General Manager of Community Development

General Summary

Reporting to the Chief Administrative Officer, the General Manager of Community Development is a dynamic and strategic leader who excels in a team environment. While the specific portfolio of the General Manager of Community Development currently requires leadership of Community Development including Planning, Building Services and Environment, and Sustainability this position works closely with the other members of the Core Leadership Team to achieve the overall vision of the organization and the community.

At the District of Squamish, General Managers possess and demonstrate the essential traits of strategic thinking, long term visioning, innovative problem solving, and bring a business focus to the delivery of service. These core leaders motivate employees to achieve their best and grow in their careers.

KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Contributes to the success of our team and creation of our thriving community, by fostering the District of Squamish corporate values: Respect, Integrity, Connection and Progress.
• Provides leadership at both the strategic and operational levels to the senior managers of Community Development, Sustainability, Real Estate, and Economic Development.
• Serves as a liaison to the Squamish Public Library, acting as the primary point of contact between the District and the Library.
• Supports the organisation's learning culture and fosters the growth and development of direct reports.
• Leads the development of departmental capital and financial plans, and in collaboration with senior managers and the General Manager team, the overall long term financial plan.
• Advises and consults with other departments, agencies, community groups, property owners, associations, clubs and the public and attends public meetings as required.
• Establishes, monitors and nurtures effective working relationships with all external and internal stakeholders within and on behalf of the District.
• Leads teams to pursue funding and service delivery options within the portfolio including grant applications, procurement options, and partnerships.
• Leads the development and enhancement of standards, policies and operations to position the District as a leader in the sustainable delivery of community services.
• Attends meetings of Council and Committees as required; provides guidance and support to direct reports on Council engagement.

KEY COMPETENCIES

• Developing Others - Providing in-depth coaching
• Leading Others – Positioning self as a leader
• Managing Risk - Determines the organization's risk management culture
• Resource Management - Making decisions that benefit the District and the organization
• Service Orientation – Using a long-term perspective
• Strategic Thinking - Influencing strategic direction

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Thorough knowledge of the Local Government Act, Community Charter, other Legislation, Government Regulation and Bylaws concerning District and local government activities.
• Thorough working knowledge of Provincial Legislation and Regulations that affect specific policy decisions of the District and ability to provide opinions on same.
• Sound knowledge of advanced business management principles and best practices.
• Knowledge of the District's strengths, opportunities, challenges and culture.
• Proven negotiation skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and communications skills.
• Superior ability to lead, motivate and manage a senior management team to meet organizational objectives and work within the organization's core values.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills and the ability to manage conflict effectively
• Proven ability in creating effective systems to manage workflow and leading high performing teams.
• Superior ability to develop and maintain strong and effective working relationships with a diverse group of stakeholders including all senior staff, employees, elected officials, First Nations, other agencies and the public.
• Ability to give sound advice and write effective reports and recommendations for the guidance of Council.
• Ability to prepare and administer budgets.
• Ability to handle a complex and varied workload in a flexible manner, often under pressure.
• Ability to innovate and lead continuous improvement.
• Demonstrated ability to Lead, Motivate, Mentor, Coach.

TRAINING, EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Valid BC Class 5 Driver's Licence
• Seven (7) years of progressive experience at a senior management level, ideally in local government.
• A degree in a related field; post graduate studies in management and leadership (MBA) would be an asset.

OR

• An equivalent combination of education, training and experience.