Requisition ID: 37151 

Company

Located on the traditional, ancestral and unceded lands of the x?m?θk??y??m (Musqueam), S?wx?wú7mesh (Squamish), and s?lilw?ta? (Tsleil-Waututh) Peoples, Vancouver has a commitment to becoming a City of Reconciliation. Vancouver consistently ranks as one of the world’s most liveable cities and is working towards being the greenest city in the world. Named among Canada's Top 100 Employers, BC's Top Employers, and Canada's Greenest Employers, the City of Vancouver seeks colleagues who can help shape and embody our core commitments to sustainability, decolonization, equity and outstanding quality of life for all residents.

Consider joining our committed team of staff and being part of an innovative, inclusive and rewarding workplace.

Main Purpose & Function

Working within the Decolonization, Arts and Culture group the Reconciliation Planner provides leadership and strategic advice across the Park Board to develop and implement the Park Board’s Reconciliation Strategy. This strategy represents a significant step in the Park Board’s effort to resolve historical and complex political, social, economic and cultural issues and relationships related to the Park Board and First Nations and Urban Indigenous communities.

Specific Duties & Responsibilities

Situated with the Decolonization, Arts and Culture group and based out of the Park Board’s headquarters in beautiful Stanley Park, this position leads and facilitates cross departmental initiatives and actions using collaborative and innovative partnership approaches to strengthen the relationships between the Park Board, City, local First Nations and urban Indigenous communities, community organizations, and other levels of government.

The Park Board’s Reconciliation Strategy is a high profile policy platform that is the Park Board’s strategic opportunity to improve the health and well-being of Indigenous people and build relationships at the political, staff and community level. The Reconciliation Strategy will influence the policy direction and actions of interconnected strategies, including the Stanley Park Comprehensive Plan, VanPlay (Parks & Recreation Services Master Plan) and other major projects and initiatives to ensure that these reflect the needs of urban Indigenous communities and First Nations.

The position will conduct necessary research, policy and strategy review and development, liaise with other jurisdictions, evaluate services and initiatives and make policy recommendations to senior management and elected officials. This role involves initiating planning and program activities with the First Nations and urban Indigenous communities that the incumbent recommend and seek endorsement by the Park Board & the General Manager’s office.

Qualifications

Education and Experience:

• Proven minimum 10 years of experience working effectively with First Nations groups and urban Indigenous communities on complex issues
• A post-secondary degree in public policy and administration, social work or a related discipline; Master’s degree preferred
• Vast experience in social planning, research and evaluation, public policy development and the formulation of major strategies
• Experience working in a municipal planning setting and an understanding and experience with good results in multispectral planning and implementation of complex socio-economic initiatives
• Experience with good results in policy development, project management and the supervision of contractors and staff
• Experience with good results in public consultation and facilitation
• Diverse experience that includes undertaking major research and writing of reports, strategies

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Theoretical and practical knowledge of the research and evidence upon which the Park Board’s Reconciliation Strategy is built
• Considerable experience leading senior internal and external stakeholders, steering committees, senior personnel in civic departments, staff and consultants/contractors in the development, implementation and monitoring of strategic initiatives
• Substantial knowledge of social and political structures and social and economic problems in the Indigenous community
• Extensive knowledge of the various social agencies and services operating in the metropolitan area
• Extensive knowledge and experience with research methods particularly as they relate to the solution of social issues
• Extensive expertise in developing complex and highly sensitive collaborative partnership approaches with First Nations Government, Indigenous Leaders, Indigenous communities, and public engagement processes is critical
• Ability to analyze complex issues, to recommend appropriate solutions and to prepare related reports
• Ability to work independently and as an effective member of a team
• Ability to interact well and communicate with other employees, officials and the public
• Ability to complete assignments in a high pressure, time-sensitive environment using sound professional techniques and independent judgment within the parameters of work assignments
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills including preparation of reports and presentation of reports or other information to Council, advisory committee, senior managers and the public
• Excellent project management skills
• Excellent facilitation and public participation skills are essential

Are you a subject matter expert with lived experience as First Nations, Inuit or Métis persons looking for an opportunity to advance the City of Vancouver’s relationship with Indigenous peoples and contribute to reconciliation? If so, consider this opportunity to do so with the Decolonization, Arts and Culture group.

Where operationally appropriate and subject to change, the City of Vancouver has a Flexible Work Program. This program allows staff to work remotely 1 – 4 days a week from locations that are a daily commutable distance from their work at a City worksite.  At this time this position is eligible to be part of the Flexible Work Program.

The City of Vancouver has a COVID-19 Mandatory Vaccination Policy.  All external applicants applying to the City of Vancouver are required to be fully vaccinated as a condition of hire and subject to this policy as a condition of ongoing employment.  Candidates may only be exempted from this requirement if they request and are approved for an accommodation based on a reason related to a Human Rights Code ground (such as disability). Such a request must be made during, not after, the recruitment process.

Business Unit/Department: Board of Parks & Recreation 

Affiliation: CUPE 15 Parks 

Employment Type: Regular Full Time 

Position Start Date: February, 2023 

Salary Information: Pay Grade GR-031: $51.78 to $61.23 per hour

Application Close: January 22, 2023

At the City of Vancouver, we are committed to recruiting a diverse workforce that represents the community we so proudly serve. Indigenous applicants, people of colour, all genders, 2SLGBTQ+ and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.  Accommodations will be provided upon request during the selection process. Learn more about our commitment to diversity and inclusion. 

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In addition to uploading your cover letter and resume, part of the application process may include answering application questions related to the preferred requirements of the role which may take approx.. 5-10mins. Cover letters should express interest and highlight additional information relevant to the position and resumes should include a tailored summary of skills and experience related to the position.