Manager, Public Engagement

Requisition ID: 43497 

Organization

Located on the traditional, ancestral and unceded lands of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Peoples, 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 rewarding workplace.

Main Purpose and Function

The Public Engagement Manager leads the City of Vancouver’s public engagement efforts, focusing on best practices and effective delivery of engagement activities across departments. This role involves overseeing City-led public engagement activities and market research; providing strategic engagement advice and support on complex, often politically sensitive files; and setting the direction for the City’s engagement practices. Additionally, this role guides the City’s language access efforts (for translation and outreach) and other strategies to reduce barriers to participation. 

Specific Duties and Responsibilities

• Works closely with clients to identify and assess engagement needs for a wide range of sensitive, emerging and high-profile issues and the formulate engagement strategies.
• Establishes best practices and standards for public engagement and helps build engagement capacity within the organization to ensure consistent and effective delivery of engagement activities across departments.
• Provides general oversight and quality control with respect to the implementation of the City’s engagement standards and practices, including project-based content on digital engagement platforms.
• Identifies emerging issues and opportunities in public engagement, and takes an active role in providing and recommendations and implementing directions.
• Develops and oversees the implementation of public engagement plans, including analysis, reporting and presentation of findings to City Council.
• Advises and collaborates with senior leaders and project managers across business areas to define project scope and secure consultant support for engagement or market research for complex, high-profile initiatives.
• Works closely with communications staff to clearly communicates changes being proposed in a way that is relevant and accessible, and ensure the public and stakeholders are aware of different opportunities to provide input.
• Effectively manages City resources, including staff time, to deliver on corporate engagement initiatives in a timely and efficient manner.
• Creates a supportive and inclusive work environment that drives team performance, welcomes strategic thinking and innovation, and supports continuous improvements in service delivery in response to evolving organizational and community needs.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education and Experience:

• University degree in community and regional planning, communications, public relations or related field.
• Preferrably minimum five (5) years of related experience in progressively senior public engagement roles, including considerable experience managing employees and contractors.
• IAP2 certification and experience within a municipal or regional government setting preferred.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Well-versed in public engagement principles, best practices and methods
• Proficient in digital engagement tools, with a focus on accessibility and user experience
• Experienced in developing and implementing strategic engagement plans on community planning projects and high-profile corporate initiatives 
• A self starter and critical thinker, able to take a step back and maintain a strategic outlook
• An excellent communicator with strong written and oral communications skills
• Able to diplomatically ask questions, clarify goals and objectives, and suggest alternative approaches, working collaboratively to resolve differences of opinion
• Able to manage and prioritize a complex portfolio of work, including guiding and coaching direct reports
• Capable of establishing relationships with and advising senior leaders
• Knowledgeable about local government operations and decision-making processes
• Second language an asset but not required

Where operationally appropriate and subject to change, the City of Vancouver has a Flexible Work Program. This program allows staff to work remotely 1 – 4 days a week from locations that are a daily commutable distance from their work at a City worksite.  At this time this position is eligible to be part of the Flexible Work Program.

Business Unit/Department: Office of the City Manager (1010) 

Affiliation: Exempt 

Employment Type: Temporary Full Time 

Position Start Date: May, 2025 

Position End Date: July, 2026 

Salary Information: Pay Grade RNG-091: $111,139 to $138,924 per year

Application Close: April 9, 2025

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.