Director, Indigenous Relations

INDEPENDENT ELECTRICITY SYSTEM OPERATOR (IESO)

Requisition ID: 20355 Location: Toronto - Hybrid Status: Regular Business Unit: Corporate Relations, Engagement and Strategy

Why join us?

You’ve got great skills. And you want to use them in an organization where you know what you do every day matters. We get that.

We also know that ensuring Ontarians have access to affordable and reliable power doesn’t happen by accident. So we give you the tools, flexibility and support you need to achieve your goals, and development opportunities to help you grow. You’ll thrive in a collaborative, team-based environment that values your unique skills and experiences – and recognizes that when you do better, we become even better too.

Who We Are

The Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) works at the centre of the province’s power system, ensuring Ontarians have access to reliable and cost-effective electricity when and where they need it. We operate the province’s electricity grid 24/7, design, run and oversee the wholesale electricity markets, and plan and prepare to meet Ontario’s electricity needs – now and into the future.

The Opportunity

Reporting to the Vice President of Corporate Relations, Engagement and Strategy, the Director of Indigenous Relations will lead the development and implementation of the IESO’s Indigenous Relations Commitments and Truth and Reconciliation Action Plan, fostering meaningful partnerships with Indigenous communities. Serving as an external ambassador and advocate, they will work collaboratively with Indigenous partners to strengthen relationships and support positive, mutually beneficial outcomes. Reporting directly to the Vice President, Corporate Relations, Engagement & Strategy and managing a team of direct and indirect reports, the Director provides senior oversight and leadership to deliver Divisional initiatives.

Aligned with the IESO’s commitment to strengthen existing and build new relationships, the role is accountable to ensure Indigenous voices are heard and understood in energy initiatives, promoting building capacity and meaningful participation. The Director will also develop and implement corporate strategies for delivering on the Division’s accountabilities of protecting, maintaining and enhancing the IESO’s reputation and relationships with Indigenous communities.

Key Responsibilities

The Candidate

The IESO is seeking a candidate with proven success in managing and maintaining meaningful relationships with Indigenous communities through delivering on communications, engagement strategies, plans and programs that strive towards collaborative partnerships. The candidate will require a deep understanding of the unique perspectives of Indigenous Peoples, Indigenous cultures, traditions, and governance systems.

The candidate requires familiarity with Ontario’s energy landscape and future energy needs. Additionally, the candidate will have experience in policy development, advocacy, and project management. A strong ethical framework and an ability to navigate complex socio-political landscapes are crucial for fostering trust and achieving meaningful outcomes in this role.

Qualified Indigenous candidates will be given preference throughout the selection process.

Skills And Qualifications

Education

What’s In It For You

At the IESO, we know that achieving great results depends on embracing diversity by attracting, developing and retaining people from a wide variety of backgrounds. We do this by ensuring our recruitment and advancement policies are fair and equitable, and by creating an accessible and inclusive environment – one that values every team member’s unique skills and experiences and ensures they have the support they need to achieve their potential. If you require accommodation during the recruitment process, please let us know.

We thank you for your interest in a career at the IESO, but we will only contact those candidates selected for an interview.

Note: The successful candidate must be eligible to work in Canada and will be subject to a background check.

The IESO offers a hybrid work model program to most of our employees, based on business needs. Individuals participating in the program can work an average of three days per week remotely within Ontario. It also offers three flex weeks when individuals can work remotely within Ontario . When working in the office, you will be located at our Toronto location.

Contact Information

If you are interested in being considered for this exciting leadership opportunity, please submit your expression of interest (cover letter and current resume) by email to applications@pathwaysexecutivesearch.ca with “Director, Indigenous Relations” in the subject line.

Please note that all information you provide, or that is provided on your behalf to the IESO as a candidate for this job listing, will be reviewed by and shared with the IESO’s third party executive search service provider, Pathways Executive Search, for the purposes of the IESO’s recruitment and selection process.

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Sign up for our talent community: stay in touch, find out about new opportunities – and discover how you can make a difference. Discover how we use our expertise and commitment to deliver reliable and affordable electricity to Ontario’s businesses and communities, and how we’re innovating to secure a stronger energy future for all Ontarians. Visit Careers at IESO and be sure to follow us on LinkedIn.

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