ABOUT THE TOWN OF COBOURG
Cobourg is known for its prime location on the lakeshore between Toronto and Kingston.
It’s a short drive from urban centres where, in a spacious, small-town setting, you can enjoy unique architectural landmarks and great shopping, dining, galleries and theatre, a spectacular white sand beach, and a beautiful waterfront. The Town of Cobourg is a great community to build a career.
We foster a culture of collaboration and teamwork and provide many opportunities for our employees to learn, develop and thrive.
We value diversity in our workforce and focus on attracting and retaining staff who can work together to meet the needs of our great community.
ABOUT THE ROLE
The Town of Cobourg is seeking a Manager of Planning – Development Review.
Under the direction of the Director of Planning & Development, the Manager of Planning will assist in ensuring that the management and delivery of development review services are aligned to achieve Council’s Corporate Strategic directives in the areas of:
- Land Use Planning
- Project Management
- Public Engagement
- Development Review
- Planning Policy Development
- Community Improvement Plans
- Sustainable Development
- Green Development Standards
- Affordable Housing
- Cultural Heritage Planning
- Urban Design
- Growth Management
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Leading, directing, administering, and coordinating development review activities as per the strategic direction, goals and objectives, and policies of the organization under the direction of the Director of Planning and Development.
- Anticipating future resource requirements based on demographics, growth, changing priorities and legislative changes, considering all options and making recommendations to the Director of Planning and Development regarding changes in service delivery, reallocation of resources, additional staff and contracted services.
- Serving as an advocate for customer service and providing timely and accurate information to internal and external clients, including applicants, consultants, agencies, community groups and the public on land use planning matters.
- Acting as a key liaison to various Town of Cobourg Advisory Committees including the Planning and Development Advisory Committee and the Heritage Advisory Committee.
- Assisting the Director in managing and implementing the overall strategy of the Planning and Development Division, including all matters relating to the Town of Cobourg Official Plan, Zoning By-law, long-range and policy planning initiatives, development application review and approvals under the Planning Act, and special projects relating to land use planning.
- Providing day-to-day leadership, training, mentoring and supervision of the direct reports in the Planning Department.
- Assisting the Director in practicing sound, practical management of financial resources for the Department, including the effective oversight and implementation of financial policies and procedures, monitoring, and reporting of expenditures.
- Reviewing and presenting professional planning opinions on complex land use planning matters and proposing new policies, regulations and procedures to the Director, Advisory Committees, internal staff, external agencies, and Council.
- Attending as a witness at Local Planning Appeal Tribunal (LPAT) and other quasi-judicial tribunals and Court Hearings on behalf of the Corporation as required.
- Attending meetings of Cobourg Municipal Council, Town of Cobourg Advisory Committees, and external agencies as required to present topics/material from the Planning Department.
QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
- Bachelor’s degree in planning with disciplines relevant to land use, development and community planning required.
- 5+ years of professional, technical and supervisory/management experience in municipal land use, development and community planning in the public or private sector.
- Registered Professional Planner (RPP) designation is required.
- Strong leader and team player and build effective relationship builder with municipal Council, staff, stakeholders and the public.
- Able to work with a very high level of independence, prioritizing own work, identifying new initiatives/opportunities, improving divisional effectiveness, and delegating authority and responsibilities suitable to the time, skills and potential of direct reports.
- Detailed knowledge and experience in land use planning, environmental planning, policy formulation and analysis, demographics, growth management, urban and landscape design, sustainability, cultural heritage, planning law, project and strategic management, and development industry best practices.
- Thorough knowledge of the Municipal Act, Planning Act, Heritage Act, Provincial Plans & Policies, Official/Secondary Plans and Zoning By-laws is required.
- Able to prioritize work and to work under pressure to meet multiple deadlines accompanied by the ability to exercise discretion and good judgement and maintain confidentiality.
- Excellent interpersonal skills, including the ability to work effectively in a team environment and to exhibit courtesy, tact and diplomacy in dealing with the public, department officials and other members of staff with the ability to adhere to confidentiality always is required.
- Strong communication (written, oral and interpersonal), project/time management, analytical problem-solving, organizational, public relations, presentation, strategic planning, report writing, negotiation, and team-building skills.
- Excellent working knowledge of Microsoft Office, SharePoint, Geographic Information Systems and other software application systems is required.
- This position will be required to work after hours occasionally and may be required to attend Municipal Council meetings and any open public meetings requiring public engagement opportunities.
- Possesses a Class “G” driver’s license in good standing, have access to a reliable vehicle for use in corporate business and be able to provide a current acceptable driver’s abstract and a current acceptable vulnerable sector check.
ACCOMMODATION
In accordance with the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection Privacy Act, the information gathered is collected pursuant to the Municipal Act, 2001, as amended.
The Town of Cobourg is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to inclusive, barrier-free recruitment and selection processes.
If contacted for an employment opportunity, please advise if you require accommodation.
HOW TO APPLY
To express interest in this exciting opportunity, email your cover letter and resume to:
Patrick Rowan, Partner
Email: prowan@feldmandaxon.com