DIRECTOR WATERFRONT SECRETARIAT

Job ID: 60258

Job Category: Policy, Planning & Research

Division & Section: City Planning, CP Waterfront Secretariat

Work Location: City Hall, 100 Queen St. W, Toronto

Job Type & Duration: Full-time, Permanent Vacancy

Salary: $162,467-$215,307, PSG #TM0687 and Wage grade 10

Shift Information: Mon - Fri, 35 hours per week

Affiliation: Non-Union

Number of Positions Open: 1

Posting Period: 8-Dec-2025 to 6-Jan-2026

Job Summary:

The Director of the Waterfront Secretariat leads the waterfront revitalization initiative on behalf of the City of Toronto. Reporting to the Chief Planner and Executive Director of City Planning, the Director is instrumental in providing an overall vision and direction with respect to Waterfront revitalization to guide the work of City staff, both within the division and across other City divisions. 

The position directs the work of teams of professional staff with a range of subject matter expertise, administering project funding, coordinating approvals, managing the City’s review of infrastructure designs, leading the reporting to Senior Executives and Council and advancing tri-government partnerships. Secretariat staff work with their Federal and Provincial partners and Waterfront Toronto, as well as other stakeholders such as CreateTO, the Toronto Regional Conservation Authority and Ports Toronto, to ensure that plans, agreements and approvals are in place to advance revitalization along the waterfront.

Major Responsibilities:

• Leads the implementation and delivery of the City’s waterfront revitalization efforts.
• Develops, designs and implements functional policies and programs, processes and tools, based on long-term needs, that achieve improvements in overall business performance and improve effectiveness of Waterfront Secretariat services.
• Contributes to the continuous improvement of divisional performance through analysis and the development and implementation of sound management practices and procedures, provides program management staff with direction and guidance, processes and tools to increase efficiencies and improve effectiveness of the services provided by the Waterfront Secretariat section.
• Directs, through subordinate management staff, all activities of the Waterfront Secretariat section, delegating management responsibility.
• Leads and motivates a diverse workforce, ensures effective teamwork, provides resolution to controversial labour relations issues, ensures high standards of work quality and organizational performance, continuous learning and encourages innovation in others.
• Develops, recommends and administers the Waterfront Revitalization Initiative annual capital budget, including substantial consultant budgets, and authorizes the expenditure of funds within established limits to ensure that the section's expenditures are controlled and maintained within approved budget limitations.
• Builds support for project goals and priorities among the Executive Management Team, various levels of government, Waterfront Toronto representatives and Council.
• Manages departmental, agency, board and commission involvement in the project to ensure adherence to goals.
• Identifies and amasses the resources and expertise required to address issues and/or facilitate project advancement.
• Analyzes projects, provides advice, direction and mediation, recommends action to senior staff and presents recommendations to committees or Council.
• Represents the City in negotiations with senior government partners regarding the waterfront.
• Ensures appropriate systems are in place to track and communicate decisions.
• Directs the development and implementation of a communications strategy for various audiences. Acts as media spokesperson. Oversees the section’s Freedom of Information requests.
• Executes other project management tasks and assignments, as assigned, with particular focus on major City-building initiatives that involve cross-departmental or cross-jurisdictional aspects.
• Provides strong change management to guide the Waterfront Secretariat section through organizational change, continuous improvement, and changes to business practices. Participates in complex organizational initiatives and the creation of a workplace that supports and is conducive to a high level of organizational performance.
• Represents the Division at Council, Community Council, Standing Committees and administrative tribunals, such as the OLT, to defend city-wide planning policies. Participates as a member of the City Planning Division's management team
• Acts an innovative leader to demonstrate commitment to the organizational values and principles and forges effective partnerships with various stakeholders.

Key Qualifications:

1. Post-secondary degree in public policy, urban planning, engineering, architecture, landscape architecture or related degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.
2. Extensive experience managing large and complex projects, including preparing and managing budgets, business case development, managing risk and stakeholder engagement and reporting on key performance indicators and outcomes.
3. Extensive leadership experience including advancing diversity and inclusion, inspiring high performing teams, fostering a collaborative environment and coaching, developing and engaging staff.
4. Current knowledge of national, provincial and municipal funding policies, programs and funding streams.
5. Ability to lead change and shift strategic focus, balance diverse stakeholders and public needs and build strong relations with community groups and leaders, elected officials, and other senior managers.
6. A collaborative leader, experienced with implementing change, encouraging participation of employees and a commitment to organizational values and objectives.
7. An effective decision maker, with a track record demonstrating innovation, problem solving, conflict resolution, a commitment to continuous learning, adaptability, and improvement.
8. Highly developed interpersonal, public, labour and human relation skills to forge effective working relationships.
9. Ability to thrive in an environment with frequent and competing deadlines, multiple tasks and high-performance expectations in a rapidly changing environment, with strong organizational, and project management skills.
10. Ability to interpret, clarify and negotiate complex service agreements, contracts, policies and procedures.
11. Highly developed sense of discretion, judgement, and political acumen to deal with sensitive matters with the ability to represent the Chief Planner & Executive Director at Council and other Standing Committees.
12. Advanced verbal and written communication skills with the ability to communicate effectively and develop effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders including members of Council, all levels of City staff, representative from other orders of government, non-profit and private sector developers, community groups and the media.
13. Knowledge of municipal governance structures, services and programs, and the municipal relationship to other levels of government, other funders, and the community.
14. Familiarity with relevant employment legislation including Employment Standards Act, Human Rights Act, the Occupational Health & Safety Act.

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion

The City is an equal opportunity employer, dedicated to creating a workplace culture of inclusiveness that reflects the diverse residents that we serve. Learn more about the City’s commitment to employment equity.

Accommodation

The City of Toronto is committed to creating an accessible and inclusive organization. We are committed to providing barrier-free and accessible employment practices in compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). Should you require Code-protected accommodation through any stage of the recruitment process, please make them known when contacted and we will work with you to meet your needs. Disability-related accommodation during the application process is available upon request. Learn more about the City’s Hiring Policies and Accommodation Process.