Senior Planner - Housing Planning, Policy and Programs

Summary

This position works to advance a wide range of activities related to the CRD’s strategic priorities for affordable housing and homelessness, and is responsible for the preparation of strategies, policies, proposals, and related initiatives including the delivery of programs designed to address housing and homelessness needs across the capital region. The Planner, Housing Planning, Policy and Programs will support the CRD by working to advance efforts to help create a region where residents have access to affordable housing that enhances livability. 

Key Duties & Responsibilities

• Leads, develops, coordinates, and delivers processes, strategies, plans, policies, procedures, and practices related to regional housing and homelessness as well as other related initiatives. This may include the development, review and analysis of project charters, memorandums of understanding, project critical paths, etc.   
• Directs, designs, and undertakes, a range of housing-related projects that includes research, engagement, survey development, data collection, report writing, policy development and other activities to advance housing and homelessness programs and projects.
• Conducts and/or facilitates consolation and/or engagement on housing/homelessness-related strategies with elected officials, various levels of government, key stakeholders, and members of the general public.    
• Prepares committee Terms of Reference, Requests for Proposals, reviews and scores submissions, recommends award and prepares funding applications as related to the Regional Affordability Strategy, the Rural and Remote Housing Program, and housing and homelessness engagement or other initiatives as they apply. 
• Provide expert technical advice and support for the development, implementation, and evaluation of policies and programs aimed at improving housing affordability
• Reviews best, current and emerging practices and compiles, analyzes, and summarizes housing policies, plans, and projects, as well as documents results, provides advice and/or makes recommendations in reports, briefing documents, or other written or verbal methods.  
• Prepares funding/grant applications to various funding entities that may include other government agencies for housing and/or homelessness related projects.
• Analyses and summarizes qualitative and quantitative data as related to housing and homelessness.
• Monitors implementation of strategies, plans, policies, and procedures.  
• Prepares presentations that include graphics, maps, and visual aids for inclusion in public documents such as reports, correspondence, social media, and advertisements.
• Prepares reports, spreadsheets, correspondence, and presentations in support of regional housing initiatives.
• Supports regular progress reporting on housing priorities by collecting and collating information and updating tracking documents.
• Responds to inquiries and information requests from members of the public, developers and local government staff.
• Conducts site visits in support of planning projects to identify relevant issues.
• Works cooperatively with staff, stakeholders and the public on projects as directed. 
• Follows all policies, procedures, and standards of the CRD.
• Performs other related duties as required.

Additional Information

• None

Key Skills & Abilities

• Strong ability to apply planning and housing concepts, research techniques and policy analysis.
• Strong ability to prepare comprehensive and detailed reports for senior staff and stakeholder audiences.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to explain complex issues to a wide variety of groups across multiple platforms (e.g., report writing, PowerPoint presentations, briefing bullets, chairing and attending meetings).
• Thorough understanding of federal and provincial housing and homelessness policies and programs.
• Awareness of pressures impact housing affordability and the delivery of affordable housing systems. 
• Excellent data collection, research, analytical and problem-solving skills with strong attention to quality and detail.
• Strong organizational skills, including the ability to plan and manage workload pressures while responding to a variety of daily tasks within tight timelines.
• Strong ability to think analytically, innovatively, and critically to solve problems and develop solutions.
• Strong ability to work in a collaborative, cross-functional team.
• Ability to maintain good working relationships with members of the public, local government staff, developers, stakeholder groups, and agency representatives.
• Thorough knowledge of relevant legislation including the Local Government Act and Community Charter. 
• Strong MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook and SharePoint skills.

Qualifications

Certifications