Program and Planning Lead

at  City of Edmonton

Job Number: 50742
Are you excited to oversee and execute strategic planning and program development for Traffic Operations programs, including Vibrant Streets programs, active transportation and parking? Then this position is for you!
Reporting to the General Supervisor, Planning and Permitting, this senior level position is responsible for the oversight and execution of strategic planning, business and program development, project management, business intelligence/analytics and stewardship of key performance indicators on behalf of the Traffic Operations section. This position leads the Program and Planning team, which is responsible for the development and implementation of operational policy, procedure and strategy in fulfillment of City policy (The City Plan) and Council, ELT and branch priorities, including public engagement and communications. As well, this role conducts and delivers strategic, program and project work to fulfill these objectives.
A key accountability of this role is the oversight of the Program and Planning team to ensure that work is strategically prioritized, managed and supported. This includes leading senior level project management, business and program development, operational policy/procedure development and public engagement support and guidance. As well, this role is responsible for ensuring that the team’s deliverables are defined and met, while managing associated budgets, timeline and work quality. '

SKILLS REQUIRED FOR SUCCESS:

• Extensive knowledge of strategic management and operational business planning principles, service design, systems thinking, policy development, and risk management related to business strategies and goals
• Extensive knowledge of the development and management of performance measurement strategies, operational analyses, process development and evaluation methodologies
• Advanced knowledge of project and research methodology, design, analysis, implementation, data collection, and presentation of results and recommendations
• Ability to understand corporate priorities, strategies and initiatives, and associated timelines associated with the corporate reporting processes and protocols
• Experience analyzing, compiling and making recommendations regarding legislative and strategic issues
• Experience and skill in the use of analytics, and data intelligence to support decision making processes
• Ability to understand and execute oral and written instructions of an advanced nature and ability to express complex ideas and concepts effectively and persuasively, verbally and in written format
• Demonstrated skill leading an integrated team of various professional disciplines
• Significant skills and ability in project and process management including the ability to effectively gather, synthesize and analyze data to make timely and relevant business decisions
• Proven project management, planning, prioritization, and organizational skills to manage timely program delivery
• Ability to interpret policy appropriately in the operational delivery of services
• Demonstrated skills in facilitation of groups with competing interests and priorities - including strong conflict resolution and negotiation skills with experience in solving complex and sensitive issues
• Experience managing and working with external consultants and contracts
• Alignment to our Art of Inclusion: Our Diversity and Inclusion Framework
• Alignment to our Cultural Commitments
• Alignment to our Leadership Competencies
• Applicants may be tested

Qualifications:

• A university degree in business administration, urban planning, public policy, public administration, political science or equivalents
• A minimum of 7 years of progressively responsible experience in a combination of service designs, strategic/operational business planning, policy and procedure development, project management experience and mixed methodology research projects within a complex organization
• A minimum of 2 years progressively responsible experience leading and supervising staf

• Analyze and determine the approach to business development, program development and project management methodology for programs, projects and initiatives, including Vibrant Streets programs, active transportation, on-street parking, downtown City parkades and other curbside management programs
• Conduct full lifecycle project management (initiating, planning, implementation, monitoring and controlling, and closing), strategy development, business case preparation, business planning, change management, financial analysis, report writing, data analysis, policy drafting, stakeholder engagement and contract management where required
• Develop and lead public-facing service design and delivery activities, including evaluating existing section program and service offerings to identify shortcomings, developing and recommending customer-facing and operational programs, processes and solutions to support residents and customers
• Facilitate workflow, accountabilities and resourcing within the Planning and Permitting team, Traffic Operations section, branch, other City departments and external contracts
• Ensure the objectives of the project are delivered in a manner that is consistent with the quality and timeline expectations of the project sponsors
• Provide strategic advice and guidance to team members and senior leaders/project sponsors regarding the criticality, prioritization and alignment of programs and projects to departmental and corporate deliverables
• Lead, support and guide the development community partnerships with Business Improvement Areas (BIAs), businesses and community groups
• Lead, build and maintain a high-performing, risk tolerant and inclusive Program and Planning team, including recruiting, coaching, mentoring and providing advice and counseling to the team to create a culture of growth and development
• Oversee the development and monitoring of Traffic Operations program performance metrics, support operational leaders with performance evaluation and set of service standards and targets for their teams
• Perform other related duties as required

Qualifications:

• A university degree in business administration, urban planning, public policy, public administration, political science or equivalents
• A minimum of 7 years of progressively responsible experience in a combination of service designs, strategic/operational business planning, policy and procedure development, project management experience and mixed methodology research projects within a complex organization
• A minimum of 2 years progressively responsible experience leading and supervising staff

Asset:

• A graduate level degree in one of these disciplines is preferred
• Professional accreditation or certification in service design and delivery, facilitation, strategic planning, business development, continuous improvement, business process improvement is preferred