MANAGER SIPA

• Job ID: 52670
• Job Category: Policy, Planning & Research
• Division & Section: City Planning, CP Strategic Initiatives Policy & Analysis
• Work Location: METRO HALL, 55 John St, Toronto, M5V 3C6
• Job Type & Duration: Full-time, Permanent Vacancy
• Salary: $122,305.00 - $163,639.00
• Shift Information: Monday to Friday, 35 hours per week
• Affiliation: Non-Union
• Number of Positions Open: 1
• Posting Period: 28-FEB-2025 to 17-MAR-2025

Toronto is home to more than 3 million people whose diversity and experiences make this great city Canada’s leading economic engine and one of the world’s most diverse and livable cities. As the fourth largest city in North America, Toronto is a global leader in technology, finance, film, music, culture, and innovation. Consistently placing at the top of international rankings due to investments championed by its government, residents, and businesses, a team of approximately 35,000 employees is the driving force behind the City of Toronto’s ability to provide programs and services to residents, businesses, and visitors to this community.

As part of the City Planning management team and reporting to the Director of Strategic Initiatives, Policy & Analysis, the Manager of Strategic Initiatives leads a team of both specialist and generalist professionals. This team provides focused and proactive real-time strategic direction, ensuring that citywide planning interests are met while also advancing innovative local initiatives. The Manager is responsible for developing and implementing workable solutions to complex policy challenges, offering a holistic perspective that informs the division’s future decision-making, plans, and strategies.

In this role, the Manager actively engages in major policy and planning initiatives, offering expert advice to integrate and align current planning activities with broader strategic objectives. A key responsibility includes assigning project managers and senior staff to lead complex planning studies, ensuring that these studies contribute to the development of solutions-based strategies that address city-wide priorities. By leveraging external and community expertise, industry trends, and intergovernmental partnerships, the Manager will expedite the delivery of evidence-based outcomes responding to Toronto’s most pressing planning challenges.

Collaboration is essential to success in this role. The Manager will engage in city planning activities outside the division and the City, representing the City on planning matters to ensure seamless coordination within the organization and with other jurisdictions, where appropriate. Additionally, they will serve as a liaison between Development Review staff and other City divisions and agencies, strengthening relationships and bridging perspectives between city-wide and local planning priorities. The role also involves working closely with the Chief Planner and the Directors’ team to establish forums for key policy discussions, ensuring that decision-making processes are well-informed and forward-thinking.

As a people leader, the Manager is responsible for motivating, developing, and training staff, fostering an environment that values effective teamwork, continuous learning, and innovation. They will oversee the day-to-day operations of the section, including assigning and reviewing work, while ensuring the team maintains the highest standards of quality and organizational performance. Additionally, the Manager will take on financial stewardship responsibilities, including budget development and administration for initiatives, ensuring that expenditures are effectively managed and remain within budgetary limits.

In addition to their leadership duties, the Manager will act on behalf of the Director of Strategic Initiatives, Policy & Analysis when required, providing strategic direction and operational oversight to ensure that the division’s priorities continue to move forward.

Among the strengths you bring to the role of Manager, Strategic Initiatives, Policy & Analysis will be the following key qualifications:

1. Post-secondary education in a professional discipline pertinent to the job function, combined with relevant management experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
2. Extensive experience, skills, and ability to motivate, lead, supervise and develop a diverse team of professional staff and to contribute to the work program of the management team.
3. Extensive experience in urban planning initiatives, planning policies, processes, and associated municipal issues.
4. Extensive experience in the effective delivery of complex assignments from inception through to implementation involving multiple stakeholders, with minimal direction, while balancing stakeholder, political and community interests.
5. Leadership experience in a corporate function working and consulting with stakeholders.
6. Ability to work effectively with colleagues and staff in identifying and meeting the needs of the division.
7. Proficiency in the following competencies: highly developed human relations, communications, conflict resolution skills, political acumen, and ability to develop strong internal and external relationships.
8. Ability to thrive in an environment with frequent and competing deadlines in a rapidly changing environment.
9. Must be able to work independently and demonstrate initiative and creativity in problem-solving.
10. Eligibility for membership in the Ontario Professional Planners Institute or Canadian Institute of Planners.
11. Knowledge and application of the Occupational Health and Safety Act, knowledge of related legislative, contractual obligations, and corporate policies.

Why You Will Love Working Here:

• We recognize the need for flexibility and offer a hybrid working environment that will provide you with an appropriate work-life balance required to thrive in today’s fast-paced world.
• A strong benefits package which includes competitive salaries, vacation, and other unique offerings.
• We offer an excellent defined benefit pension plan bringing added value to our overall compensation package through OMERS.
• We support ongoing learning and development and offer educational opportunities with tuition subsidies.
• Opportunities to join and take an active role with City’s Communities of Inclusion comprised of employees who share a common identity, lived experience, and/or set of interests and support each other’s professional development, sense of belonging, and promote a culture of inclusion.

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion

The City is an equal opportunity employer, dedicated to creating a workplace culture of inclusiveness that reflects the diverse residents that we serve. Learn more about the City’s commitment to employment equity.

Accommodation

The City of Toronto is committed to creating an accessible and inclusive organization. We are committed to providing barrier-free and accessible employment practices in compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). Should you require Code-protected accommodation through any stage of the recruitment process, please make them known when contacted and we will work with you to meet your needs. Disability-related accommodation during the application process is available upon request. Learn more about the City’s Hiring Policies and Accommodation Process.