Commissioner, Community Services

Burlington Economic Development Corporation; Burlington; On-site; CAD 207,479 - 259,349; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working hours

Mobile and hybrid working arrangements

Great pension and benefits package

Job summary

City of Burlington seeks an experienced Commissioner of Community Services to lead key municipal portfolios including Fire, Transit, Recreation, Community and Culture. You will shape strategic direction, collaborate across City departments, and drive service excellence for residents and visitors.

The role requires a 10+ year track record in senior leadership within the public sector, strong governance, and a commitment to inclusive, data-informed decision making. Hybrid work is available.

Qualifications

• University degree in Public Administration, Political Science, Business Administration, Community Relations, Recreation, Emergency Management, Transportation, or a related discipline.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressively senior leadership experience, including executive-level responsibility.
• Experience leading organizational strategy, financial stewardship, and large multidisciplinary teams.

Responsibilities

• Shape the future of Burlington’s core services across Fire, Transit, Recreation, Community and Culture.
• Lead strategic direction and governance for a growing, complex city portfolio.
• Drive transformation, service excellence, and data-informed decision making.
• Represent the City with regional partners, government bodies and community stakeholders.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Public administration

Stakeholder engagement

Change management

Education

University degree in Public Administration

Political Science

Business Administration

Community Relations

Recreation

Emergency Management

Transportation

Job description

Position Type: Regular Full Time (RFT) Closing Date: August 19, 2026 Salary/Wage Range: $207,479.00 - $259,349.00 Working for the City of Burlington

A great career is closer than you think. Come work for the City of Burlington, where you'll be joining an innovative and progressive workplace focused on building a 21st century city that respects the diversity of our residents, visitors and employees; and prioritizes continuous opportunities for you to learn and grow. We don't just spend time attracting the best talent. We spend time and resources to keep the best talent.

• flexible working hours
• mobile and hybrid working arrangements
• a great pension and benefits package
• programs to foster innovation and leadership

Type of Vacancy Existing Vacancy

Hours of Work 35 hours per week

Division Community Services

Location This position is eligible for a hybrid work model. When attending an event or meeting in person, your primary office location will be based out of 426 Brant Street, City Hall. Work location is subject to change at the discretion of the City due to operational demands. Effective September 2027, this role will be required to be on site 50% of the time each month.

Position Overview As a member of the City of Burlington’s Executive Leadership Team, the Commissioner, Community Services is an exciting opportunity to shape services that residents rely on every day. This influential role provides strategic leadership for a broad and high-impact portfolio, including Fire, Transit, and Recreation, Community and Culture, and helps set the direction for programs and services that strengthen public safety, mobility, community connection, recreation, and cultural vibrancy across Burlington. This is a role for a bold, collaborative and future-focused leader who is energized by complexity, inspired by community service, and ready to help build a modern, responsive and inclusive city. Working closely with the Chief Administrative Officer, Council, community partners, staff, other levels of government and regional partners, the Commissioner will champion innovation, service excellence and transformational change. Through this leadership, the Commissioner will advance the City’s Strategic Plan and improve quality of life for the people who live, work and visit Burlington.

What you’ll lead

In this executive leadership role, you will shape the future of some of Burlington’s most visible and valued community services. You will bring people together, set clear direction, and create the conditions for teams to deliver excellent, responsive and forward-looking services for the community. Set the strategic direction for Fire, Transit, and Recreation, Community and Culture, ensuring these high-impact services continue to evolve with the needs of a growing and changing city. Lead initiatives that strengthen public safety, mobility, recreation opportunities, cultural vitality and overall community well-being. Build a collaborative, innovative and accountable culture across the Community Services portfolio, with a strong focus on service excellence and customer experience. Support and empower leaders and staff through change, modernization and continuous improvement, helping teams deliver meaningful results for residents. Work collaboratively across City departments to advance corporate priorities and deliver integrated, people-centred services. Strengthen relationships with Council, community organizations, residents, Indigenous communities, regional partners, neighbouring municipalities, provincial and federal governments, and external agencies. Provide trusted strategic advice, recommendations and reports to the Chief Administrative Officer, Committee and Council on matters that shape the Community Services portfolio. Guide long-range planning and service delivery strategies that respond to community growth, demographic change, legislative requirements and emerging trends. Oversee departmental business planning, financial stewardship, risk management and performance measurement with a focus on strong governance and sustainable outcomes. Champion transformation by using technology, digital solutions and data-informed decision-making to improve how services are planned, delivered and experienced. Promote an inclusive, equitable and high-performing workplace where exceptional talent is attracted, developed and retained. Represent the City on regional, provincial and sector committees, building partnerships that advance community outcomes and organizational success.

Requirements

The ideal candidate is a seasoned, strategic executive who brings sound judgment, political acuity and a strong commitment to public service. You are known for building trust, leading through complexity and creating the conditions for teams to do their best work. You bring a collaborative, inclusive and future-focused leadership style, with the ability to balance community expectations, Council priorities, operational realities and long-term organizational goals. Knowledge of municipal governance, public administration, emergency services, transit, recreation, and community services would be considered a significant asset. You also have the following qualifications: University degree in Public Administration, Political Science, Business Administration, Community Relations, Recreation, Emergency Management, Transportation, or a related discipline. A minimum of 10 years of progressively senior leadership experience, including executive-level responsibility for multiple business units or service areas within a complex organization. Demonstrated experience leading organizational strategy, financial stewardship, service transformation, and large, multidisciplinary teams. Experience working within a municipal or broader public sector environment is strongly preferred. An equivalent combination of education and executive leadership experience may be considered.

Accommodations

In accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, the City of Burlington accommodates the individual needs of applicants with disabilities within the recruitment process. Please call us at 905-335-7602 or email us at [e-mail] if you require accommodation to ensure your equal participation in the recruitment and selection process.

Why?

Ranked as the most livable city in Ontario, and fifth in Canada, Burlington is nestled in the Greater Toronto Area, with the Niagara Escarpment (a UNESCO world biosphere reserve) in our backyard, and Lake Ontario at our front door. Equipped with a team of approximately 1,150 full-time and 1,000 part-time employees, the corporation of the City of Burlington is an innovative, progressive and hybrid workplace dedicated to delivering more than 37 high-quality services to residents. A career at the City boasts: A positive workplace culture built on a set of organizational values, designed by employees. These values guide our behavior and how we work together. A hybrid work model, with remote and flexible work arrangements. A commitment to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion in our organization to create a workplace where employees can bring their whole selves to work. A focus on service excellence, including high-quality customer experiences, operational performance, and staff engagement. A great pension and benefits package. Collective action to support a climate resilient and low carbon community, implementing actions to become net carbon neutral and prepared for warmer, wetter and wilder weather. Opportunities to continuously learn and grow. These are just some of the reasons to come work with us at the City of Burlington.

We thank all those who apply for positions, but only those applicants who are invited for an interview will be contacted.