Director, Community Engagement - West (18-Month Contract)

18-Month Contract Opportunity

Metrolinx is connecting communities across the Greater Golden Horseshoe. Metrolinx is building new and improved transit, including GO Expansion, Light Rail Transit routes, and major expansions to Toronto’s subway system, to get people where they need to go. Metrolinx operates GO Transit and UP Express, as well as the PRESTO fare payment system. Metrolinx is an agency of the Government of Ontario. 

We embody our values in everything that we do. We Serve with Passion, Think Forward, and Play as a Team. If you can relate, we want to hear from you! 

We’re looking for leaders who inspire trust, shape culture, and move ideas forward. As a people leader in our Division, you will foster an inclusive, respectful, and people-first culture; provide clear direction and coaching that empowers your team to succeed; model accountability and integrity in your decision-making; collaborate across teams to drive impact; and lead through change with resilience and a forward-thinking mindset.

The Director, Community Engagement West provides direction and leadership to the development and execution of strategies for the delivery of all activities related to Metrolinx’s community engagement programs. Provides senior management oversight and leadership to support the successful delivery of Metrolinx transit projects and enhance strategic relationships with communities, stakeholders and all levels of government.

What will I be doing?

• Supports and enables the effective delivery of the Metrolinx capital program by providing direction and expertise to the strategic planning and tactical delivery of a high-profile community and stakeholder engagement programs focused on, public engagement, education, and collaboration.
• Identifies and proactively furthers relationship-building and partnership opportunities to shape and achieve effective community & stakeholder engagement programs, plans and objectives.
• Facilitates the achievement of Metrolinx’s vision and image by planning for consistent and frequent delivery of key messages that represent the organization favourably, gains and sustains a social license to proceed to get projects built and to make positive, lasting contributions to the community. 
• Delivers strategic advice, options and recommendations for issues management, including strategy, analysis, and messaging, as well as identifying and mitigating risks and concerns that could impact Metrolinx’s brand and reputation.
• Builds and manages positive and productive relationships with key stakeholders including but not limited to: community liaison groups; community partners; local Boards of Trade; Chambers of Commerce; Business Improvement Areas; and the general public regarding projects and to facilitate community engagement program development.
• Cultivates and actively manages critical relationships with local elected officials and third-party partners to ensure their requirements and concerns are addressed. 
• Oversees the procurement of services including defining requirements, evaluation of submissions and ongoing management of contractor services.
• Provides senior leadership oversight and direction to project teams (e.g. defining team member roles, responsibilities, and expectations); delivers timely feedback to ensure a cohesive operational unit and the optimum use of team skills; manages staff and monitors work assignments to ensure adherence to timelines; monitors the achievement of performance objectives; develops and implements action plans to address performance gaps.

What skills & qualifications do I need?

• Completion of a degree in Communications, Community Engagement, Business Administration or a related discipline – or a combination of education, training and experience deemed equivalent.
• Demonstrated progressive senior leadership experience developing, planning and executing, strategic community and stakeholder engagement programs and activities, including issues management.
• Must have a valid Ontario Class “G” driver’s license and must meet corporate standard for a good driving record. Valid driver license must be maintained during the employment relationship and are a condition of employment.
• Knowledge of and expertise in the techniques, strategies and methods of strategic communications, communications planning, issues management, to direct and oversee a critical community and stakeholder engagement program that supports a wide spectrum of information needs of external audiences.
• Strategic planning and project execution to manage multiple and changing priorities with competing deadlines.
• Familiarity and experience working with the diverse communities that make up the regions.
• Experience managing vendors offering professional services. 
• Strong innovative thinking, creative problem solving and effective organizational skills to establish effective networks and creative and innovative approaches to community engagement strategy solutions that effectively convey the Metrolinx’ mission, vision, values and mandate and engage and impact audiences and stakeholders through multiple channels. 
• Negotiating, influencing and political acuity skills to identify, analyze, and determine the impact of emerging and potentially contentious issues, and proactively develop and execute strategic issues management plans to address issues, propose solutions, strategic options and positioning.
• Relationship & stakeholder management skills to engage, cultivate, and manage relationships with a broad range of stakeholders and the media to meet or exceed internal client needs. 
• Strong oral/written/presentation communication skills to write speeches and briefs at the executive level and manage delivery of community engagement programs, services and products; to represent Metrolinx at public events; to consult, influence and collaborate with colleagues across levels and business groups.

Don’t Meet Every Requirement? 

If you’re excited about working with Metrolinx but your past experience doesn’t quite align with every qualification of this posting, we encourage you to apply. You just might be the right candidate for this or other roles. We are always looking for great talent to join our team.
 

We invite all interested individuals to apply and encourage applications from members of equity-deserving communities, including those who identify as Indigenous, Black, racialized, women, people with disabilities, and people with diverse gender identities, expressions and sexual orientations.

Accommodation:

We value the unique skills and experiences each person brings to Metrolinx and are committed to creating and maintaining an inclusive and accessible environment. We are committed to the requirements of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act so if you require accommodation during the hiring process, please let our Recruitment team know by contacting us at: 416-202-5601 or email hr.recruitment@metrolinx.com.

Application Process:

All applicants must be legally entitled to work in Canada. Metrolinx will be using email to communicate with you for all job competitions. It is your responsibility to include an updated email address that is checked daily and accepts emails from unknown users. As we send time-sensitive correspondence, we recommend that you check your email regularly. If no response is received, we will assume you are no longer interested in pursuing the opportunity. Please be advised that a Criminal Record Check may be required of the successful candidate. Should it be determined that any background information provided is misleading, inaccurate or incorrect, Metrolinx reserves the right to discontinue with the consideration of your application.

We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those selected for further consideration will be contacted. 
 

An Equal Opportunity Employer

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