Manager, Community Planning

at  District of North Vancouver

ABOUT US

Home to vast parkland and attractions including Grouse Mountain, Lynn Canyon and Capilano Suspension Bridge, the District of North Vancouver is inspired by nature, and enriched by people. Designated one of BC’s Top Employers for six years, the District offers exciting professional development opportunities and a competitive total compensation package including a nine-day fortnight and hybrid work options. This is an exciting time to join the District, as we embark on a range of initiatives to transform digital service delivery, customer experience, and our approach to climate action. Known for being a flexible, family-friendly employer with an inclusive workplace culture, the District of North Vancouver is an exceptional place to work. If you are civic-minded and interested in making an impact on people and businesses on the beautiful North Shore, consider working for the District of North Vancouver.

POSITION OVERVIEW

Our Community Planning Department has a unique opportunity for a leader to grow and develop our dynamic team. As a member of the Planning, Properties and Permits Division’s (PPP) management team, you will:

• Manage and lead the Community Planning Department, offering expert planning guidance and advice to Council, advisory committees, task forces, both internal and external stakeholders, as well as community groups.
• represent the Department and municipal, regional. committees and other meetings.
• Act as the interim Director of Community Planning and Housing in the Director’s absence.
• Plan, organize and direct the operations, programs, policies and activities of the Community Planning Department.
• Determine departmental priorities and develop annual work plans.
• Plan, assign, check and supervise the work of professional, technical and clerical subordinates engaged in long-range planning, development referrals, and other projects.
• Communicate policy matters, long-term planning initiatives, land use modifications, and address detailed inquiries from Council members, Directors, Legal staff and Managers alike.
• Provide professional advice, opinions, and information to advisory committees, task forces, the development community, neighborhood associates, and individuals.
• Engage with external stakeholders including School Districts, Metro Vancouver, other municipalities, community associations, health authorities, senior governments, and various agencies and groups.
• Demonstrate exceptional communication and strategic planning skills, fostering consensus among professionals and effectively managing teams while considering diverse viewpoints.
• Be responsible for recruiting and retaining a team of professionals, providing performance evaluations and coaching to support staff development.
• Serve on committees, panels, and boards in a professional planning capacity and attend Council and other meetings as necessary.

The successful candidate will have:

• Thorough knowledge of planning principles, practices and processes.
• Thorough knowledge of the Community Charter and Local Government Act and related statues, laws, regulations and precedents related to land use planning, zoning and subdivision.
• Demonstrated organizational skills, ability to plan work, set priorities, meet deadlines and create and maintain accurate records.
• Demonstrated skill in public speaking.
• Demonstrated initiative and innovation to identify areas for improvement and able to implement changes.
• The ability to work under pressure and handle multiple tasks and changing priorities within assigned time frames
• The ability to work with a wide range of people and maintain positive working relationships and excellent customer service as well as the ability to coach, train and mentor employees.

QUALIFICATIONS

Master’s degree in Community Planning or related discipline. The position requires a broad knowledge base in specialized fields, such as: municipal planning, housing, regional planning, heritage, social planning, data, homelessness, climate action and land use. A minimum of seven years experience in municipal planning is required to deal with the broad strategic goals and development of new policies, procedures and guidelines based on changing provincial legislation.
Membership in the Planning Institute of British Columbia or equivalent Institute membership.

APPLY

The District of North Vancouver is committed to creating a diverse, inclusive, and accessible work environment. If you have what we’re looking for and have a passion to serve people and the community, and a demonstrated commitment to supporting a healthy and safe workplace, we would like to hear from you. Please apply on-line at https://careers.dnv.org by July 14, 2024 to be considered.
If you require accommodation to participate in the recruitment process, please inform us when we contact you.
We thank you for your interest in employment with the District of North Vancouver and advise that only those shortlisted for an interview will be contacted.
We respectfully acknowledge the Coast Salish peoples, specifically the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh), on whose ancestral lands the District of North Vancouver is located.

Please refer the Job description for details