Public Engagement Planner

Requisition ID: 43361 

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
This is a specialized function that provides strategic engagement planning advice to planners and other City staff on major planning projects and corporate initiatives for a broad range of complex, evolving multi-department issues. The position is responsible for developing plans, policies, processes, and organizational structures to support public engagement that is purposeful, relevant and responsive to the communities we serve. 

Specific Duties and Responsibilities

• Provides strategic counsel on public engagement matters related to urban planning and Council’s strategic priorities and cross departmental initiatives; analyzes project scope and advises on engagement methodology; reviews, conducts and approves surveys and/or other methods; prepares reports and presents summaries to subject matter experts to integrate findings into corporate decision-making.
• Plans, develops and implements public engagement projects for a wide range of planning programs and other City initiatives (e.g. supporting the efficient delivery of housing, climate action, public space improvements), with input from the public and/or community groups.
• Researches best practices and emergent thinking in the field of public engagement (e.g. reconciliation in planning, ethnocultural diversity, data governance and ethics); develops and implements corporate policies and processes to advise senior decision makers on efficient and effective delivery of engagement strategies and programs to inform their decision making. 
• Prepares presentations and reports for Council meetings, GM-level steering committees and other civic and external meetings on a wide range of complex topics such as the City’s budget and Council’s strategic priorities.
• May organize public meetings, workshops and other engagement events. 
• Supervises junior professional and other planning staff engaged on projects and/or consultants.
• Leads integration of different streams of citywide planning projects and programs, coordinating and unifying subject matter expertise from multiple departments.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications
Education and Experience:

• A post-secondary degree in planning recognized by the Canadian Institute of Planners, master’s degree, or an equivalent combination of education and experience
• Supplementary training in public engagement (e.g. International Association of Public Participation, SFU Centre for Dialogue) would be an asset.
• Considerable professional experience in the planning field, including experience designing and implementing public engagement processes, or an equivalent combination of post-secondary education and experience.
   

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Considerable knowledge of public engagement principles, best practices and methods for engaging with diverse audiences, for both in-person and digital engagement.
• Ability to analyze city planning programs to develop and implement public engagement strategies. 
• Ability to conduct research and analyze data to help inform corporate decision-making on complex planning matters.
• Ability to use digital engagement tools, such as engagement platforms and survey tools, with a strong understanding of accessibility considerations. 
• Working knowledge of urban planning and other subjects applicable to planning work (e.g. urban design, housing, rezoning and development, sustainability, transportation and capital planning). 
• Working knowledge of municipal structures, as well as the social, economic and regulatory environment in which the City operates. 
• Ability to effectively communicate complex ideas orally and in writing with a wide variety of internal and external contacts, including navigating politically sensitive matters. 
• Ability to establish and maintain collaborative working relationships at all levels in the organization and with external stakeholders.
• Ability to supervise staff and/or external consultants.
• Ability to organize and lead projects. 

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: CUPE 15 Non Parks 

Employment Type: Regular Full Time 

Position Start Date: May, 2025 

Salary Information: Pay Grade GR-029: $51.70 to $61.13 per hour

Application Close: March 16, 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.