Director, Corporate Initiatives - Closing May 29, 2026

Port Hope is a uniquely attractive place to work, highlighted by the future development of potentially the world's largest nuclear plant, which promises cutting-edge infrastructure and economic stability. This diversification into nuclear energy complements the area's strong economic base in agriculture and manufacturing, securing a stable job market. Employees will engage with advanced technology and industry experts, enhancing professional development. The community's warmth promotes work-life balance, supported by cultural festivals and heritage sites. Proximity to Toronto/GTA provides urban access, while the area's natural beauty invites outdoor recreation. High-quality education and healthcare, low crime rates, and a commitment to environmental sustainability make Port Hope an exceptional place to live and work, fostering both professional and personal growth.

Director, Corporate Initiatives provides strategic leadership for cross-departmental priorities that advance Council’s vision and the municipality’s long-term objectives. The role leads key initiatives in environmental remediation, strategic business optimization, and Strategic Plan implementation, while improving internal processes, enhancing resident engagement, and supporting organizational effectiveness.

The position also serves as a lead for Indigenous relations, corporate communications, and resource development, including grant funding.

Overall, the Director acts as a corporate integrator, aligning strategy, partnerships, communications, and funding to support municipal priorities and community outcomes to better manage general growth and rapid growth accelerated by potential new nuclear.

Benefits and Perks

• Employer paid Group Health, Dental and Life Insurance after three months of employment
• OMERS Pension Plan from the date of hire
• Professional Development and Skill Based Training Opportunities
• Alternate Work Arrangements
• Wellness, Social and Staff Ambassador Committees
• Employee and Family Assistance Plan
• Perks and Savings Partnerships

Compensation $144,412 - $168,942 per annum (compensation is currently under review)

Qualifications

• Graduate level University degree in Public/Policy Administration, Environmental Studies, Civil Engineering, or related field.
• A minimum of ten (10) years’ municipal-related experience with at least five (5) years’ management experience. Management work experience in a unionized environment required.
• Experience working in or with municipal governments and/or the nuclear sector or geotechnical field.

Responsibilities Leadership

• As a member of the Senior Management Team, works collaboratively across departments to achieve corporate objectives, advance organizational effectiveness, and implement corporate strategies, policies and projects.
• Provide leadership, vision, strategic thinking, risk assessment / management, fiscal responsibility and management of staff in a manner which incorporates best practices, technological advances, Corporate strategic goals, priorities, mission, values, short and long range growth management and the interests of the public. The Director shall ensure that the actions of the department and staff are in compliance with Corporate Policy, Strategic Plan and all applicable Municipal, Federal and Provincial requirements.
• Responsible for demonstrating positive leadership through the supervision of staff, including developing a competent management team, directing/guiding work assignments, revising position responsibilities, performance management, identifying and supporting professional development needs/training, coaching, motivating and empowering staff to meet the expectations of the position.

Environmental Remediation

• The primary leadership responsibility over Environmental Remediation to act as the strategic liaison and coordination point between the Municipality of Port Hope, Canadian Nuclear Laboratories (CNL), and Atomic Energy of Canada Limited (AECL). This role involves facilitating collaboration and communication among these entities to design and implement cost-effective project models. These models must thoughtfully incorporate and balance social, environmental, and residential feedback to ensure sustainable development and community acceptance. By aligning organizational goals and integrating multi-stakeholder perspectives, the leader ensures projects not only meet technical and financial targets but also address public concerns, environmental stewardship, and residential well-being.
• Lead, through Manager, Environmental Remediation, the coordination and facilitation of discussions on end use planning of major sites, communications, changes to clean up criteria and policy considerations, and legal agreements associated with PHAI (Port Hope Area Initiative).
• Act as the official signatory for the Environmental Services department and for legislated submissions to Government Agencies and other authorities. Participates in legal court proceedings related to Environmental Services matters
• Develop and oversee a resident liaison program for PHAI small scale sites.
• Ensure compliance with, recommend updates to legal agreements, contracts, and policies. Negotiate changes in consultation with the CAO as required.
• Lead, through Manager, Environmental Remediation, ensuring all Operations fall within the approved PHAI project budget, activities, regulations, guidelines, Policies, By-Laws and other applicable requirements

Business Optimization

• Provide strategic leadership for new nuclear readiness, including the development and execution of corporate plans, cross-departmental coordination, and innovative practices to support the Municipality’s growth, expansion, and long-term organizational preparedness.
• Lead the design, development, and implementation of a centralized community service function, ensuring service delivery is coordinated, resident-focused, efficient, and aligned with the Municipality’s evolving operational needs.
• Direct the review, modernization, and continuous improvement of municipal service standards, policies, and delivery models to enhance service quality, consistency, accountability, and responsiveness.
• Drive business optimization initiatives by streamlining internal workflows, improving processes, and reducing administrative inefficiencies across departments through modern technologies, including Artificial Intelligence, operational best practices and performance-based approaches.

Strategic Plan Implementation

• Lead implementation of the Municipality’s Strategic Plan across all four pillars, ensuring each initiative is assigned, actively advanced, and achieved within specified deadlines.
• Establish clear accountability, coordination, and oversight processes across departments to support timely delivery of Strategic Plan initiatives and address barriers to implementation.
• Develop metrics, performance measures, and tracking mechanisms to monitor achievement of Strategic Plan goals and initiatives, and create a dashboard to report progress toward implementation for Council and the public.
• Prepare consolidated progress reports, risk updates, and status assessments to support decision-making, accountability, and public transparency regarding Strategic Plan outcomes.

Indigenous Relations

• Leads the Municipality’s Indigenous Relations and Communications functions, setting strategic direction and developing corporate policies, frameworks, and protocols that guide respectful, consistent practice across the organization.
• Builds and sustains effective government-to-government and staff-to-community relationships with Indigenous Rightsholders, communities, and partners, grounded in trust, respect, and ongoing dialogue.
• Provides corporate leadership and advice to Council, the CAO, and departments on Indigenous engagement, communications, reconciliation commitments, and emerging issues affecting municipal operations and decision-making.
• Oversees organization-wide communications planning, messaging, and issues management to ensure public communications are clear, coordinated, and aligned with municipal priorities and Indigenous relationship commitments.
• Works across departments to embed Indigenous Relations considerations into municipal policy development, service delivery, projects, and consultation processes, while strengthening organizational awareness and capacity.

Corporate Communications

• Lead public communication efforts to ensure transparency, foster trust, and provide timely updates on environmental and nuclear initiatives.
• Develop ‘One-Voice’ communications strategy to ensure consistent, transparent messaging across the organization and to the public.
• Build and maintain effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including Council, Indigenous Rights holders, regulatory agencies, and the public.
• Work in conjunction with the Manager, Communications to ensure operational efficiency, prioritize workflows and meet strict deadlines.

Resource Development

• Provide strategic oversight, through the Grant Facilitator, for the identification, coordination, and pursuit of provincial, federal, private, and other funding opportunities aligned with municipal priorities, including but not limited to infrastructure, climate resilience, housing, recreation, asset management, growth-related initiatives, heritage, and environmental projects.
• Lead the municipality’s resource development approach to maximize external funding and minimize reliance on the tax levy, reducing the financial burden on residents and businesses.
• Oversee the planning, development, and submission of grant and funding applications, ensuring proposals are complete, competitive, and aligned with Council-approved priorities and corporate objectives.
• Ensure effective application management, including tracking funding opportunities, submission timelines, deliverables, agreements, and compliance requirements throughout the full funding lifecycle.
• Direct reporting and accountability processes related to funded projects, including required reporting to funders and regular updates to Council on funding status, outcomes, and risks.

General

• Knowledge of the Municipality’s “Health and Safety Policy” and ensure that Departmental operating procedures comply with these provisions and those of the Occupational Health and Safety Act and its Regulations, including WHMIS. Take all reasonable and necessary precautions to ensure the safety of oneself, other employees, the public, and any person likely to be affected by the employee’s acts or omissions. Participate as required by the Municipality’s Emergency Plan.
• Represent the department and provide advice and recommendations to Council, the public, special purpose bodies, committees, government agencies, stakeholders and interest groups by communicating information and corporate objectives; recommend courses of action and facilitate solutions affecting administration and/or service delivery; attend Council meetings, Committee of the Whole meetings and other Committees of Council as required.
• Authorize and review the Expression of Interest, Request for Quote, and Request for Proposals; write and / or review Committee of the Whole and / or Council Reports for the Environmental Services department.
• Maintain a liaison with the media, other municipal administrations, local boards and utilities, government ministries, community groups and organizations to ensure good public relations, exchange of knowledge, solutions and best practice improvements related to the work of the department and the Municipality.
• Provide a positive, professional image to the public and promote the Corporate Strategic Plan of the Municipality and the Department. Demonstrate commitment to personal and professional development by remaining current with new legislation, regulations, technology and organizational theory and practices relating to the Municipality.
• Perform other duties as may be assigned.

Skills and Abilities

• A skilled people manager with strong leadership skills, including coaching, team building and employee development.
• Knowledge of Municipal, Provincial and Federal Acts, Regulations and Standards related to Environmental Services departmental activities.
• Superior verbal and written communication skills including the ability to communicate strategic and department decisions in a manner that aligns people and objectives. Ability to facilitate discussion between working groups and the public.
• Thorough knowledge of the methods and procedures used in successful strategic organizational growth
• Demonstrated ability to meet strategic objectives for an organization
• Interpersonal skills and customer service focused with strengths in consensus building and a high degree of political acuity.
• Adhere to high standards of ethical behaviour and demonstrate understanding that personal actions impact the public’s perception of the Municipality.
• Strategic, long term and proactive planning skills; organizational and time management skills.
• Analytic, problem solving and decision-making skills.
• Advanced computer skills including expertise on Email, Word, Excel, Project Tracking software and Power Point software; GIS experience would be an asset.

Other

• Valid and satisfactory ‘G’ driver’s license and access to own vehicle.
• Valid and satisfactory Criminal Record and Judicial Matters Check.
• Office environment with some travel within the Municipality.
• Some exposure to outside and inclement weather.
• Availability to attend after-hours meetings.
• Significant contact with outside government agencies, consultants, and public.

Submit an Application Please submit your cover letter and resume online at Careers - Municipality of Port Hope by May 29, 2026. Interviews may be scheduled in advance of the closing date. This position is currently vacant.

Recruitment Process The Municipality of Port Hope is a progressive employer who believes a diverse and inclusive workplace strengthens the team and fosters an environment where everyone feels as though they belong and their dignity, beliefs and identity are respected.

We are committed to creating and sustaining an environment that provides a supportive workplace and equal opportunity for all employees. Accommodations can be requested throughout the recruitment process in accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act.

Applications will be reviewed, and interviews may be scheduled prior to the job posting closing date. All applicants will receive an automated email confirming the submission of their application, but only those candidates selected for an interview will be further contacted by Human Resources.

Personal information is collected under the authority of the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act and the Municipal Act, as amended.