Co-Director, Planning and Design (Community Planning)
Apply NowCompany: The University of British Columbia
Location: Vancouver, BC V5K 5J9
Description:
Staff - Non Union
Job Category
M&P - AAPS
Job Profile
AAPS Salaried - Facilities Management, Level J
Job Title
Co-Director, Planning and Design (Community Planning)
Department
Leadership | Director | Planning and Design
Compensation Range
$12,755.08 - $19,905.67 CAD Monthly
The Compensation Range is the span between the minimum and maximum base salary for a position. The midpoint of the range is approximately halfway between the minimum and the maximum and represents an employee that possesses full job knowledge, qualifications and experience for the position. In the normal course, employees will be hired, transferred or promoted between the minimum and midpoint of the salary range for a job.
Posting End Date
April 29, 2025
Note: Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the Posting End Date.
Job End Date
This position is expected to be filled by promotion/reassignment and is included here to inform you of its vacancy at the University.
At UBC, we believe that attracting and sustaining a diverse workforce is key to the successful pursuit of excellence in research, innovation, and learning for all faculty, staff and students. Our commitment to employment equity helps achieve inclusion and fairness, brings rich diversity to UBC as a workplace, and creates the necessary conditions for a rewarding career.
Job Summary
The Co-Director, Planning and Design (Community Planning) is responsible for strategically planning, directing and monitoring all plans related to the use and development of the UBC Vancouver Campus, as well as providing strategic leadership of planning assignments for the UBC Okanagan campus. Community and land use planning activities are undertaken to advance UBC's academic mission and discharge responsibilities under the University Act and the Municipalities Enabling and Validating Act. The Co-Director, Planning and Design (Community Planning) will provide leadership on all long-range, strategic land use and community plans for UBC Vancouver. This includes development of plans for the campus and residential neighbourhoods, and amendments to the Land Use Plan and other relevant planning and regulatory frameworks, ensuring compliance with policy and legislation. The Co-Director, Planning and Design (Community Planning) will also direct and manage a variety of other planning and policy assignments and provide leadership to various planning processes, on both the Vancouver and Okanagan campuses. The Co-Director is also responsible for shared implementation of these plans through development project reviews against approved plans and policies, and advising on streamlined development and design review processes on both campuses to support project efficiency and effectiveness. The Co-Director plays a leadership role in working with Musqueam to reflect their interests in land use plans and capital projects to advance Musqueam presence and welcome on the Vancouver campus lands. This includes directing complex scoping and planning exercises, developing project budgets and navigating political approvals both at UBC and Musqueam. This position requires work outside normal hours.
Organizational Status
This position reports to the AVP, Campus and Community Planning and co-leads the Planning and Design unit along with the Co-director Planning and Design (Campus Design). The position supports a variety of advisory bodies including, advisory planning and technical committees for plans, and leads the development of reports and recommendations to the Executive and the Board of Governors to inform decision-making. The position will provide strategic leadership to maintain good working relationships with other units within Campus & Community Planning and with other related UBC departments and subsidiaries including, Building Operations, Facilities, Athletics and Recreation, Health Safety & Environment, Student Housing and Hospitality Services and UBC Properties Trust. The Co-Director also represents the University's interests in regional and provincial planning initiatives and contributes to relevant planning policies of Metro Vancouver, the City of Kelowna, the City of Vancouver and other government authorities where requested.
Work Performed
Stewardship of the Campus Planning and Land Use Plans, Policies and Frameworks.
1. Develops and establishes visions, goals and objectives for all planning programs on the Vancouver campus, through development and stewardship of core policy and planning tools and frameworks (e.g. Land Use Plan, Campus Plan, Precinct Plans, Neighbourhood Plans, etc.).
2. Provides strategic leadership in interest-based planning discussions and negotiations with senior staff and department heads (e.g. from academic faculties, Athletics, VP Students, Facilities, Energy and Water, etc.) to advance relevant planning principles, development concepts and strategies that support UBC s planning policies (including the Land Use Plan, Vancouver Campus Plan, UBCO Campus Plan, the 20 Year Sustainability Strategy, UBC Transportation Plan, etc.).
3. Provides strategic leadership and support to the Director and Associate Director, Campus Planning and Development on the Okanagan campus in development of long range land-use plans, policies and guidelines to meet changing conditions for the university (e.g. Okanagan Campus Plan, Okanagan Design guidelines). Also provides expert interpretive oversight regarding the campus Zoning, Official Community Plan designation, Development Permit requirements and Agricultural Land Reserve context, utility easements and associated Ministerial approvals, and provides guidance on all applications to Kelowna City Hall, ALC on these matters.
4. Designs and implements interdisciplinary workshops and design processes to develop planning proposals, oversees the drafting of plans, designs, concepts, and supporting planning policies and provides advice, information and effective interpretation of planning policies and procedures to guide plan development.
5. Convenes and oversees the development of major plans and policies that address a wide range of complex interests and controversial issues within the UBC administration, the campus community, the residential and business community, and external interests .
6. Establishes regulatory planning policy and strategic recommendations to ensure compliance of individual development proposals with long-range objectives and approved land use plans.
7. Leads collaborations and negotiations with internal and external stakeholders relating to long-term land use plan development, monitoring and implementation,
8. Provides strategic oversight on policy research, feasibility analysis and broad engagement plans for planning projects and policies.
9. Develops planning and land use expectations for academic development sites and aspects of the public realm, balancing the interests of stakeholders and community partners, and leads the development of Neighbourhood Plans in close collaboration with UBC Properties Trust, which contribute significant financial benefit to the University's endowment.
10. Acts as a planning representative on internal steering committees, and as the University s representative on municipal and regional steering committees, as needed, presenting the University's view on planning matters.
11. Directs the Sr. Manager, Musqueam Engagement and other UBC departments to understand and reflect Musqueam interests in land use plans, policies and capital projects.
12. Performs other duties as required.
Leadership and Management
1. As co-lead of Planning and Design, provides strategic leadership and management of the unit along with the Co-director, Planning and Design (Campus Design).
2. Hires, mentors and supervises a team of planning staff, including Senior Planner, Community Planners, Planning Analyst, and other staff and consultants, to advance a broad range of planning initiatives programs, assuring alignment with the University's strategic plans and academic mission.
3. Prepares and manages budgets and approves expenditures of up to several million dollars in discharging the above responsibilities and in partnership with the Co-Director of Planning and Design (Campus Design).
4. Prepares annual workplans and budgets for the unit in partnership with the Co-Director of Planning and Design (Campus Design).
5. Manages Human Resources issues, in collaboration with the Co-Director of Planning and Design (Campus Design) and UBC HR, in the areas of recruitment, performance evaluation, training, coaching, attendance management, discipline and terminations.
6. Initiates, develops and maintains positive and productive relationships with a broad range of stakeholders including senior administrative staff, professional colleagues, esteemed volunteers and donors, the external planning and development communities, campus faculty, staff, peer colleagues in other departments and the broader campus community. Provides diplomatic leadership and professional judgement when conflict arises.
7. Leads visioning initiatives and engages on capital and planning projects with a wide range of internal and external audiences, including the, Property and Planning Advisory Committee, President s Advisory Committee on Campus Enhancement, public meetings and workshops in order to monitor, advance, and update plans and policies and their implementation.
8. Develops and maintains relationships with related academic disciplines within the University, including SALA and SCARP and SEEDS partnerships.
9. Through collaborative processes develops policies, processes and design controls to ensure adherence to the Land Use Plan, the Campus Plan and community plans and other policies.
10. Prepares budgets and approves expenditures of up to several million dollars in discharging the above responsibilities.
11. Participates in University committees and task forces as requested, representing the department.
12. Represents the University in external relationships, particularly with the Planning Institute of British Columbia and other professional organizations.
Consequence of Error/Judgement
This position has a significant influence on the quality and development of the University campus lands. The Co-Director, Planning and Design (Community Planning) is responsible for recommendations and decisions related to the land use and development of the UBC campus lands, which in turn enables land development revenue in the hundreds of millions of dollars that supports the University's endowment. The incumbent also influences allocation of funding within significant project budgets. Errors in this work can cause problems of a financial, legal or political nature, which in turn can result in cost and time delays, including availability and timing of land development revenue for the University.
Supervision Received
Reports to the AVP, Campus and Community Planning, and co-leads the unit with the Co-Director of Planning and Design (Campus Design). Works within Board directives and the legislation and regulations governing UBC as well as the professional ethics and requirements of the Planning Association of BC; work is subject to general review by Associate Vice-President, Campus and Community Planning and senior UBC staff.
Supervision Given
Will supervise several professional planners, designers and support staff and coordinate several major initiatives and issues at any one time. Will manage the work of consultants. Will also coordinate efforts of department staff along with the Co-Director of Planning and Design (Campus Design) and provide technical guidance for the completion of specific assignments. Must be able to lead major, complex planning projects and deliver diplomatic leadership as conflicts arise.
Minimum Qualifications
Additional Preferred Qualifications
Job Category
M&P - AAPS
Job Profile
AAPS Salaried - Facilities Management, Level J
Job Title
Co-Director, Planning and Design (Community Planning)
Department
Leadership | Director | Planning and Design
Compensation Range
$12,755.08 - $19,905.67 CAD Monthly
The Compensation Range is the span between the minimum and maximum base salary for a position. The midpoint of the range is approximately halfway between the minimum and the maximum and represents an employee that possesses full job knowledge, qualifications and experience for the position. In the normal course, employees will be hired, transferred or promoted between the minimum and midpoint of the salary range for a job.
Posting End Date
April 29, 2025
Note: Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the Posting End Date.
Job End Date
This position is expected to be filled by promotion/reassignment and is included here to inform you of its vacancy at the University.
At UBC, we believe that attracting and sustaining a diverse workforce is key to the successful pursuit of excellence in research, innovation, and learning for all faculty, staff and students. Our commitment to employment equity helps achieve inclusion and fairness, brings rich diversity to UBC as a workplace, and creates the necessary conditions for a rewarding career.
Job Summary
The Co-Director, Planning and Design (Community Planning) is responsible for strategically planning, directing and monitoring all plans related to the use and development of the UBC Vancouver Campus, as well as providing strategic leadership of planning assignments for the UBC Okanagan campus. Community and land use planning activities are undertaken to advance UBC's academic mission and discharge responsibilities under the University Act and the Municipalities Enabling and Validating Act. The Co-Director, Planning and Design (Community Planning) will provide leadership on all long-range, strategic land use and community plans for UBC Vancouver. This includes development of plans for the campus and residential neighbourhoods, and amendments to the Land Use Plan and other relevant planning and regulatory frameworks, ensuring compliance with policy and legislation. The Co-Director, Planning and Design (Community Planning) will also direct and manage a variety of other planning and policy assignments and provide leadership to various planning processes, on both the Vancouver and Okanagan campuses. The Co-Director is also responsible for shared implementation of these plans through development project reviews against approved plans and policies, and advising on streamlined development and design review processes on both campuses to support project efficiency and effectiveness. The Co-Director plays a leadership role in working with Musqueam to reflect their interests in land use plans and capital projects to advance Musqueam presence and welcome on the Vancouver campus lands. This includes directing complex scoping and planning exercises, developing project budgets and navigating political approvals both at UBC and Musqueam. This position requires work outside normal hours.
Organizational Status
This position reports to the AVP, Campus and Community Planning and co-leads the Planning and Design unit along with the Co-director Planning and Design (Campus Design). The position supports a variety of advisory bodies including, advisory planning and technical committees for plans, and leads the development of reports and recommendations to the Executive and the Board of Governors to inform decision-making. The position will provide strategic leadership to maintain good working relationships with other units within Campus & Community Planning and with other related UBC departments and subsidiaries including, Building Operations, Facilities, Athletics and Recreation, Health Safety & Environment, Student Housing and Hospitality Services and UBC Properties Trust. The Co-Director also represents the University's interests in regional and provincial planning initiatives and contributes to relevant planning policies of Metro Vancouver, the City of Kelowna, the City of Vancouver and other government authorities where requested.
Work Performed
Stewardship of the Campus Planning and Land Use Plans, Policies and Frameworks.
1. Develops and establishes visions, goals and objectives for all planning programs on the Vancouver campus, through development and stewardship of core policy and planning tools and frameworks (e.g. Land Use Plan, Campus Plan, Precinct Plans, Neighbourhood Plans, etc.).
2. Provides strategic leadership in interest-based planning discussions and negotiations with senior staff and department heads (e.g. from academic faculties, Athletics, VP Students, Facilities, Energy and Water, etc.) to advance relevant planning principles, development concepts and strategies that support UBC s planning policies (including the Land Use Plan, Vancouver Campus Plan, UBCO Campus Plan, the 20 Year Sustainability Strategy, UBC Transportation Plan, etc.).
3. Provides strategic leadership and support to the Director and Associate Director, Campus Planning and Development on the Okanagan campus in development of long range land-use plans, policies and guidelines to meet changing conditions for the university (e.g. Okanagan Campus Plan, Okanagan Design guidelines). Also provides expert interpretive oversight regarding the campus Zoning, Official Community Plan designation, Development Permit requirements and Agricultural Land Reserve context, utility easements and associated Ministerial approvals, and provides guidance on all applications to Kelowna City Hall, ALC on these matters.
4. Designs and implements interdisciplinary workshops and design processes to develop planning proposals, oversees the drafting of plans, designs, concepts, and supporting planning policies and provides advice, information and effective interpretation of planning policies and procedures to guide plan development.
5. Convenes and oversees the development of major plans and policies that address a wide range of complex interests and controversial issues within the UBC administration, the campus community, the residential and business community, and external interests .
6. Establishes regulatory planning policy and strategic recommendations to ensure compliance of individual development proposals with long-range objectives and approved land use plans.
7. Leads collaborations and negotiations with internal and external stakeholders relating to long-term land use plan development, monitoring and implementation,
8. Provides strategic oversight on policy research, feasibility analysis and broad engagement plans for planning projects and policies.
9. Develops planning and land use expectations for academic development sites and aspects of the public realm, balancing the interests of stakeholders and community partners, and leads the development of Neighbourhood Plans in close collaboration with UBC Properties Trust, which contribute significant financial benefit to the University's endowment.
10. Acts as a planning representative on internal steering committees, and as the University s representative on municipal and regional steering committees, as needed, presenting the University's view on planning matters.
11. Directs the Sr. Manager, Musqueam Engagement and other UBC departments to understand and reflect Musqueam interests in land use plans, policies and capital projects.
12. Performs other duties as required.
Leadership and Management
1. As co-lead of Planning and Design, provides strategic leadership and management of the unit along with the Co-director, Planning and Design (Campus Design).
2. Hires, mentors and supervises a team of planning staff, including Senior Planner, Community Planners, Planning Analyst, and other staff and consultants, to advance a broad range of planning initiatives programs, assuring alignment with the University's strategic plans and academic mission.
3. Prepares and manages budgets and approves expenditures of up to several million dollars in discharging the above responsibilities and in partnership with the Co-Director of Planning and Design (Campus Design).
4. Prepares annual workplans and budgets for the unit in partnership with the Co-Director of Planning and Design (Campus Design).
5. Manages Human Resources issues, in collaboration with the Co-Director of Planning and Design (Campus Design) and UBC HR, in the areas of recruitment, performance evaluation, training, coaching, attendance management, discipline and terminations.
6. Initiates, develops and maintains positive and productive relationships with a broad range of stakeholders including senior administrative staff, professional colleagues, esteemed volunteers and donors, the external planning and development communities, campus faculty, staff, peer colleagues in other departments and the broader campus community. Provides diplomatic leadership and professional judgement when conflict arises.
7. Leads visioning initiatives and engages on capital and planning projects with a wide range of internal and external audiences, including the, Property and Planning Advisory Committee, President s Advisory Committee on Campus Enhancement, public meetings and workshops in order to monitor, advance, and update plans and policies and their implementation.
8. Develops and maintains relationships with related academic disciplines within the University, including SALA and SCARP and SEEDS partnerships.
9. Through collaborative processes develops policies, processes and design controls to ensure adherence to the Land Use Plan, the Campus Plan and community plans and other policies.
10. Prepares budgets and approves expenditures of up to several million dollars in discharging the above responsibilities.
11. Participates in University committees and task forces as requested, representing the department.
12. Represents the University in external relationships, particularly with the Planning Institute of British Columbia and other professional organizations.
Consequence of Error/Judgement
This position has a significant influence on the quality and development of the University campus lands. The Co-Director, Planning and Design (Community Planning) is responsible for recommendations and decisions related to the land use and development of the UBC campus lands, which in turn enables land development revenue in the hundreds of millions of dollars that supports the University's endowment. The incumbent also influences allocation of funding within significant project budgets. Errors in this work can cause problems of a financial, legal or political nature, which in turn can result in cost and time delays, including availability and timing of land development revenue for the University.
Supervision Received
Reports to the AVP, Campus and Community Planning, and co-leads the unit with the Co-Director of Planning and Design (Campus Design). Works within Board directives and the legislation and regulations governing UBC as well as the professional ethics and requirements of the Planning Association of BC; work is subject to general review by Associate Vice-President, Campus and Community Planning and senior UBC staff.
Supervision Given
Will supervise several professional planners, designers and support staff and coordinate several major initiatives and issues at any one time. Will manage the work of consultants. Will also coordinate efforts of department staff along with the Co-Director of Planning and Design (Campus Design) and provide technical guidance for the completion of specific assignments. Must be able to lead major, complex planning projects and deliver diplomatic leadership as conflicts arise.
Minimum Qualifications
- Undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline.
- Membership or eligibility for membership in the Canadian Institute of Planners.
- Minium of 10 years' of experience in related planning experience including experience leading major planning projects or the equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Willingness to respect diverse perspectives, including perspectives in conflict with one's own.
- Demonstrated commitment to enhancing one's own awareness, knowledge, and skills related to equity, diversity, and inclusion.
Additional Preferred Qualifications
- Master's degree in Community or Urban Planning.
- Progressively responsible planning experience, preferably in a local government setting, in community and both current and long-range planning.
- Diplomacy and ability to effectively resolve conflict and facilitate multiple parties with conflicting interests.
- Ability to plan, lead and facilitate integrated planning processes with diverse stakeholders to ensure projects meet sustainability, aesthetic, functional, policy, regulatory and financial targets.
- Ability to impart the vision and strategies of UBC's sustainability, planning and design objectives.
- Ability to analyze and interpret data, determine implications, and provide strategies and recommendations.
- Ability to effectively recruit, train, supervise, and motivate employees.
- Ability to exercise sound judgment.
- Extensive experience in conflict resolution, interest based negotiation and facilitation.
- Ability to handle confidential information. Ability to conduct needs analyses, plan, organize, manage, monitor, complete, and evaluate projects within allocated time and resources.
- Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing, including preparation of technical and strategic reports for senior leadership.
- Ability to prioritize and work effectively under pressure to meet deadlines.
- Ability to succeed in a matrix organizational environment.