Assistant Director

**Requisition ID**:41412 **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 cities and is working towards being the greenest city in the world. 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 advanced management, policy and administrative work in Permitting Services. The incumbent is responsible for managing and directing the programs and activities of the following groups and individuals: - The 1 and 2 Family Dwelling Group,(with the Assistant Director - Building Review Branch) with a Manger, Supervisor, 3 Clerks, and 16 technical staff engaged in reviewing and issuing Development/Building permits - Subdivision/Strata, ensures land and air space subdivision is undertaken in compliance and represents DBL as the subdivision approving officer. - Other groups which are organized from time to time to undertake special project assignments The incumbent is responsible, on a daily basis and with little guidance, for making decisions on behalf of the Director of Planning with regard to approval or refusal of complex and diverse Development Permit Applications, including providing explanations on the intent and interpretation of regulations, pertaining to both routine and unusual circumstances. The incumbent is also responsible for specific management and leadership activities and projects which are designed to achieve excellence in customer service, staff development, information technology, public education and information, and communication, all of which require significant coordination with both internal and external bodies. The nature of this work, managed by and decided upon by the incumbent in consultation with the Director of Development Services, is often political and controversial. The position demands wide latitude of independent action within the framework of established policy and practice. Performance is reviewed periodically by the Director of Development Services for effectiveness and efficiencies in attaining desired Departmental goals and objectives. **Specific Duties and Responsibilities** 35% - Acts on behalf of the Director of Planning: - Represents the Director of Planning at Council and Council Committees with regard to issues such as "Form of Development" reports, Regulatory Review, Liquor Licensing policy and other topics as may be required - Represents the Director of Planning at the Board of Variance, explaining Director of Planning decisions or the intent of regulations being appealed - Represents the Director of Planning in complex negotiations and problem-solving and in the provision of information and advice, with industry and design professionals, developers, home and business owners, applicants and the public, regarding land development, approval processes and related procedures - Reviews and provides advice on proposed regulatory additions or changes which may be advanced by a number of different departments - Consults with the media on work within the sphere of the incumbent’s responsibilities 30% - Manages and directs the work programs, activities and procedures - within established timelines and resource allocations - for the work groups noted above: - Ensures that effective and regular staff training and development occurs to ensure a high level of quality and consistency in advice given, and decisions made, to applicants, professionals, other City staff, Council and the public - Initiates and implements service improvement strategies for improved effectiveness and efficiencies in customer service and staff development - Manages administrative needs, including: recruiting, promotions, performance management, grievances and terminations - Provides coaching and mentoring to staff and develops systems to encourage inclusivity and staff development in this process - Decides on resource allocations and priorities 30% - Works as a member of a collegial Permitting Services management team (comprised of the Director and three other Assistant Directors) to provide leadership, strategic direction, policy development and staff development; with a view to providing excellent customer service and a supportive and enriching environment for staff: - Responsible for the development and implementation of a variety of regulatory, technological, procedural, staff development and customer service initiatives - with regard to both policy and proce