Assistant Manager of Community Services

District of Saanich; Victoria; On-site; CAD 112,000 - 132,000; Full time

Job summary

The District of Saanich is seeking an Assistant Manager in the Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department. This exempt, permanent full-time role supports the Community Services Division, overseeing youth, older adults, people with disabilities, community arts, volunteers and community-building initiatives.

Reporting to the Senior Manager, the Assistant Manager provides leadership, budget support and program development, while coordinating recruitment, staff development and performance

Qualifications

• Four-year degree in Public Administration, Recreation Administration, Community Development or related field.
• Minimum of four years progressively responsible experience in community services.
• At least two years in a supervisory or management capacity.
• Experience in a unionized environment and public sector experience are assets.
• Knowledge of local government operations, labour relations, OH&S and community development principles.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership and operational support for divisional initiatives, programs and staff.
• Contribute to strategic planning, lead special projects, and assist divisional budget planning.
• Oversee recruitment, onboarding, employee development and performance management.
• Collaborate with internal and external partners to strengthen community relationships and engagement.
• Promote service excellence and advance departmental priorities, including health and safety and labour relations.

Education

Four-year degree in Public Administration, Recreation Administration, Community Development or related field

Job description

The District of Saanich's Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department

is committed to creating a healthy, sustainable and vibrant community. Through innovative programs, services and partnerships, we enhance quality of life and foster inclusive, connected and resilient communities. We are seeking a collaborative and progressive leader to help advance community-based services that respond to the evolving needs of our residents.

The Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department is seeking an Assistant Manager to join the Community Services Division. This exempt, permanent full-time position will support the overall leadership and operation of the Division, including services supporting youth, older adults, people with disabilities, community arts, volunteer services, and community-building initiatives.

Reporting to the Senior Manager of Community Services, the Assistant Manager provides leadership and operational support for divisional initiatives, programs and staff. The role is responsible for contributing to strategic planning, leading special projects, supporting program development, managing assigned operational areas, overseeing recruitment, onboarding, employee development and performance management, and assisting with divisional budget planning and monitoring. The Assistant Manager works collaboratively with internal and external partners to strengthen community relationships, support meaningful community engagement through an equity-informed approach, promote service excellence, and advance departmental and corporate priorities. The position also provides leadership in areas such as occupational health and safety, employee wellness, organizational development, continuous service improvement and labour relations matters.

Requirements include a four-year degree in Public Administration, Recreation Administration, Community Development, Human Resources or a related discipline, together with a minimum of four years of progressively responsible experience in community services or a related field, including at least two years in a supervisory or management capacity, preferably in the public sector. The successful candidate will demonstrate strong leadership, relationship-building, communication and organizational skills, along with experience in program and service delivery, staff leadership, budget administration and project management. Knowledge of local government operations, labour relations, occupational health and safety, and community development principles would be considered an asset. Experience working in a unionized environment and building collaborative relationships with community partners is also considered an asset. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.

The successful applicant will work Monday to Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (35 hours per week), evenings and weekends as necessary As a component of the selection process, testing will be conducted. Although we thank all applicants for applying, only those under consideration will be contacted.

This is an exempt position with a salary range of $112,290 - $132,050 (2026 rate) plus an excellent benefits package. Job description and competition information can be found at www.saanich.ca. August 30, 2026, quoting competition 26201.

The District of Saanich is proud to once again be recognized as one of BC’s Top Employers for 2026.

As an inclusive, supportive, and high-performing organization, we are committed to fostering a workplace that reflects the diversity of the community we serve. We aim to attract and retain passionate, skilled individuals from all backgrounds, demographics, and life experiences, and we are dedicated to creating an environment where everyone can contribute and thrive. If you require an accommodation at any stage of the recruitment process, please contact [e-mail] in confidence. We are here to support your full participation.