Senior Manager of Planning

School District No. 39 (Vancouver); Vancouver; On-site; CAD 131,000 - 155,000; Full time

Job summary

A regional school district in Vancouver seeks a Senior Manager of Planning to lead facilities and enrolment planning efforts. This role is crucial for developing strategic initiatives, overseeing capital planning projects, and ensuring effective land use strategies. Candidates should possess a relevant degree and a minimum of 10 years of experience in facility planning. The position offers a salary range from $131,703 to $154,945, alongside a competitive benefits package.

Qualifications

• Minimum 10 years' experience in facility planning and land use development planning.
• Member of the Canadian Institute of Planners (MCIP) preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development of the Long Range Facilities Plan to support the District’s strategic education plan.
• Provide educational planning expertise and conduct research with statistical analysis.

Skills

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Problem-solving skills

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Planning, Demography, Geography or Public Administration

Job description

Overview

School District No. 39 (Vancouver School Board) – Senior Manager of Planning

Reporting to the Executive Director - Facilities, the Senior Manager of Planning provides expertise in facilities planning, enrolment planning, land use and land asset strategies, as well as land utilization and education program distribution. The Senior Manager of Planning conducts research, assessment and analysis, and maintains data to support the District’s strategic enrolment planning initiatives. The Senior Manager collaborates with District leadership and senior staff in the Vancouver Project Office on major capital project planning and feasibility studies, represents the District on joint planning projects, and partners with outside organizations to facilitate planning initiatives.

The Organization: Vancouver School Board (School District 39) operates across 107 schools and programs with more than 50,000 students and over 7,700 staff. The District is committed to equity, inclusion and Indigenous ways of knowing and learning.

Location and status: In-person at the VSB Education Centre (1580 West Broadway); hybrid work opportunities may be available in the future (subject to District approval).

Responsibilities

• Long Range Facilities Plan (LRFP)
  • Lead the development of the LRFP to support the District’s strategic education plan.
  • Monitor local land use developments (City of Vancouver, UBC) to inform enrolment planning and provide feedback on rezoning and development applications.
  • Collect, maintain and utilize data to manage enrolment forecasts and anticipate school capacity and utilization.
  • Use data to guide planning for the five-year Capital plan and the ten-year LRFP.
  • Represent the District at public information sessions and lead district planning initiatives on emerging issues.
  • Represent the District in sessions related to new school capacity, land use development on District-owned properties, catchment boundary changes, and related consultations.
  • Provide educational planning expertise and conduct research with statistical analysis and applied planning methodologies.
• Capital Planning Projects
  • Support the Seismic Mitigation Program (SMP) and School Expansion (EXP) funding programs, including enrolment forecasting for 5–25 year horizons with local area studies.
  • Provide information on demographics, pre-enrolment processes, and forecasting to support project justifications and long-term financial viability of educational facilities.
  • Prepare reports and studies using planning knowledge and market economics, including statistical analysis and GIS mapping.
  • Engage with architecture, real estate development and appraisal professionals on projects that may involve land development scenarios across multiple sites.
  • Lead planning initiatives and projects, identifying issues and designing district-wide initiatives.
• Land Developments
  • Liaise with City of Vancouver, UBC/UEL and other stakeholders to gather data on future school-aged populations for LRFP.
  • Assess impacts of district-wide land developments, density changes, affordability and family trends.
  • Coordinate with City of Vancouver and UBC/UEL to provide context for developments affecting school growth or consolidation.
  • Understand the School Act and liaise with the Ministry of Education and Child Care and the Ministry of Infrastructure as needed.
• Supervision
  • Supervises Project Planners (Exempt) and Technical Support (CUPE 15).
  • Recruits, evaluates performance, and approves leave requests.
  • Reviews delegated tasks for accuracy and completeness.

Qualifications

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree or Master’s in Planning, Demography, Geography or Public Administration with some specialty in Educational Planning.
• Member of the Canadian Institute of Planners (MCIP) preferred.
• Minimum 10 years’ experience in facility planning and land use development planning.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Ability to see the big picture and organizational impact.
• Experience in a large government organization.
• Maintains composure under pressure and demonstrates initiative.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills; ability to build and maintain relationships.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills; able to exercise judgment and balance competing priorities; escalate issues when needed.

Compensation

The compensation package will be commensurate with qualifications and experience. Salary range is $131,703 to $154,945, plus a competitive benefits package and paid time off. Details provided through the recruitment process.

Work arrangement: This position is currently 100% in-person at the VSB Education Centre; hybrid work opportunities may be available at a future date (subject to District approval).

Posting status: This posting is ongoing until filled. First applicant reviews will be scheduled for October 17. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

To Apply

Apply via Make a Future and include a cover letter and resume. Steps: create a profile, click Apply Now under Management positions, upload documents (cover letter, resume and references), answer posting questions, and submit.

Additional information for applicants: The personal information provided in this application is collected and used by VSB in accordance with FIPPA. It may be used to verify information, conduct reference checks, and contact you about next steps. For questions about collection and use of personal information, please email recruitment at vsb.bc.ca. The VSB may preferentially hire Aboriginal persons under a Special Program; applicants may voluntarily identify themselves.