Strategic Director: Environment, Climate & Forestry

City of Toronto; Toronto; Hybrid; CAD 165,000 - 223,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Toronto is seeking a dynamic, strategic, and people-first leader to serve as our Director Environment, Climate & Forestry. This role leads strategic and operational planning for Program Delivery and implements major climate mitigation programs to deliver measurable public outcomes.

The ideal candidate brings people-centred leadership, resilience, and the ability to align budgets, partnerships, and systems in a complex civic environment.

Qualifications

• Post-secondary degree in Public Administration, Business Management, Urban Planning, Organizational Leadership or related discipline.
• Extensive experience leading a team in a complex diverse environment with strategic leadership and collaboration.
• Experience in organizational transformation and program innovation turning ideas into large-scale action.
• Considerable experience in financial management, compliance, and risk management.
• Strong relationship-building, communication, and negotiation skills with City divisions and partners.
• Strong political acumen and judgement while maintaining customer service focus.
• Excellent strategic thinking and planning skills, analytical and problem-solving.
• Highly developed communication and presentation skills for diverse audiences.
• Knowledge in environment, climate, sustainability, forestry, or related fields is an asset.
• Knowledge of OHSA and relevant Labour Legislation and municipal programs.

Responsibilities

• Directs strategic leadership, planning and delivery, and business transformation.
• Leads innovation, evidence-based decision-making, and change management.
• Oversees a diverse workforce and talent management.
• Oversees budgets and timely reporting.
• Ensures consistent application of risk and change management.
• Prepares staff reports to Council and Standing Committees.
• Provides strategic advice to the Executive Director.
• Represents the Division on intergovernmental committees and external partners.
• Builds relationships with senior leaders and City divisions to advance city-wide solutions.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Change management

Public sector governance

Equity & inclusion

Stakeholder engagement

Budget management

Relationship building

Communication

Policy analysis

Education

Public Administration degree

Urban Planning

Organizational Leadership

Business Management

Job description

The City of Toronto is seeking a dynamic, strategic, and people-first leader to serve as our Director Environment, Climate & Forestry. This role leads strategic and operational planning for Program Delivery and implements major climate mitigation programs to deliver measurable public outcomes.

The ideal candidate brings people-centred leadership, resilience, and the ability to align budgets, partnerships, and systems in a complex civic environment.