File No.: J0415-1132
Salary Range: $81,008.00 - $110,601.00
Type of Position: Full-Time
Closing: May 22, 2015
History and innovation thrive in Kingston, located at the head of the St. Lawrence River and the junction of the Rideau Canal (a UNESCO World Heritage site). A dynamic city with a sound and diversified economic base - consisting of prestigious public institutions, government bodies, leading healthcare and education facilities, significant tourism and entertainment activity, and a large private sector, Kingston offers the quality of life of a smaller community with the amenities of a major centre. The Intelligent Community Forum named Kingston a Top 7 Intelligent Community in 2014.
Position Summary
Reporting to the Director of Planning, Building & Licensing, the Manager of Development Approvals is responsible for the overall administration of the Development Approvals Group within the Planning Division in accordance with applicable legislation. The Manager contributes to department planning, goals, and budgets; coordinates and manages major development projects of corporate significance; prepares reports; and presents and defends positions on proposals. The Manager is also a designated position for delegated approvals in the absence of the Director of Planning, Building & Licensing Services. The Manager is also responsible to:
Develop, implement and/or act in accordance with appropriate policies, standards, systems, procedures, and agreements in order to meet objectives and to comply with legislative requirements;
Build and encourage staff to strive for a consistently high level of performance in all areas of service delivery with a particular focus on fostering a high standard of customer service;
Provide professional opinions, advice, and guidance to Council, Committees, Senior Management and other City departments on policies, programs and services provided within the Planning Division and with respect to corporate initiatives;
Provide advice, guidance and direction to staff, the public, and applicants in relation to the development approval process;
Coordinate the work activities of staff and reviews staff reports, work strategies, and plans;
Manage and monitor annual budget for unit; identify issues and reallocate resources as required in order to ensure achievement of annual plans & objectives;
Direct and complete semi-annual reports on activity;
Build effective relationships, both internally and externally (including with community partners, developers, Council, committees, KEDCO, and internal departments);
Educate, inform, and consult with key stakeholders in order to advance the operational priorities of the areas and the corporation;
Facilitate community efforts relating to planning matters;
Represent the corporation at various meetings and hearings including provision of evidence at Hearings and/or Court actions.
Act as critical point of contact for community and represent the Department as a member of Technical Steering Committee for projects of Corporate Significance;
Identify needs and support the development of team and individuals through coaching and feedback; create a positive work climate to help maximize productivity and service excellence;
Model, promote and support a culture of health, safety, well-being and respect in order to support a healthy work environment;
Identify and lead changes which will improve effectiveness and efficiencies of operating area taking into account impacts on other departments and stakeholders;
Actively participate in emergency preparedness activities and assume necessary responsibility in the event of an emergency;
Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications, Competencies
Master’s Degree in Planning or related field;
Eight years of progressive planning experience is required, preferably in a public sector environment in a managerial role;
Recognized professional planning designation (MCIP, RPP) is required;
Current membership in OPPI/CIP is required;
Previous supervisory/management experience in a unionized setting is strongly preferred;
Experience in an approvals environment is preferred;
Experience in the integration of customer service best practices is preferred;
Extensive knowledge and understanding of the Planning Act, Provincial Policy Statement, Planning Act, Heritage Act, planning methodologies, legal requirements for municipalities, and other related statutes and regulations;
Must demonstrate corporate competencies of Customer Focus, Results Orientation, Integrity and Teamwork.
Skills, Sbilities, Work Demands
Strong written and verbal communication skills are required to liaise effectively within the organization and with external stakeholders, developers, and other governmental agencies;
Strong presentation skills in order to present information and issues in a clear and concise manner;
Strong public relation skills;
Ability to effectively manage multiple tasks with changing priorities;
Ability to identify strategies to optimize, standardize, and streamline delivery of service;
Well-developed facilitation skills with an ability to deliver innovative solutions, resolve conflict, find common interests, and collaborate effectively;
Ability to work both independently and as part of a team with strong leadership abilities;
Ability to research and analyze complex issues and clearly communicate findings;
Ability to coach and mentor staff;
Ability to negotiate and complete development agreements, site plan agreements, and subdivision/condominium agreements;
Strong and effective problem solving and conflict resolution skills;
Superior project management skills;
Strong computer skills;
Ability to work outside regular business hours;
Must possess and maintain a valid Class G driver’s license.
Salary Range: $81,008.00 - $110,601.00 Plus Benefits
Human Resources
City of Kingston
216 Ontario St
Kingston Ontario
Canada K7L 2Z3
Your resume must clearly demonstrate how you meet the requirements of the position. Please upload to your profile, any educational Degrees, Diplomas and/or Certificates that are relevant and required for the position you are applying to. We thank all of those who apply; however, only those selected for further consideration will be contacted. The City of Kingston is an equal opportunity employer. Accessibility accommodations are available for all parts of the recruitment and selection process. Applicants need to make their needs known in advance. Information collected will be handled in accordance with the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.
