Planner 2 (Youth)

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 (Youth)

Position Overview
Reporting directly to the Manager, Community Social Development, the Planner 2 (Youth) is responsible for driving strategic strategy, policy and planning initiatives related to the City’s approach to supporting positive development of Richmond’s youth (13-24 years).

This position provides leadership, subject matter expertise, and functional guidance as it relates to carrying out the actions outlined in the City of Richmond Youth Strategy (2022-2032) to City staff, Community Associations and Societies, and other youth-serving organizations in Richmond. As the successful candidate, you will be responsible for developing and implementing youth-related policies and initiatives, including facilitating youth engagement projects; researching and disseminating information about youth-related data and trends; establishing and maintaining collaborative working relationships with community-based organizations; monitoring strategic plan implementation; and acting as the Staff Liaison to the Council-appointed Youth Advisory Committee.

You will provide leadership and oversight of ongoing and project-based work, including the work of supporting staff and consultants, and ensuring quality and service standards are met. This opportunity will allow you to showcase your initiative and creativity in a role that empowers you to independently shape and drive impactful projects that contribute to positive youth development.

Key responsibilities:

• Provide complex, specialized information and recommendations to City Council, the City’s senior management team and other City departments on youth-related policy and planning initiatives, preparing reports, memos and presentations as required.
• Lead, implement and monitor strategic actions outlined in the Council-adopted Youth Strategy (2022–2032), in collaboration with other agencies, including facilitating ongoing initiatives and advancing policy, planning and engagement initiatives that address youth needs and promote positive youth development. 
• Act as the Staff Liaison for the Council-appointed Youth Advisory Committee.
• Research, monitor and disseminate information about youth-focused issues, data and trends to inform collaborative initiatives that are led or supported by the City.
• Represent the City’s position and interests in youth-related matters on various internal and external committees, joint planning tables and intergovernmental bodies; and serve as the City's representative on various external committees.
• Participate in internal cross-departmental working groups and provide a youth planning lens in the development and implementation of City-wide strategies, policies and projects; liaise with multidisciplinary internal and external partners, such as staff from other City departments and other municipalities, senior levels of government, elected officials, community-based organizations, and the general public. 
• Function as a key contact for youth and positive youth development, and engage with the community on an ongoing basis, providing a first point of contact for the City’s response to youth-related policy and planning matters.
• Oversee the work of support staff, contractors, volunteers and practicum students on research and analysis, projects initiatives and community engagement related to youth, as required.
• Research, apply for and manage government grants related to youth.
• Prepare, manage and forecast revenues and expenses for grant budgets and oversee youth planning and policy development budgets, including consultant expenses.
• Perform related work as required.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Thorough understanding of community development and planning principles, practices and policies that advance positive youth development.
• Considerable knowledge of issues and trends affecting youth, the demographics and needs of youth in Richmond and the supporting social service networks and supports available in a municipal context.
• Ability to identify, analyze and prioritize social inequities and systemic barriers pertinent to youth development and to implement action plans to address these issues.
• Ability to prepare reports and make recommendations.
• Ability to communicate effectively, verbally and in writing with courtesy, tact and discretion.
• Ability to maintain positive working relationships with staff, elected officials, government agencies, not-for-profit organizations and members of the public. 
• Ability to conduct and provide a wide range of youth-related policy research, analysis, options and recommendations, drawing on quantitative and qualitative data sources.
• Ability to facilitate meetings, groups and engagements, especially to enhance youth (13-24 years of age) involvement.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and familiarity with other business software systems, including virtual meeting platforms such as Teams.
• Ability to successfully pass a Police Information Check.
• A valid Class 5 Driver’s Licence for the Province of British Columbia.

Qualifications and Experience:

• A minimum of five (5) years’ experience in government, policy development, health services or related fields addressing social issues, working with diverse parties and groups, project management and strategic planning related to youth.
• A Bachelor's Degree in Developmental Psychology, Social Planning, Community Development, Sociology, Social Work or a related discipline.
• A Master's Degree in a related discipline is preferred.
• Eligibility or membership in the Canadian Institute of Planners and the Planning Institute of British Columbia is preferred.

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 August 19, 2026.

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.