Head of Public Affairs

Mississauga, ON
On-site
Posted Oct 4, 2026
1 position

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Employment type: Full-time
Experience level: Lead · 15+ years
Minimum education: Bachelor’s degree
Posting language: English
Working hours: 40 hours per week
Seniority: Executive
Application method: Direct apply is available

Job summary

Lead public affairs and government advocacy strategies to advance the airport’s priorities on infrastructure, trade, investment, and industry transformation. Advise senior executives, represent the airport in high-profile government and industry engagements, manage strategic communications, and lead and develop the public affairs team.

Job details

Toronto Pearson is transforming. Now's the time for your career to fly. The Greater Toronto Airports Authority (GTAA) is a unique and dynamic place to work, with a bold plan to make Toronto Pearson, Canada's leading global hub airport, a global leader in airport performance, customer care and sustainability. Together with our partners, approximately 2,100 GTAA employees are working to create a next-generation airport by innovating in all we do and striving for the most uplifting, safe and efficient experience for our passengers, all while championing the prosperity of our people, the community we call home, and our aviation partners. Join us on our journey together, as we put the joy back into travel and make Toronto Pearson the chosen place to fly and work. What's in it for you? • Retirement planning and comprehensive group health benefits. • Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and paid leave. • Education, training, recognition and rewards programs. What can you expect from this position? The Head of Public Affairs works in partnership with the CEO and Vice President, Stakeholder Relations & Communications to shape and advance the corporation's agenda across government, the aviation industry and other strategic external relationships. Reporting to the Vice President, Stakeholder Relations & Communications, this senior leader expands the GTAA's influence by strengthening access to key decision-makers and executing public affairs strategies aligned with evolving government priorities and the corporation's strategic direction. The role requires political acuity, emotional intelligence and strong planning, coordination and execution skills to manage a high volume of complex matters with speed and accuracy. As Head of Public Affairs, you will: • Champion the expansion of government advocacy into emerging areas of influence, including economic impact, trade and innovation initiatives that advance the organization's strategic objectives. • Lead advocacy on transition, trade, airport model, investment strategy and major infrastructure matters, ensuring the enterprise's voice influences government, business, customers and the public on domestic and international issues. • Work closely with the CEO and the CEO's Office to establish and manage dynamic relationship priorities, serve as the primary liaison with the federal government, and support high-profile engagements with the Prime Minister's Office, Privy Council Office and Cabinet. • Establish and maintain relationships with business leaders, trade associations and government decision-makers, and represent or support airport executives at conferences and industry forums. • Co-design and co-lead advocacy campaigns, consultations, legislative reviews, working groups and coalitions that advance airport interests in infrastructure funding, economic development and trade partnerships. • Develop strategic communications plans for government affairs, manage issues and crisis communications, and ensure consistent messaging across external channels. • Prepare analyses, thought papers and executive forums that align government engagement strategies, policy positions and advocacy efforts across leadership. • Partner with the CEO, Vice President and executive team to shape high-impact engagement strategies, speaking opportunities and thought leadership with business, government and industry leaders. • Serve as a senior spokesperson on public policy matters and represent the airport in high-stakes external meetings and media engagements. • Build and sustain relationships with Boards of Trade, tourism boards, industry associations, strategic partners, contractors and community stakeholders, while driving partnerships that expand the airport's influence and economic impact. • Advise C-suite executives on transparent and impactful external communications related to major capital investments, regulatory approvals, strategic partnerships and industry transformation. • Provide strong people leadership by attracting, developing and retaining talent; setting priorities; coaching for performance and development; and participating in regular talent reviews. • Perform other related duties as assigned. This is the role for you, if you have: • A Bachelor's degree in Public Affairs, Political Science, Communications or a related field. An advanced degree in Public Policy, Law or Government Relations is preferred. • A minimum of 15 years of experience in public affairs, communications or a related field, including at least eight years in senior leadership roles, ideally in complex, multi-stakeholder environments. • Experience in the aviation, transportation or infrastructure sectors is preferred. • Superior political and organizational acuity, emotional intelligence and expert relationship-building and stakeholder management skills. • Advanced presentation, content development and communication capabilities, with the credibility to engage senior government, business, industry and community leaders. • Highly developed project management, strategic planning, facilitation, influencing, conceptual and analytical skills. • A deep understanding of Canadian legislative and regulatory processes and a commitment to staying current on industry and organizational issues. • The ability to obtain and retain a Transportation Security Clearance. • A valid Ontario G Driver’s Licence. • The salary for this management, non-unionized position is competitive and will be based on the successful candidate’s qualifications. Key Attributes Required for this Role: • Politically Astute and Strategic • Relationship-Focused and Influential • Emotionally Intelligent • Credible Executive Advisor • Collaborative and Diplomatic • Clear and Compelling Communicator • Decisive and Accountable • Highly Organized and Execution-Focused • Comfortable Navigating Complexity and Ambiguity The GTAA is committed to Employment Equity and maintaining a diverse, equitable and inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive.

What you’ll do

Requirements

Requires a bachelor’s degree in public affairs, political science, communications, or a related field; an advanced degree in public policy, law, or government relations is preferred. Candidates need at least 15 years of relevant experience, including eight years in senior leadership, strong knowledge of Canadian legislative and regulatory processes, and the ability to obtain and retain Transportation Security Clearance.