City of Victoria

Manager, Neighbourhood Development Planning

Competition Number:              24/256

Posting Scope:                         Internal / External

Posted Date:                             December 3, 2024

Closing Date:                           January 5, 2025, 4:30 PM PST

Department:                             Planning and Development

Posting Type:                           Continuous (Regular Full-Time) 

 

Work schedule:                       Monday to Friday ( 35 hour work week) 

Salary:                                       Pay Band  6 ($ 120,912.20 to $ 142,250.20)

Job Code:                                 3271

Employee Group:                     This is an Exempt position

Number of Vacancies:           1

The City of Victoria is seeking a dynamic and experienced professional to join our team as the Manager of Neighbourhood Development Planning. Under the direction of the Assistant Director of Development Services, the Manager will be responsible for managing the implementation of development policies and strategies, overseeing team operations, and ensuring quality, efficient, and accurate service delivery in the review and approval process of development proposals in Victoria’s neighbourhoods outside the downtown core. This is a unique opportunity to play a key role in shaping the future of our vibrant city and leading a dedicated team responsible for guiding the development and growth of Victoria. Fostering collaboration will be key to success, and you will bring effective leadership skills, including the ability to inspire, motivate, coach, and mentor a diverse team of professional planning staff.

Work from Home

The successful candidate for this posting may be eligible for participation in a hybrid, work from home arrangement in alignment with the City’s Work from Home Policy. Such arrangements are determined with each employee and subject to change based on operational needs and policy direction. 

EDO

The successful candidate may be eligible for earned days off, earning up to two days per month in recognition of time worked beyond core operational hours. Such arrangements are subject to change based on operational needs.

POSITION SUMMARY: 

Under the direction of the Assistant Director of Development Services, the Manager, Neighbourhood Development Planning, leads a team of planners involved in the review and approval of land use applications in neighbourhoods outside the urban core.  With the objective of providing high quality, efficient and accurate service delivery, the position is responsible for managing the implementation of development policies and strategies in the development application process and overseeing the operations of their team. 

The Manager is responsible for implementing and monitoring delegated permit application requirements, review processes and guidelines. The role identifies opportunities for enhancing the delegated approval process and presents their recommendations to the Assistant Director. To deliver on these objectives, the Manager collaborates with other City departments that play a role in planning and land use matters, other levels of government and external organizations to ensure broader City objectives are achieved.

The Manager uses their skills in problem-solving, cross-disciplinary communication, effective listening, and stakeholder relationship building to ensure the success of Victoria’s development processes.

MAJOR ACCOUNTABILITIES:

Neighbourhood Development Planning

• Lead and manage the review and approval of land use and development applications outside the downtown core to ensure City objectives are being met through policy application and implementation.
• Support long range planning initiatives and the preparation of city-wide and local area plans and strategies to guide future growth and change.
• Provide professional advice, prepare reports with recommendations, and make presentations to senior management and Council on land use and development applications. 
• Coordinate responses to neighbourhood development inquiries from the public and Council.
• Oversee the management of legal agreements associated with development applications to ensure compliance, and report issues of non-compliance to senior management.

Delegated Permit Programs and Operations

• Implement and monitor the City’s delegated permit application requirements to ensure that review processes and guidelines are followed to achieve City planning objectives.
• Deliver quality, efficient, and accurate service, and identify opportunities for change to the delegated approval process.
• Support interdepartmental change management initiatives, including implementation and ongoing monitoring to ensure high quality efficient and accurate service delivery.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Work and liaise with external organizations and consultants on neighbourhood planning matters, land use applications and initiatives, including government, developers, consultants, and organizations.

People Management:

• Manage a team of planners primarily responsible for review and approval of land use applications outside the downtown core. 
• Represent the employer by recruiting, selecting, developing, mentoring, and assessing staff.
• Manage employee conduct, performance, and attendance, respond to grievances, and create a safe, positive work environment. 
• Oversee consultant selection and management of contractors to support policy development.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Master’s Degree in Urban Planning or a related field.
• Membership or eligible for membership in the Canadian Institute of Planners.
• Six (6) years of progressively responsible leadership experience, preferably in a municipal urban planning and development setting.
• Demonstrated experience in the leadership, management, and development of large and diverse groups of planning professionals, preferably within a unionized environment.

To apply for this opportunity, you will need to create an online profile or log back into our career portal at www.victoria.ca/jobs - only online submissions will be considered. All applications must be submitted online by 4:30 pm on the closing date noted on the posting. Please be prepared to provide proof of qualifications as outlined in your resume. 

The City of Victoria is committed to integrating equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility into our programs, policies, spaces, and services. Our goal is to cultivate a diverse and inclusive workforce that reflects the community we serve and aim to become. Individuals who are Indigenous, racialized, immigrants, persons with disabilities, 2SLGBTQIA+, or facing any additional barriers are encouraged to apply. Accommodations will be available upon request throughout the application and selection process. 

If you require assistance, please email us at careers@victoria.ca.