Director, Access to Information & Privacy

Requisition ID: 45638 

Organization

Located on the traditional, ancestral and unceded lands of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam Indian Band), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh Nation), Vancouver has a commitment to becoming a City of Reconciliation. Vancouver consistently ranks as one of the world’s most liveable and environmentally sustainable cities. Named among Canada's Top 100 Employers, BC's Top Employers, and Canada's Greenest Employers, the City of Vancouver seeks colleagues who can help shape and embody our core commitments to sustainability, reconciliation, equity and outstanding quality of life for all residents.

Consider joining our committed team of staff and being part of an innovative, inclusive and engaging workplace.  Working at the City of Vancouver and within the public service can be a rewarding career where you play a key role in ensuring impartial and equitable access to services, upholding ethical governance, and addressing the needs of citizens with integrity and dedication.

Main Purpose & Function 
The Director, Access to Information & Privacy, (ATIP) is responsible for directing key activities enabling the fulfillment of the City Manager, the General Manager of the Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation, and the City Clerk’s statutory responsibilities under the Vancouver Charter and the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act of British Columbia, (the Act or FIPPA). The Director oversees a team of 10 to 12 Access, Privacy, and Corporate Records Management professionals in the development and implementation of corporate-wide policies, programs and practices to support regulatory compliance.

The Director provides strategic expertise related to the delivery of services under FIPPA and is responsible for leading the City and Park Board’s privacy, freedom of information and records management programs. The Director also serves as the City liaison with the Office of the Ombudsperson.

Specific Duties & Responsibilities

• Leads the development and implementation of privacy, freedom of information (FOI), and records management strategies, policies, standards, systems, and procedures to meet organizational and legislative requirements while ensuring compliance.
• Provides direction on FOI requests of strategic or confidential importance and advises FOI Head(s) on sensitive matters.
• Assists senior leaders, staff, contractors, and volunteers in understanding provincial privacy legislation and ensures responsible handling of personal information in compliance with policy and law.
• Oversees access to information, privacy and information management programs, resolving complex issues and recommending new approaches for streamlining and contingency planning.
• Serves as the business owner and administrator of the FIPPA By-law and Corporate Records Management By-law, including associated policies and procedures.
• Builds and maintains relationships with the Office of the Information & Privacy Commissioner (OIPC), regarding new data-sharing initiatives, high-profile Privacy Impact Assessments (PIAs), and complaint mediation and inquiries.
• Manages the personal information lifecycle, including advising on privacy design requirements, vendor compliance, conducting PIAs for new programs/projects, monitoring operational compliance, and ensuring timely submission of high profile PIAs to the OIPC.
• Investigates privacy incidents and breaches in collaboration with Technology Services, Risk Management, Human Resources, and Legal Services and refers to the privacy breach protocol.
• Develops and delivers organization-wide access to information, privacy and records management training, including onboarding and refresher programs.
• Provides senior-level advice and consultative support to all business units as the City and Park Board’s Access and Privacy expert.
• Collaborates with team leads on privacy and security-related projects and initiatives.
• Works with Legal Services to review and assess information-sharing agreements and MOUs involving personal or confidential information.
• Acts as liaison with the Office of the Ombudsperson; advises departments and coordinates responses.
• Acts as the corporate liaison between the City of Vancouver and VPD Security Team 
• Directs staff, fostering a supportive and high-performance environment through coaching, mentoring, and training.
• Oversees development, implementation, and improvement of corporate records and information management policies, procedures, and standards.
• Manages central records storage and retrieval operations for semi-active records, including external vendor contracts.
• Provides consulting services on secure and effective records management practices aligned with corporate standards and systems.
• Maintains and manages the City’s records and information management standard (VanRIMS) to meet business needs, facilitate FIPPA compliance, and support VanDocs (EDRMS) usage.
• Acts as business unit lead for VanDocs, ensuring compliance with records management policies and promoting system adoption for managing records.
• Develops sustainment plans for VanDocs, including integration with core applications and digital archives.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education and Experience:

• Post-secondary degree in Public Administration, Law, Business Administration, Master of Archival Studies, or comparable discipline and a minimum seven years of government management experience of increasing responsibility, preferably at the municipal level, including frequent contact with senior management, elected officials, and the public.
• Practical experience managing a government access and privacy program, including records management, budget management, human resource management, and conflict resolution.
• Certified Information Privacy Professional (CIPP) or similar Information and Privacy Certification preferred.
  
  

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Extensive practical knowledge and experience in applying and interpreting FIPPA;
• Working knowledge of local government and its relationship to the provincial and federal levels of government.
• Working knowledge of the City’s legislative framework and operations.
• Knowledge of municipal politics and local issues.
• Working knowledge of financial and human resources management.
• Strong foundation of leadership, demonstrated project management skills of complex projects, and ability to use tact, diplomacy, and solid judgment.
• Strong team building skills; ability to motivate, plan, and review work of staff.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills – verbal and written.
• Ability to direct a corporate information and records management program; experience with an electronic document and records management system (EDRMS) is an advantage.
• Ability to conduct process reviews leading to improved efficiency and effectiveness.
• Ability to negotiate effectively and think strategically.
• Ability to function effectively and appropriately internally and externally with other organizations and levels of government and the public.
• Ability to adapt quickly and appropriately to increases in workload and service requirements.

An Enhanced Police Record Check is a requirement of this position.  A clearance requires the absence of any criminal charges or convictions related to this position.

Business Unit/Department: City Clerk's Office (1060) 

Affiliation: Exempt 

Employment Type: Regular Full Time 

Salary Information: Pay Grade RNG-111: $125,619 to $165,280 per annum

Application Close: March 8, 2026

At the City of Vancouver, we are committed to recruiting a diverse workforce that represents the community we so proudly serve. Indigenous peoples, people of colour, 2SLGBTQ+ persons including all genders and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.  Accommodations will be provided upon request during the selection process. Learn more about our commitment to diversity and inclusion. 

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In addition to uploading your cover letter and resume, part of the application process may include answering application questions related to the preferred requirements of the role which may take approx. 5-10 minutes. Cover letters should express interest and highlight additional information relevant to the position and resumes should include a summary of skills and experience related to the position.