Supervisor, Community Development

Position Overview:

Please note: This posting will remain open until the position is filled.

Support the growth and development of healthy, sustainable and empowered communities equipped and skilled to take full advantage of opportunities and to meet challenges in a proactive, strategic manner. This is accomplished by working with community partners and supporting the development of a diverse range of recreation, leisure and cultural programmes, services, activities and facilities. This role is responsible to provide the general public with diversified and inclusive programs, services and activities through forming partnerships and by direct service delivery, as needed. As supervisor, you will play the leading role in scheduling and assigning roles and responsibilities to colleagues in the community services team. This role reports to the Community Development Manager, as part of the Growth, Planning and Community Services Team.

Key Responsibilities

For all of the below responsibilities, the supervisor will be expected to directly support highlighted areas, but also ensure that that the various facets of community development are assigned to the broader community services team. It is expected that community developers, in addition to the supervisor, will have a general capability in all highlighted functions below, with the acknowledgement that some community developers will bring special expertise and capacity in some particular areas.

Support improvements in physical well-being and community development through:

• Identification, development and implementation of community recreational activities, events, and programs which promote access and inclusion; and support active, healthy living outcomes as outlined in Saint John's Master Plan for Recreation - Play SJ.

• Increasing the empowerment of community-based organizations in meeting the needs of their neighbourhoods by working through partnerships, providing guidance, information and expertise.

• Working with various community based committees, participating in their meetings and deliberations.

• Working with various organizations to plan and host a wide range of community events including all or parts of the preparation, planning, facilitation and reflection stages, as well as; coordinating city resources in support.

Ensure an appropriate range of indoor and outdoor facilities are available for community access and enjoyment by:

• Assisting with the planning and development of parks and recreational facilities and make recommendations with respect to funding, design, location and implementation.

• Ensure ongoing programming offering and supports to Rockwood Park, including programming promoting ecology, biology, natural resource conservation and preservation and natural history.

• Monitoring facility and program participation and maintaining and submitting facility and program attendance records and related reports.

• Scheduling facility bookings and co-ordinating staff and volunteers to meet the needs of events, programs and organizations.

• Creating and updating critical path on various events.

• Monitoring facility maintenance needs and making recommendations as requested and/or as required.

Develop neighbourhood partnerships by:

• Providing direction and leadership to engage communities/neighbourhood groups to assume the responsibility of future development of community-based initiatives.

• Facilitate and encourage programs and services that align to meet neighbourhood needs, goals and objectives.

• Guide neighbourhood and Community Associations with the implementation and maintenance of strategic action plans.

• Encourage and support neighbourhood and community spirit, collaboration, participation and involvement resulting in a strong network of active communities.

Support the success of programs and events by:

• Assisting in the development of special events brochures and activities.

• Participating in promotional activities including but not limited to conferences and trade shows as requested.

• Ensure seasonal staff and volunteers are trained, motivated and appropriately engaged in promotional activities.

Support the development, execution and evaluations of safe and effective programming that contributes to Saint John's culture, arts, recreation, wellness, civic pride, neighborhoods, parks and public spaces, including (note: programs are subject to change due to staffing capacity and service restructuring):

• Place-making programming and the City's event street closure process.

• Coordinated programming related to community grants.

• Effective and efficient operation, maintenance and programming of community centers.

• P.R.O. (Positive Recreation Opportunity) Kids programming.

• Recreation program services.

• Neighborhood improvement service.

• Arts and culture programming.

• Programming in City parks and recreation facilities.

• Support towards poverty reduction, homelessness and the local disability community.

• Any other assignments from the Community Development Manager.

Essential Qualifications:

• Successful candidate must have a bachelor's degree from an accredited university. Consideration will be given to candidates with a degree within a related field of recreation or community development.

• A minimum of 3 (three) years progressive experience in community development and/or recreation programming.

• Candidates must demonstrate knowledge and understanding in the areas of: community development, youth development, community engagement, special events planning, inclusion and diversity, volunteer management, conflict resolution and community capacity building.

• This position requires well-developed skills in research, project management, and communication.

• Strong interpersonal skills as this position works closely with community groups, organizations, and associations to foster community development.

• The capacity to multitask in a fast-paced environment.

• Demonstrated leadership qualities to manage employees, partnerships and volunteers.

The successful applicant may be eligible to participate in a Flexible Time Options Program which includes the option of working a 4 or 5-day work week, subject to business requirements.

Equal Opportunity Employer:

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to building a workforce that reflects the diversity of the communities in which we live and which we serve. We encourage and support applications from Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, and members of visible minority groups. Candidates who belong to such groups, who are qualified, will be given preference at the time of selection.

Applications will be accepted through our online system only. Qualified applicants should submit their cover letters and resumes to:

City of Saint John

Attn: Hiring Committee

(careers)

Only those applicants being considered further will be contacted.