City of Vancouver

Organization

Located on the traditional, ancestral and unceded lands of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Peoples, Vancouver has a commitment to becoming a City of Reconciliation. Vancouver consistently ranks as one of the world’s most liveable cities and is working towards being the greenest city in the world. Named among Canada's Top 100 Employers, BC's Top Employers, and Canada's Greenest Employers, the City of Vancouver seeks colleagues who can help shape and embody our core commitments to sustainability, decolonization, equity and outstanding quality of life for all residents.  Consider joining our committed team of staff and being part of an innovative, inclusive and rewarding workplace.

Main Purpose and Function

Building on our history of bold and thoughtful city planning, we currently have an exciting opportunity within Planning, Urban Design and Sustainability (PDS). Reporting to the General Manager of PDS, the Director will lead Rezoning Division of approximately 37 professional staff.

Specific Duties and Responsibilities

The Director is responsible for providing management expertise to ensure that planning programs and projects are developed and carried out to deliver effective results within established timelines and resources. Effective public and stakeholder engagement, including working closely with the development industry, landowners, and neighborhoods, is critical for successful implementation of this work. This position may represent the Division, Department, and/or City on various committees, and presents reports and information directly to the City Manager, City Council, and Council Committees. The Rezoning Director is part of the Senior Management Team in PDS and a division head within the Current Planning function together with Development Planning.  Due to the political and controversial nature of the work, the incumbent must exercise considerable judgment in developing work programs; supervising staff (unionized and non-unionized) and consultants; and managing complex projects in consultation with City Council, other departments, agencies, the private sector, and the public.

As the ideal candidate, you will bring a combination of strategic leadership skills and thorough knowledge of the principles, practices, and tools of Urban Planning with demonstrated experience in effectively integrating land use economics and housing policy with urban design principles and sustainability elements. Your ability to effectively manage a large caseload of high-profile projects with aggressive schedules and deadlines is critical to be successful in this role. Extensive experience with zoning regulations and land use policy is essential.

You have ideally worked in a large, complex, matrix organization, and have experience in public involvement, problem-solving, consensus building, facilitation, negotiation and mediation with diverse groups, individuals, and interest groups. Fostering collaboration with other divisions and departments is key to success in this role. You must have excellent communication skills and be able to deliver clear, concise reports and presentations on complex technical and policy issues to various audiences - from the general public to major community, business groups, City Council and the media.

Qualifications

Education and Experience:

• Master’s Degree in Urban Planning or a related discipline as well as 10 to 15 years of progressively responsible planning, project management, supervisory and related experience, ideally involving public sector roles.
• Demonstrated experience in public involvement, problem-solving, consensus building, facilitation, negotiation, and mediation – with diverse groups, individuals, and interest groups.
• Effective leadership skills including the ability to inspire, motivate, coach and mentor a large and diverse team of professional and technical staff.