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PROGRAM MANAGER PUBLIC CONSULTATION

  • Job ID: 62855
  • Job Category: Policy, Planning & Research
  • Division & Section: Policy, Planning, Finance & Admin, PPF&A Program Support
  • Work Location: Metro Hall, 55 John St, Toronto, ON M5V 3C6
  • Job Type & Duration: Full-time, 1 Permanent Vacancy

  • Salary Range: $113,683.00 - $155,216.00

    Hiring Zone: $119,142.00 - $129,175.00 

  • Shift Information: Monday to Friday, 35 hours per week
  • Affiliation: Non-Union
  • Number of Positions Open: 1 
  • Posting Period: 24-MAR-2026 to 09-APR-2026 


Job Summary:
Reporting to the Manager, Public Consultation, the Program Manager Public Consultation will provide leadership,support and coordination for the planning, management and delivery of public consultation services in support of the City's capital infrastructure programs, projects and initiatives in support of divisions in Infrastructure Services.

Major Responsibilities:

  • Develops and implements detailed public consultation plans and recommends strategies/processes/policies regarding program specific requirements.
  • Manages, motivates and trains the unit's staff, ensuring effective teamwork, high standards of work quality and organizational performance, continuous learning and encourages innovation in others.
  • Supervises the day to day operation of all assigned staff including the scheduling, assigning and reviewingof work. Authorizes and controls vacation and overtime requests. Monitors and evaluates staff performance, approves salary increments and recommends disciplinary action when necessary.
  • Develops, recommends, and administers the annual budget for the unit, and ensures that the unit's project expenditures are controlled and maintained within approved budget limitations.
  • Leads the development and delivery of a complex portfolio of major, multi-partner projects and programs associated with implementation of key service areas and Council priorities.
  • Conducts research to address operational issues within the Unit, ensuring that such research takes into account industry best practices, corporate policies and practices, legislation and initiatives by other divisions and levels of government.
  • Develops and oversees public consultation projects related to divisional strategies and issues assigned by the Manager and the senior management team.
  • Assists senior management to identify, address and ensure timely responses to resolve ongoing and emerging public consultation issues, complaints and customer service deficiencies facing the service areas and their operations. Liaises with Members of Council and their staff on behalf of the Manager and senior management, as required.
  • Provides strategic policy advice, day to day operational support and professional judgement on complex and contentious issues for senior management.
  • Prepares public consultation responses on behalf of management and provides guidance to service areas and management staff in the response to public consultation inquiries and escalated complaints.
  • Leads the Division's public consultation complaint management system and oversees reporting requirements.
  • Manages and develops solutions for the planning, development, implementation and maintenance of broad communication and consultation activities, public relations and partner interaction activities on behalf of management including plans, public notifications, project signage and media materials prepared in collaboration with Strategic Public & Employee Communications Division (SPEC) and with service areas.
  • Leads the development and reporting of the Division's public consultation key performance indicators(KPIs)and customer service standards and develops public consultation strategies/policies/programs/action plans to improve performance, service delivery and customer service.
  • Acts as the main point of contact for public consultation in complex inquiries (including Freedom of Information requests and investigations from the Office of the Ombudsman, Internal Audit and the AuditorGeneral) and oversees the investigation and response to inquiries including the coordination and responses with other City Divisions.
  • Develops and manages a public consultation partner relation framework for the Division, including collaborating with staff from various Divisions and SPEC. 
  • Develops communication plans and materials associated with the Division's public consultation projects, programs and activities.
  • Establishes and develops techniques to ensure notification and consultation related materials are harmonized, technology is used appropriately, and service standards are met.
  • Provides liaison between the Office of the Mayor, Councillors offices, the Deputy City Manager's office,Division Heads and senior management of various City Divisions and the Division Head's office.
  • Develops and implements effective public consultation issues management strategies, policies and procedures. Provides direction and training to staff on appropriate responses and procedures.
  • Works in collaboration with SPEC on contentious issues and issues of media interest, in developing appropriate responses and key messages for senior management.
  • Participates in complex organizational and management change initiatives.
  • Manages confidential and sensitive information affecting the Unit's staff, operations and resources and the operating Divisions supported.
  • Collaborates with People & Equity in the staff recruitment processes to ensure consistency and corporate policies are applied and adhered to. Makes recommendations for approval, tracks requests for new hires, promotions and transfers.
  • Prepares briefing notes, policy documents, staff reports and other material as required to support senior management.
  • Provides strategic advice to senior management and prepares terms of reference for public consultation,surveys and communications related activities for internal and external consultant assignments related to the execution of projects led by the service areas.
  • Organizes and oversees public consultation complainants and partner meetings with appropriate staff toguide issue resolution plans as needed.
  • Maintains continuous awareness of the public's perception and the potential impacts on both internal and external partners, as well as on the City's reputation, corporate and other Divisions' issues and initiatives.
  • Drafts and develops reports and presentations on divisional, service area and corporate issues, projects and related matters.
  • Establishes an effective and collaborative working relationship with the Division's senior management team, managers and project managers, staff from other City Divisions and external partners. Liaises with political representatives on behalf of the Manager and senior management and responds to political inquiries.
  • Ensures that the Manager and senior management are fully briefed on matters in a timely, accurate and comprehensive manner.
  • Acts as the divisional representative at meetings with key partners, external agencies, boards and commissions and other orders of government. Acts as a representative and may be required to participate in dispute resolution, the grievance process and/or the arbitration process.
  • Leads and/or participates in various service areas, corporate, Divisional and cross-Divisional committees, taskforces, teams and working groups as the divisional representative providing input, advice and recommendations that support the mandate and goals of the Division and corporation.

    Key Qualifications:
    1. Post-secondary education in relevant field (e.g. Public relations, Communications, or a related field) or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
    2. Extensive experience overseeing public consultation projects and activities on contentious issues.
    3. Extensive experience in working with stakeholders and local communities and managing stakeholderexpectations, including councillors and other government representatives, community stakeholdersand private sector clients.
    4. Considerable experience supervising, mentoring and coaching individuals and teams.
    5. Experience in developing and managing contracts with third-parties including consultants,community partners and/or agencies.
    6. Extensive experience in writing reports, developing presentations, briefing notes, and other forms of written communication using Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
    7. Proven political acumen, judgement and insight.
    8. Excellent ability to assess and prioritize competing demands based on organizational needs andrequirements.
    9. Ability to manage, administer and oversee budgetary expenditures.
    10. Effective oral and written communication with the public, politicians, City staff, and communityagencies.
    11. Strong interpersonal, leadership, partnership development, networking, conflict resolution andproblem-solving skills.
    12. Knowledge of relevant legislation, including City by-laws respecting use of public space andinfrastructure development and planning.
    13. Familiarity with government legislation in the area of Occupational Health and Safety.


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.

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