Planner 2 (Youth)

City of Richmond•Richmond, BC

16d

About The Position

Reporting directly to the Manager, Community Social Development, the Planner 2 (Youth) is responsible for driving strategic strategy, policy and planning initiatives related to the City’s approach to supporting positive development of Richmond’s youth (13-24 years). This position provides leadership, subject matter expertise, and functional guidance as it relates to carrying out the actions outlined in the City of Richmond Youth Strategy (2022-2032) to City staff, Community Associations and Societies, and other youth-serving organizations in Richmond. As the successful candidate, you will be responsible for developing and implementing youth-related policies and initiatives, including facilitating youth engagement projects; researching and disseminating information about youth-related data and trends; establishing and maintaining collaborative working relationships with community-based organizations; monitoring strategic plan implementation; and acting as the Staff Liaison to the Council-appointed Youth Advisory Committee. You will provide leadership and oversight of ongoing and project-based work, including the work of supporting staff and consultants, and ensuring quality and service standards are met. This opportunity will allow you to showcase your initiative and creativity in a role that empowers you to independently shape and drive impactful projects that contribute to positive youth development.

Requirements

Thorough understanding of community development and planning principles, practices and policies that advance positive youth development.
Considerable knowledge of issues and trends affecting youth, the demographics and needs of youth in Richmond and the supporting social service networks and supports available in a municipal context.
Ability to identify, analyze and prioritize social inequities and systemic barriers pertinent to youth development and to implement action plans to address these issues.
Ability to prepare reports and make recommendations.
Ability to communicate effectively, verbally and in writing with courtesy, tact and discretion.
Ability to maintain positive working relationships with staff, elected officials, government agencies, not-for-profit organizations and members of the public.
Ability to conduct and provide a wide range of youth-related policy research, analysis, options and recommendations, drawing on quantitative and qualitative data sources.
Ability to facilitate meetings, groups and engagements, especially to enhance youth (13-24 years of age) involvement.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and familiarity with other business software systems, including virtual meeting platforms such as Teams.
Ability to successfully pass a Police Information Check.
A valid Class 5 Driver’s Licence for the Province of British Columbia.

Nice To Haves

A Master's Degree in a related discipline is preferred.
Eligibility or membership in the Canadian Institute of Planners and the Planning Institute of British Columbia is preferred.

Responsibilities

Provide complex, specialized information and recommendations to City Council, the City’s senior management team and other City departments on youth-related policy and planning initiatives, preparing reports, memos and presentations as required.
Lead, implement and monitor strategic actions outlined in the Council-adopted Youth Strategy (2022–2032), in collaboration with other agencies, including facilitating ongoing initiatives and advancing policy, planning and engagement initiatives that address youth needs and promote positive youth development.
Act as the Staff Liaison for the Council-appointed Youth Advisory Committee.
Research, monitor and disseminate information about youth-focused issues, data and trends to inform collaborative initiatives that are led or supported by the City.
Represent the City’s position and interests in youth-related matters on various internal and external committees, joint planning tables and intergovernmental bodies; and serve as the City's representative on various external committees.
Participate in internal cross-departmental working groups and provide a youth planning lens in the development and implementation of City-wide strategies, policies and projects; liaise with multidisciplinary internal and external partners, such as staff from other City departments and other municipalities, senior levels of government, elected officials, community-based organizations, and the general public.
Function as a key contact for youth and positive youth development, and engage with the community on an ongoing basis, providing a first point of contact for the City’s response to youth-related policy and planning matters.
Oversee the work of support staff, contractors, volunteers and practicum students on research and analysis, projects initiatives and community engagement related to youth, as required.
Research, apply for and manage government grants related to youth.
Prepare, manage and forecast revenues and expenses for grant budgets and oversee youth planning and policy development budgets, including consultant expenses.
Perform related work as required.