Planning Manager
Planning Manager
Reporting to the Director of Development and Tourism, the Planning Manager is responsible for leading and managing all land-use planning priorities, policies and initiatives for the County of Dufferin. The Planning Manager collaborates across the corporation and is a resource for staff and Council on all planning matters, providing creative and best practice solutions for how the County is formed and connected.
What you’ll do
- Manage day-to-day planning activities as they relate to land use planning and development review.
- Prepare reports that include analysis, opinion and recommendations to the Committees and Councils on Planning matters.
- Present planning information and respond effectively in public forums such as Council or Committee meetings, community meetings, and interactions with stakeholders in the planning process.
- Prepare planning policies, by-laws and standards.
- Conduct, coordinate and provide research on planning initiatives and studies.
- Assist with preparation and administration of development agreements as required.
- Identify ways to communicate successes and challenges to department leaders and Council, as well as with public sector partners and private sector industry peers.
- Lead and manage Planning related projects that help the County achieve its strategic goals and objectives.
- Make recommendations to the Director, CAO, Committees, Council, and external stakeholders on Planning policies and projects.
- Coordinate internal and external stakeholders on projects that have, or would benefit from a land use planning component.
- Research, analyze, and making recommendations on long-range plans, studies, and special projects;
- Research and analysis of legislative initiatives, changes, and regulations and inform internal and external stakeholders.
- General direction of the Planning division, including the managing, mentoring, coaching and training of staff to support departmental operations, goals and initiatives.
- Prioritize staff work assignments, make resource allocation decisions and approve expenditures.
- Provide a healthy, safe and positive work environment for staff.
- Guide staff toward the realization of the division’s strategic direction and priorities.
- Proactively engage and foster collaborative relationships with Council, community stakeholders and project partners to leverage land use planning controls and processes that will positively benefit the County and local municipalities.
- Act as a representative for the County at meetings with Ministry of Municipal Affairs & Housing (MMAH), Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food & Rural Affairs (OMAFRA), etc.
- Act as an expert witness at Ontario Land Tribunal hearings.
- Other duties as assigned
- A post-secondary degree in Urban, Regional, or Land Use Planning or related field.
- Member of the Canadian Institute of Planners (CIP) and Ontario Professional Planners Institute (OPPI)
- 5 years planning experience.
- Experience in interpreting and implementing the Ontario Provincial Planning Act, the Ontario Heritage Act, Provincial and Regional plans and polices, municipal official plan policies, zoning by-law, urban design and architectural guidelines and Heritage Conservation District plans
- Experience in executing project objectives and supporting corporate initiatives with particular emphases in dealing directly with public sector stakeholders, decision-makers, and staff.
- Experience preparing business plans, performance indicators and operating and capital budgets.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office programs and ArcGIS.
- Familiar with Geographic Information Systems (GIS) in a planning environment.
- Knowledge of provincial legislation regarding Planning and the Land Use Planning framework
- Knowledge of strategic planning and change management design, process, and implementation strategies to optimize both quality and cost-effectiveness of delivery of services.
- Knowledge of current and emerging planning and growth management techniques, urban design and cultural heritage matters, and familiarity with sustainable development techniques.
- Ability to build and maintain relationships at all levels of an organization with multidisciplinary teams.
- Ability to foster collaborative partnerships with Council, community stakeholders and professional organizations.
- Strong attention to detail, organizational abilities, and problem-solving skills.
- Valid Class G driver’s license and access to reliable transportation required