Manager – Urban Planning

Help Shape Calgary's Next Generation of Affordable Housing

Onward is one of Calgary's largest and longest-standing affordable housing providers. We currently operate 2,200+ units across the city and are entering a significant period of growth, with plans to nearly double our portfolio over the next 4–7 years through new development, redevelopment, and strategic acquisitions.

Our mission is to create high-quality, affordable homes that strengthen local communities. More than 3,000 residents call an Onward property home, including families, seniors, newcomers, Indigenous residents, and individuals supported by over 50 partner agencies.

As we expand, we are building a modern, high-performing development team to deliver a sustained pipeline of meaningful, city-building projects.

For candidates, this represents a rare opportunity to join a sector defined by long-term stability. Demand for affordable housing remains consistent, supported by public policy and long-term funding frameworks, making Onward's development pipeline largely insulated from short-term market fluctuations and broader industry slowdowns.

The Opportunity

Reporting to the Chief Development Officer, the Manager – Urban Planning & Development plays a critical role in advancing Onward's development portfolio by managing municipal approvals, coordinating multidisciplinary consultant teams, and guiding projects through Calgary's planning and regulatory processes.

This role is ideal for a planning professional who brings strong technical expertise, excellent communication skills, and a desire to contribute to impactful, community-focused development.

Key Responsibilities

Planning & Approvals

• Lead land use, subdivision, and development permit applications
• Serve as the primary liaison with the City of Calgary
• Review drawings for compliance with planning policies and bylaws
• Interpret the MGA, Land Use Bylaw, statutory plans, and guidelines
• Coordinate consultants to ensure timely, coordinated submissions

Technical Coordination

• Manage approval schedules, matrices, and tracking tools
• Conduct zoning and policy due diligence
• Support design teams with density, servicing, and access analysis
• Coordinate subdivision and servicing approvals

Stakeholder Engagement

• Represent Onward at City meetings, Calgary Planning Commission, and public hearings
• Engage with community associations and partner agencies

Project Coordination & Reporting

• Maintain progress tracking, approval milestones, and risk forecasts
• Provide clear and concise updates to senior leadership
• Align teams across development, design, engineering, and construction

Policy & Research

• Monitor changes to planning policies and standards
• Prepare summaries and internal briefs to support strategic decisions

What You Bring

• Degree in Urban Planning, Geography, Architecture, or related field
• Candidate or Full membership with CIP/APPI
• 3–7+ years of experience in municipal or private-sector planning
• Strong understanding of Calgary's planning and approvals processes
• Ability to interpret technical drawings
• Excellent communication, collaboration, and presentation skills

Assets:

• Experience with mixed-use, infill, or redevelopment projects
• Familiarity with project management or tracking tools

Working Conditions

Office-based role with periodic site visits and occasional evening meetings for public or stakeholder engagements.

Compensation & Benefits

• $100,000 – $140,000
  salary range
• Annual performance bonus opportunity
• Comprehensive health & dental benefits
• Employer-paid RRSP contributions (up to 7%)
• $1,800 annual Health Spending Account
• Three weeks' vacation + five flex days
• A collaborative, mission-driven environment with significant growth opportunities

Join Us

This is a unique opportunity to help shape a rapidly expanding organization committed to delivering high-quality, affordable housing to Calgary's communities.

Apply today and help bring our next generation of homes to life.