Senior Advisor, External Relations

Northwest Employment Works; Toronto; On-site; CAD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive base salary

Health care benefits

Defined benefit pension plan

Job summary

A Canadian organization for nuclear waste management is seeking a Senior Advisor, External Relations. This role focuses on leading the stakeholder relations strategy at national and provincial levels, managing a budget, and collaborating effectively within the communication team. The ideal candidate will have a 4-year university degree, at least 8 years of relevant experience, and strong communication skills. This position offers a hybrid work model and competitive benefits.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 8 years’ experience with external affairs and stakeholder/public relations.
• Robust relationships/experience with environmental CSOs and industry groups.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead relationship building with NWMO stakeholders at multiple levels.
• Develop and implement stakeholder relations strategy.
• Manage internal stakeholder relations budget.

Skills

External affairs

Stakeholder relations

Public relations

Government relations

Bilingualism (French/English)

Education

4 year university degree in communications or public relations

Job description

Founded in 2002, the Nuclear Waste Management Organization (NWMO) is a not-for-profit organization tasked with the safe, long-term management of Canada’s intermediate- and high-level radioactive waste, in a manner that protects people and the environment for generations to come.

The NWMO has been guided for more than 20 years by a dedicated team of world-class scientists, engineers and Indigenous Knowledge Holders who are developing innovative and collaborative solutions for nuclear waste management. In 2024, the NWMO selected Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation and the Township of Ignace as the potential hosts for the site for a deep geological repository for used nuclear fuel.

This decision means our office and staff will, in the future, be relocating to Ignace, Ont., and the deep geological repository will be situated in the area of Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation and the Township of Ignace. Infrastructure planning and development are underway to support this transition and ensure that both the community and our employees are well served and supported, now and in the future.

Senior Advisor, External Relations

One (1) Position Available – Temporary – 22 months

Position Location: Toronto Head Office

Job Summary: We are currently seeking an experienced Senior Advisor, External Relations to join our energetic and fast-paced Communications team. Reporting to the Section Manager, External Relations, the Senior Advisor, External Relations is responsible for leading, developing and implementing a stakeholder relations strategy at a national and provincial level. This work is focused on networks outside of community stakeholders and government though at times may overlap and would work in collaboration with internal peers.

Responsibilities

• Lead relationship building with the NWMO’s stakeholders at a provincial, national, and international level such as relevant industry groups, environmental organizations, civil society organizations (CSO), labour groups, think tanks, chambers of commerce etc. This role will not be responsible for stakeholders and CSOs in the NWMO’s siting areas.
• Lead, develop and implement the NWMO’s CSO and stakeholder relations strategy.
• Identify, manage and prepare for all external events and meetings with stakeholders, including securing speaking opportunities, managing sponsorships, and advising on exhibitor booth presence at events.
• Serve as a NWMO representative in meetings with industry, partners and other stakeholders
• Serve as a NWMO representative at external events, conferences, and meetings.
• Identify opportunities for the NWMO to align with stakeholder priorities.
• Manage an internal stakeholder relations budget.
• Support other Civil Society Organization engagement efforts within the NWMO.
• Contribute to the NWMO’s visibility strategy, including leading the NWMO’s Executive leadership efforts.
• Assist with government relations initiatives as needed.
• Respond and prioritize stakeholder requests, questions, and concerns.
• Position the NWMO credibly and top-of-mind with government, industry and other stakeholder groups relevant to advancing NWMO priorities, developing and maintaining professional relationships and representing the NWMO at events and speaking opportunities.
• Develop strategies including the messages, activities, resources, and progress milestones to achieve meaningful outcomes.
• Establish meaningful metrics to measure the outcomes of the strategy. Tracks and reports on progress.
• Perform other duties as required.

Qualifications and Experience

• A 4 year university degree in communications, public relations or other suitable educational experience that aligns with job requirements.
• A minimum of 8 years’ experience with external affairs, stakeholder/public relations and communications, ideally in the nuclear industry.
• Should have robust existing relationships/experience with environmental CSOs, labour groups, think tanks, chamber of commerce, etc.
• A good understanding of government relations.
• Ability to acquire and apply knowledge of the NWMO’s corporate messages, as well as priorities and approvals processes.
• Proven background in political stakeholder management.
• Proven background in leading impactful stakeholder engagement programs.
• Experience or knowledge of regulatory process in Canada.
• Experience managing a budget.
• A real team player with the ability to interact and collaborate.
• Excellent written communications and the ability to write using a variety of styles.
• Good presentation and verbal skills.
• Strong strategically and operationally minded.
• Demonstrated ability to plan, organize and prioritize.
• Proven experience of being able to take accountability and lead on projects or tasks.
• Ability to tackle new challenges, ask questions, and manage multiple projects.
• Confident and works well under pressure.

Other Requirements:

• Bilingualism (French/English) would be a strong asset.
• Must be able to operate out of the Toronto office 3 days a week.
• Must be able to travel when required for work.

Other Information

Must be eligible to work in Canada and must be able to meet security clearance requirements.

NWMO currently operates in a hybrid work model of 3 days in the office (Tuesdays being universal) and 2 days working from home.

Candidates residing in the Greater Toronto Area: Office Location – 22 St. Clair Avenue East until their role is required to relocate.

Current employees may continue working from their existing work location/arrangements until their role is required at site.

We offer a competitive base salary, health care benefits and a defined benefit pension plan.

The NWMO is committed to contributing to Reconciliation in all its work by co-creating a shared future built on rights, equity and well-being.

As an employment equity employer, NWMO actively seeks Indigenous Peoples, members of visible minorities, women, people with disabilities, and additional diverse identities for our workforce. The NWMO will provide accommodation to applicants with disabilities. If you require accommodation, please contact us.

We review applications on a rolling basis and encourage interested candidates to apply at their earliest convenience to ensure full consideration.

The NWMO is committed to a fair, transparent, and efficient recruitment process. While we sincerely appreciate every expression of interest, only those candidates selected to continue in the recruitment process will be contacted directly.