Director of Planning & Development

Job No: 104448
Location: Iqaluit, Nunavut

  • Come and experience life in Canada's northernmost capital and finish each day knowing you have made a difference! 
  • Competitive salary plus a settlement allowance!
  • Don't miss this challenging and rewarding role for an experienced planner and manger and to advance your career!

About The City of Iqaluit

Iqaluit – Inuktitut for "many fish" – is located near the mouth of the Sylvia Grinnell River, which empties into Frobisher Bay. With a population of nearly 8000, Iqaluit is Canada’s smallest capital City. The City is currently experiencing a period of rapid development and population growth.  As the largest community in Nunavut, Iqaluit is a growing community, unique in its role as a major business, transportation, administrative, health and education centre.  Similar to other municipalities in Nunavut, Iqaluit is also a major landowner, responsible for the administration and development of municipal lands, which further creates a unique planning context.

If you love the outdoors, you will fall in love with our city for its year-round activities. Frobisher Bay is a great kite-skiing destination in the winter, as well as a snowmobilers playground. In the spring and summer, fishing, kayaking, boating and hiking are just some of the activities that can be enjoyed.

For more information, please visit our website: https://www.city.iqaluit.nu.ca/

About the Opportunity

The City of Iqaluit has an exciting opportunity for a Director of Planning and Development to join their team in Iqaluit, Nunavut.

Reporting to the Chief Administrative Officer, the Director of Planning and Development is responsible for land-use planning, policy & regulations, development approvals, land development, and the administration of municipal lands and all land transactions. 

The successful candidate will also oversee the efficient management of the department’s capital and operating budget, departmental staff, currently consisting of a City Planner(s) and Lands Administrator.

Your responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:

  • Overseeing the work of planning department staff in the review and processing of all types of land use and development applications, the development of new or updated Municipal plans and planning bylaws, and in the implementation of planning projects and policies, while ensuring work observes Municipal policies, committed timelines and good planning practice.
  • Managing land use planning and land administration activities carried out by the City
  • Prepare and present Requests for Decision regarding planning and development proposals for City Council and committees of Council
  • Writing technical reports as required for the senior leadership team, CAO, Municipal Council, and attending Council and Committee meetings as required.
  • Ensuring the preparation, adoption and enforcement of the City’s General Plan, Zoning By-law, and Land Administration By-law
  • Develop policies and procedures to assist in governing development permitting and other planning functions.
  • Conduct public hearings and public consultations to engage stakeholders and the public in the City’s planning and development processes
  • Prepare and recommend development schemes, subdivision plans and survey sketches
  • Managing the administration of the General plan & Zoning By-law
  • Oversee the review of Development Applications
  • Reviewing appeals of decisions on Development Permits and Variances, and represents the City of Iqaluit at development appeal hearings
  • Guiding Council in developing a vision for long range development.
  • Planning and implementing a land use strategy
  • Manage the development of municipal land. Overseeing transactions relating to the pricing, the disposal, the leasing of municipal land.
  • Liaising and collaborating with other organizations and levels of government, including Inuit, federal and territorial government agencies, local governments, community associations and community groups.
  • Conducting research, undertaking studies and the preparation of background reports
  • Developing, recommending and managing the annual capital and operating budget for the department
  • Assessing and prioritizing community planning needs and developing goals and objectives for the department
  • Provides leadership and guidance to staff in all matters relating to planning & lands
  • Managing contract administration for land development projects
  • Strong leadership skills with the ability to oversee the work of professional and technical staff, and contractors.
  • Supervising, coordinating and evaluating (performance evaluations) Planning and Lands personnel in a respectful, supportive, respectful work environment.
  • Assumes tasks of subordinate staff in their absence

To qualify for this role, you will have a Master's Degree in Regional, Urban, City or Community Planning, or related discipline (e.g. Architecture, Landscape Architecture, Geography, Urban Studies, Environmental Planning, Sustainability), including courses in land use planning, sustainability, environmental management, social planning, engagement and urban design.

You will also have a minimum seven (7) years of experience in the planning field, including at least three (3) years in a local government setting (preferably at the municipal level) and at least two (2) years in a supervisory or management role.

Our ideal candidate will also be a full member of the Canadian Institute of Planners.

You will also possess:

  • The ability to manage and prioritize a wide range of projects in a fast-paced work environment
  • Possess an aptitude for resolving complex challenges with tact and accuracy, and with a high degree of independence
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills
  • Enjoy working in a multi-cultural environment
  • Thorough understanding of documents and procedures regarding development permits, zoning enforcement, land administration and long-range planning
  • A familiarity of planning in the Nunavut context and related Territorial legislation and policies is an asset

To be successful in this role you will need to possess excellent interpersonal skills, customer service, and the ability to work well with others and foster and maintain effective working relationships with people in the community, staff members and also with Council.  

Finally, the ideal candidate for this role will be excited and up to the challenge of helping to shape and develop the City of Iqaluit during this period of growth and into the future.

About the Benefits

The successful incumbent will be rewarded with a competitive annual salary plus a Settlement allowanceYou will also receive a great range of employee benefits, including: 

  • NEBS – Health and Dental Benefits 50/50 split                                                    
  • RRSP matching plan of 8% of annual salary
  • Employee Discounts for Aquatic Centre and recreation facilities
  • Vacation Travel Assistance of $2,000.00 per year
  • Fifteen (15) days additional compensatory leave in lieu of overtime.
  • 3+ weeks of leave and holiday days to start

At The City of Iqaluit, we value the happiness of our team and host numerous social events over the year including seasonal summer BBQ's and Christmas parties, charity fundraisers, and Social Committee events. 

This is a unique opportunity to join a team of a thriving and growing city, at an exciting time. Furthermore, you will enjoy being part of a working environment that promotes personal and professional growth in an atmosphere of trust, respect, and collaboration. 

If you are looking for a role where no two days are the same, and where you can make a real difference in the lives of others, then this is the role for you. Apply today! 

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