reputation, and advance public trust in the OEB.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to the executive leadership team, providing expert counsel on stakeholder relations, government relations, media issues, crisis communications, and reputation management.
• Provide visionary leadership to the Communications & Engagement team, cultivating a high-performance culture focused on excellence, innovation, collaboration, and service delivery.
• Build and sustain an engaged, diverse, and inclusive workforce by attracting, retaining, and developing top talent.
• Lead performance management, workforce planning, succession planning, and employee development initiatives to ensure long-term organizational capability and effectiveness.
• Foster a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and professional growth through coaching, mentorship, and meaningful performance conversations.
• Lead the development and execution of enterprise-wide stakeholder engagement strategies that strengthen public trust, support organizational priorities, and enhance the OEB's reputation and influence.
• Cultivate and sustain strategic relationships with government officials, industry leaders, consumer advocates, regulated entities, media representatives, and other key stakeholders.
• Serve as a key member of the senior leadership team, shaping organizational strategy and providing enterprise-wide leadership on communications, stakeholder engagement, reputation management, and public affairs.
• Act as a trusted advisor to the CEO and Executive Leadership Team, providing strategic counsel on complex, high-profile, and sensitive issues with reputational, regulatory, or stakeholder implications.
• Lead the development and execution of communications and engagement strategies that strengthen public confidence, build stakeholder trust, and advance the OEB's strategic objectives.
• Establish enterprise-wide communications and engagement metrics that demonstrate organizational impact, support accountability, and inform strategic decision-making.
• Lead the development of integrated corporate messaging and communications frameworks that ensure consistency, transparency, and alignment across the organization.
• Oversee the sub-division’s budget, forecasting, and financial planning activities, ensuring alignment with organizational priorities and objectives.
• Champion a culture of service excellence, innovation, and continuous improvement.
• Ensure the delivery of high-quality, stakeholder-focused communications and engagement services

Qualifications

• University degree in English, Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Political Science, or related discipline.
• Graduate degree or professional designation is an asset.
• Minimum 10 years of progressive experience in corporate communications, with a strong track record of leadership and strategic communications planning, preferably in a unionized environment.
• 5 to 7 years of management experience leading communications professionals and fostering a high-performance, collaborative team culture.
• Demonstrated ability to provide trusted strategic counsel to senior leaders and manage complex, high-profile communications initiatives.
• Experience leading digital communications, creative services, and multi-channel communications programs is considered an asset.
• Proven ability to align communications strategies with organizational priorities and business objectives.
• Proven ability to influence, engage, and build credibility with senior leaders, government officials, stakeholders, and external partners.
• Extensive experience leading strategic communications initiatives that support organizational objectives, drive engagement, and enhance reputation.
• Strong expertise in stakeholder, media, and government relations, including developing proactive engagement strategies and managing complex issues.
• Exceptional communication and presentation skills, with the ability to distill complex information into clear and persuasive messaging for diverse audiences.
• Advanced knowledge of digital, multimedia, and emerging communications technologies and their application to modern communications strategies.
• Demonstrated ability to align communications planning with business priorities and strategic outcomes.
• Highly effective relationship-builder with a strong network and the ability to collaborate across all levels of an organization and with external partners.

Pursuant to theAccessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, the Ontario Energy Board will make reasonable efforts to provide accommodation to candidates with disabilities in the course of the recruitment process upon written request. We request that candidates seeking accommodation identify their particular accommodation needs as soon as possible in the job selection process. Questions concerning the availability of accommodation in the recruitment process may be forwarded by email [e-mail].