Planner 2 (Social Planning)

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.

Planner 2 (Social Planning)

Overview
Reporting to the Program Manager, Social Planning, the Temporary Full-Time Planner 2 (Social Planning) within Community Social Development provides leadership and subject matter expertise on social development issues to City Council and City Departments as they relate to policy planning, strategic development, service delivery and community engagement across the organization. 

The Temporary Full-Time Planner 2 is responsible for implementing the Social Development Strategy and administering the Health, Social and Safety Grant Program. The position applies a social equity lens to City policies, practices and strategies; develops and advances new and existing policies and initiatives; and builds strong, collaborative relationships with community-based social service organization. The role also liaises with provincial and federal partners to ensure local initiatives are appropriately resourced.

Other responsibilities include analyzing and interpreting qualitative and quantitative data to inform the City’s understanding of complex and diverse social issues, as well as researching, applying for and managing government grants related to social development. The incumbent prepares reports, memos and presentations to City Council and the City’s senior management team, and engages regularly with internal departments, external agencies and senior levels of government.

The Temporary Full-Time Planner 2 provides direction to Planner 1 and Planning Assistant positions by assigning and delegating work, coaching and mentoring, and ensuring quality and service standards are met. This position is distinguished from the Planner 1 role by its responsibility for more complex work of greater scope and impact. The Temporary Full-Time Planner 2 is expected to exercise considerable initiative and independent judgement in developing, implementing and administering programs and projects.

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

• Provides complex, specialized information, options and recommendations to City Council, the City’s senior management team and City departments on social development issues; and in the development and implementation of city-wide strategies, policies, projects and programs.
• Leads the implementation of the Social Development Strategy, guiding the City’s efforts to advance social development across the city through coordinated, strategic action.
• Administers the Health, Social and Safety Grant Program, including overseeing application intake, coordinating review processes, supporting applicants and ensuring compliance with program guidelines and reporting requirements.
• Supports the Program Manager in liaising with the Council-appointed Richmond Social Development Advisory Committee, including preparing meeting materials, organizing meeting logistics and helping ensure the committee’s feedback inform the City’s social development efforts.
• Prepares reports for presentation to City Council and the senior management team.
• Provides a first point of contact for tactical and strategic response to complex issues related to social development occurring within the section and/or community.
• Provides subject matter and process expertise to enhance the City's capacity to collaborate with key stakeholders and work towards advancing social development in Richmond.
• Represents the City’s position and interests in social development issues on various internal and external committees, joint planning tables and inter-governmental bodies; and serves as the City's representative on various external committees and planning tables, comprising of community organizations, other municipalities and senior levels of government.
• Functions as a key contact for equity deserving individuals and groups and engages with the community on an ongoing basis.
• Provides direction to Planner 1 and Planning Assistant positions by assigning and delegating work and coaching and mentoring; ensures that quality and service standards are met and provides input into performance reviews and hiring; develops and monitors individual work plans for advancing department goals and objectives including specific actions to oversee, develop, or support the development and implementation of City policies, practices and strategies, such as the Official Community Plan, Social Development Strategy; and defines City priorities for leading collaborative initiatives with external stakeholders.
• Oversees the work of contractors, volunteers and practicum students on research and analysis, processes, programs, events, community engagement and projects related to social equity.
• Researches, applies for and manages government grants related to social development.
• Prepares, manages and forecasts revenues and expenses for grant budgets and oversees budgets for programs and initiatives for social development including consultant expenses.
• Performs related work as required.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Thorough knowledge of principles, practices, policies, theories, objects and philosophy of community development, social planning and anti-oppression and how they can be applied to advance social development and build community capacity.
• Considerable knowledge of social issues and systemic barriers facing groups and individuals in an urban setting and the best practices for mitigating those issues in a municipal context.
• Considerable knowledge of the Canadian and BC community planning theory, practice and trends.
• Considerable knowledge of analytical and research techniques and methodology used in the work performed.
• Considerable knowledge of economics, municipal finance, sociology and current trends and developments relevant to municipal planning.
• Considerable knowledge of the social structure, social problems and social service network of the City.
• Ability to identify, analyze and prioritize social inequities and systemic barriers in the City and to develop and implement action plans to address these issues.
• Ability to prepare reports and make recommendations to government agencies and elected officials.
• Ability to maintain effective working relationships with elected officials, government agencies, clients and the public with courtesy, tact and discretion.
• Ability to effectively communicate verbally and in writing.
• Ability to coordinate and provide a wide range of social development-related policy research, analysis, options and recommendations, with minimal supervision, in a matrix management system.
• Ability to use REDMS or a similar Records Management System.
• Ability to successfully pass a Police Information Check.

Qualifications and Experience:

• A minimum of five (5) years’ experience related to addressing social issues, working with diverse stakeholders, project management and strategic planning.
• A Bachelor's Degree in Social Planning, Community Development, Sociology, Social Work or a related discipline.
• A Master's Degree in a related discipline is preferred
• Proficiency in Microsoft Outlook, Word and Excel.

Position will be posted until filled

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  .

We are accepting applications until 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.