Project Facilitator II (Project Facilitation Branch)

Main Purpose and Function

The Project Facilitator II manages and coordinates highly complex and controversial development permit applications through City reviews and approvals. In this role, the Project Facilitator is the primary contact for project applicants, interdepartmental staff teams and the community. Development Permit applications may include large site developments (e.g. Oakridge and East Fraser Lands), large-scale developments, institutional projects and affordable housing projects. The Project Facilitator has extensive experience in project management, working with local government, leading public engagement, working with interdisciplinary teams and resolving issues among multiple parties.

The Project Facilitator II reports to Manager of Project Facilitation and the Assistant Director of Development Services and work closely with other City departments, the Indigenous community, developers, and members of the general public.

Specific Duties and Responsibilities

• Manages the processing of development permit applications from pre-application, staff review, decision by the Development Permit Board or Director of Planning to issuance including Building Permit and Occupancy Permit staff as issues arise.
• Coordinates the evaluation of Development Permit applications by interdepartmental teams considering applicable City policies, by-laws and requirements.
• Identifies conflicts and competing interests between review staff, applicant and community and ensures project issues are resolved.
• Facilitates negotiations of conditions of development permit approval and clearances.
• Engages directly with applicant teams and members of the community utilizing strong interpersonal, public engagement and communications skills.
• Coordinates public engagement including responding to enquiries from the public. This may include organizing public meetings to explain proposals to the community.
• Establishes and oversees a schedule for project processing, approval and issuance.
• Facilitates and chairs meetings, coordinates preparation of reports to the Development Permit Board and works with staff to prepare projects going to committees (i.e. Heritage Commission, Urban Design Panel).
• Establishes and maintains high standards of engagement, communication, and constructive relationships with Aboriginal Communities and First Nations.
• Other duties/responsibilities as assigned.

Qualification
Education and Experience:

• Completion of a graduate degree in Planning, Engineering, Architecture or a related field
• Considerable related experience in planning and development, or an equivalent combination of training and experience.
• Previous experience in a related position with project management responsibilities.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Thorough knowledge of the development permit approval process and roles and responsibilities in the review and approval of projects.
• Thorough knowledge of the Zoning and Development By-law and other related By-laws.
• Considerable knowledge of governmental structures and systems.
• Demonstrated teamwork, facilitation, project management and communication skills together with considerable skills in collaborative decision making are essential.
• Ability to report writing, communicate complex issues and provide recommendations to resolve potential challenges.
• Ability to successfully lead, motivate and influence staff teams. Experience in coordinating team meetings, establishing responsibilities and commitments to schedules and target completion dates.
• Ability to work independently and to coordinate multiples projects in various stages of development.
• Ability to lead and facilitate public consultation processes.
• Ability to facilitate problem solving among diverse and competing interests.
• Demonstrated initiative and independent judgement in dealing with a variety of people and situations.
• Ability to communicate complex ideas.
• Ability to meet transportation needs.
• Successful experience dealing with diverse interest groups is desirable.

Where operationally appropriate and subject to change, the City of Vancouver has a Flexible Work Program. This program allows staff to work a hybrid work week from locations that are a daily commutable distance from their work at a City worksite. At this time this position is eligible to be part of the Flexible Work Program.

Business Unit/Department: Development, Buildings & Licensing