The City of Richmond is a diverse and dynamic community in pursuit of our vision
to be the most appealing, livable and well-managed community in Canada.


People l Excellence l Leadership l Team l Innovation

Imagine a career with the City of Richmond, a dynamic environment for growth and continuous improvement, fostered by our collective strengths and creativity. We are a vibrant, diverse cosmopolitan city, supported by a strong economy and recognized as leaders in innovation and service delivery excellence. The City of Richmond is committed to be the most appealing, livable, well-managed community in Canada, a goal that is only made possible by developing our most valuable asset – our people. This is a great opportunity to join our team and shape our community.

Program Manager, Housing (Development Applications)

Overview
Reporting to the Director of Development, the Program Manager, Housing is a supervisory level professional planning position that involves considerable independent judgement in the administration of the day-to-day activities of the team. The incumbent will be responsible for leading a team of planners responsible for the review and evaluation of public and private housing applications with a particular focus on rental and affordable housing.  The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in leading complex planning projects through the development application review process including rezoning and development permit processes. The successful candidate must be an effective communicator and able to effectively lead and mentor planning staff, as well as liaise with other City divisions and stakeholder groups.

Examples of key responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Provide professional planning expertise on complex development applications, including negotiations with developers and other professionals on the coordination of detailed development requirements in a responsive manner.
• Provide technical guidance on development application processing including ensuring procedural requirements, legislative requirements, Council priorities, and long-range planning objectives are achieved. 
• Coordinate and maintain effective working relationships with a wide variety of internal/external professional and community stakeholders.
• Investigate and resolve problems related to development application processing, including responding to any inquiries or complaints in a professional and courteous manner.
• Completion of Special Projects as needed to effectively carry out the functions of the Development Applications Department, including preparation and administration of regulations, policies and strategic housing initiatives.
• Undertake detailed Planning studies and prepare reports on a wide variety of development issues, policies, and matters relating to the Department functions.
• Prepare comprehensive reports for Committee, Council and Development Permit Panel on rezoning and development permit applications and including identifying detailed development requirements.
• Provide technical and strategic advice to the team and other City Departments involved in the review and approval of housing developments.
• Supervision and coaching of professional planning staff and administrative support staff to ensure team and individual accountability.
• Review of planning staff reports to Council and Committee.
• Act for the Director of Development in their absence, including attendance at Committee and Council meetings.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• In-depth knowledge of the planning principles and practices, including a strong understanding of the legislative framework for land use planning in British Columbia. 
• Knowledge and experience in administering Zoning Bylaws, preparing bylaw amendments and implementing legal requirements.
• Knowledge of planning policy and ability to undertake detailed professional policy studies in a timely manner.
• Ability to work closely with all City Divisions, external agencies, the development community and the public in carrying out the functions of the Department.
• Ability to participate in strategic planning initiatives and lead public consultation initiatives on complex planning topics.
• Skilled in analysis and the preparation of written or verbal reports and presentations.
• Ability to juggle multiple priorities effectively; work well under pressure; and maintain a professional and courteous demeanor.
• Sound knowledge of Windows-based computer applications such as MS Word, Outlook, Excel, electronic document management systems (REDMS), application tracking software (AMANDA) and GIS.

Qualifications & Experience:

• The ideal candidate will have a proven track record with 10 years in municipal planning, possess superior communication skills and a sound knowledge of municipal planning regulations, policies, and administrative procedures.
• A degree in Planning, Urban Studies, Geography, Architecture or other relevant discipline, with a Master’s degree being preferred.
• The successful candidate should be eligible for membership with the Canadian Institute of Planners (CIP), Planning Institute of BC or the Architectural Institute of BC.
• A valid Class 5 Driver’s Licence for the Province of British Columbia.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Knowledge of urban design principles.
• Experience in sustainability, environmental management and urban land economics.
• Experience in a municipal setting, and more specifically in development application processing, is preferred.

The City of Richmond offers a competitive pay and benefits program, attractive incentives and a compressed work day schedule. If you are looking to make a difference, and to share our vision “to be the most appealing, livable, and well-managed community in Canada,” please submit your application by following the instructions below:

The City of Richmond uses an applicant tracking system for candidates wishing to view and apply for available career opportunities. For further information regarding position details and to apply, please visit our website at www.chooserichmond.ca.

We are accepting applications until this position is filled.

We thank all applicants in advance for their interest; however, only those under consideration will be contacted. If you are unsuccessful, please accept our appreciation for your interest.