Division

Housing Services

Important Notices & Amendments

This position currently falls within our hybrid model**, allowing the employee to** typically work a minimum of 50% of your time at your regular work location and the other 50% of time at home.

As an employer of choice, Niagara Region offers competitive salaries and benefits, a defined benefit pension plan, a corporate wellness centre, access to the Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP), mentorship and training programs, employee recognition programs, and more. In addition, the Region recognizes the value of having flexible work arrangements to support better work-life balance for our employees. Hybrid work arrangements may vary from one employee to another and may also differ in the number of remote workdays. These opportunities remain subject to the alignment of operational needs, business requirements, and customer service expectations.

Temporary Duration

Approximate Duration: 2 years

About Us

Serving a diverse urban and rural population of more than 475,000, Niagara Region is focused on building a strong and prosperous Niagara. Working collaboratively with 12 local area municipalities and numerous community partners, the Region delivers a range of high-quality programs and services to support and advance the well-being of individuals, families and communities within its boundaries. Nestled between the great lakes of Erie and Ontario, the Niagara peninsula features some of Canada’s most fertile agricultural land, the majesty of Niagara Falls and communities that are rich in both history and recreational and cultural opportunities. Niagara boasts dynamic modern cities, Canada’s most developed wine industry, a temperate climate, extraordinary theatre, and some of Ontario’s most breathtaking countryside. An international destination with easy access to its binational U.S. neighbour New York State, Niagara attracts over 14 million visitors annually, as well as a steady stream of new residents and businesses.

At Niagara Region, we value diversity - in background and experience. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We aspire to hire and grow a workforce reflective of the diverse community we serve. By doing so, we can deliver better programs and services across Niagara.

We welcome all applicants! For more information about diversity, equity, and inclusion at Niagara Region, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion - Niagara Region, Ontarioor email related questions to diversity@niagararegion.ca. To send input on reducing barriers in the current hiring process, please email myhr@niagararegion.ca

For the Region's full employee equity statement, Working at Niagara Region - Niagara Region, Ontario.

Don’t have every qualification?

You may be hesitant to apply if you do not have every qualification listed in the posting. While specific qualifications are important for certain roles, we invite individuals from diverse backgrounds and varying levels of experience and education to apply. Our recruiters will evaluate your suitability for the role.

Please note that for unionized roles, we must follow collective agreement requirements. However, we encourage all interested candidates to submit their applications. We believe success in a role can extend beyond meeting every single requirement.

Job Description

Job Summary

Salary Pending Review

Reporting to the Director of Housing Services/Chief Executive Officer Niagara Regional Housing, the Manager, Housing Strategy and Development is responsible for leading government and industry engagement, as well as advocacy initiatives, to advance the residential development sector and support departmental objectives. This role oversees Housing Services’ capital development projects from initiation to completion, providing strategic leadership across all phases of planning, funding, and implementation. The Manager collaborates with non-profit organizations, housing developers, and other vested parties, ensuring compliance with Federal and Provincial requirements while promoting innovative and sustainable housing solutions.

Education

• Post-secondary degree in Business and/or Public Administration, Engineering, Architecture, Construction Management, Economics, Planning or a related professional field and/or a combination of education and experience.

Knowledge

• 10 years’ experience in residential or commercial planning, economic development, construction management, engineering and/or government/business relations.
• Proven ability in the following:
  • Establishing and maintaining relationships with individuals and invested parties groups.
  • Public policy analysis and development
• Proven success for development approvals with diverse and challenging social/housing projects is preferred.
• Knowledge and understanding of:
  • Legislative processes at all levels of government related to Planning and Development.
  • Municipal planning; functions, priorities and key invested parties groups.
  • Development and investment industry; trends, objectives and risks.
  • Pro-formas; preparation and analysis.
• Highly developed research, writing and analytical skills.
• Proven ability to understand and interpret legislative provisions.
• Full member of the Canadian Institute of Planners and Registered Professional Planner in Ontario is preferred.
• Certification as a Registered Professional Planner or equivalent is preferred.
• Knowledge of the not-for-profit housing sector is an asset.

Responsibilities

Policy, Engagement, and Advocacy. (20% of time)

• Contribute to and implement the Region’s policy, engagement, and advocacy strategies for the residential development and investment industry and the not-for-profit sector, promoting growth and affordable housing with governments, regional partners, and key industry parties.
• Advise the CEO, Commissioners, and senior leadership on trends, legislation, and complex development issues, providing actionable recommendations.
• Shape and support significant policies, procedures, and programs to advance development and affordable housing objectives.
• Lead planning and redevelopment of Regional lands for affordable housing, considering needs assessment, economic development, infrastructure, and surrounding land uses.
• Manage contracts with consultants for technical studies and related work.
• Collaborate with internal and external partners to design strategic advocacy campaigns and engagement initiatives for regionally significant growth and development.
• Participate in committees, working groups, and forums addressing development priorities and challenges.
• Escalate high-risk or sensitive matters to senior management, the Commissioner, or the CEO as required.
• Manage complex projects with multiple unknowns, ensuring delivery on time, within budget, and to specifications.

Relationship Support & Development (20% of time)

• Support the implementation of NRH and not-for-profit community housing initiatives identified in the Consolidated Housing Master Plan: Implementation Plan.
• Serve as an external liaison with the private development industry and not-for-profit sector, identifying trends, opportunities, risks, and solutions.
• Develop and maintain critical internal and external relationships to advance corporate, departmental, and divisional strategic objectives.
• Proactively cultivate positive relationships identifying opportunities to implement innovative strategies.
• Maintain a broad network of contacts across government, community agencies, and the residential development and investment industry, both locally and regionally.
• Facilitate professional meetings and information-sharing sessions with government, industry, investors, and community partners regarding the Region’s strategic growth and policy priorities.
• Promote collaboration among internal and external groups to achieve mutually beneficial solutions and support growth and development initiatives, including affordable housing.
• Foster partnerships with organizations such as the Niagara Home Builders Association (NHBA) and other private and not-for-profit development entities.
• Support or lead inter-departmental initiatives that optimize the stewardship of Niagara Region-owned assets and enhance communication and collaboration across the organization.
• Collaborate with local and Regional Economic Development groups to advance strategic priorities.

Research & Analysis (20% of time)

• Monitor the progress of community housing initiatives outlined in the Consolidated Housing Master Plan: Implementation Plan.
• Manage the annual Expression of Interest for Non-Profit Affordable Housing Development to support Consolidated Housing Master Plan initiatives.
• Review and provide input on Niagara Region’s Land Optimization Framework (LOF) to identify opportunities for affordable housing.
• Support the application of the Housing-as-a-Priority Lens to promote the creation of affordable and attainable housing units.
• Lead or support corporate responses to government calls to action, market sounding guides, and Environmental Registry of Ontario postings affecting affordable housing development.
• Conduct policy research and provide guidance to senior management on planning, development, and housing matters impacting the development and investment community.
• Analyze external residential developer and investor plans to inform Regional growth strategies.
• Advise senior management and key parties on policy and strategic implications of planning and development initiatives, recommending innovative solutions for complex and sensitive issues.
• Provide policy advice and recommendations aligned with both short- and long-term departmental goals and strategic priorities.
• Monitor and report on development and investment industry trends across the Greater Golden Horseshoe.

Manages people resource planning for the division or operating unit, determining ideal organizational structures, identifying desirable role and skill mix requirements and ensuring ongoing work quality and deliverability of results. (20% of time)

• Enables results with the organization’s human capital strategy to foster employee engagement.
• Directs and provides leadership for the activities and coaching of direct reports, providing work direction, setting priorities, assigning tasks/projects, determining methods and procedures to be used, resolving problems, ensuring results are achieved, and managing staff recruitment, performance, and skill development activities
• Ensures alignment and coordination of activity and quality of output between teams under their direction
• Ensures focus is service excellence, communication/transparency, innovation, and data integrity and workflow integration.
• Ensures staff has the information and resources to make successful plans and decisions.
• Ensures all people related issues, including recruitment, grievances and labour relations issues, are aligned to HR and Corporate standards and practices.
• Helps to break down barriers to employee success, ensuring collaboration and cooperation with other teams within their division and department
• Ensures Occupational Health & Safety policies, programs and practices are implemented, and maintained. This includes workplace inspections, monitoring, accident reporting and investigations, and ensuring any observed hazards or lapses in the functioning of OH&S processes, and other OH&S concerns are responded to promptly.
• Ensures all individuals under supervision have been informed of hazards and instructed on the necessary risk control and emergency response measures.

Reporting (10% of time)

• Prepare and present comprehensive reports, briefings, and background materials on development policies, initiatives, and intergovernmental matters to Regional Council, the NRH Board, and other parties.
• Develop intelligence reports, recommendations, and presentations that are clear, concise, and actionable.
• Ensure all reporting is accurate, thorough, and suitable for informing senior management decision-making.
• Produce ad hoc reports as required to support business and Regional needs.

Develops, manages, and administers annual and multi-year Capital and Operating budgets for the operating unit ensuring support of Council’s objectives, financial transparency and accountability, monitoring budget adherence, identifying and explaining variances, and financial reporting is effectively managed in compliance with corporate financial policies. Ensure goods and services are acquired in accordance with the procurement policy. Authorize, and administer the acquisition of goods and services for the operating unit and direct reports in accordance with the procurement policy and procedures. (10% of time)

Perform other related duties and responsibilities as assigned or required.

Special Requirements

• Regional staff strive to enable the strategic priorities of Council and the organization through the completion of their work. Staff carry out their work by demonstrating the corporate values.
• Must maintain ability to travel in a timely manner to other offices, work locations or sites as authorized by the Corporation for business reasons.

Closing Statement

Uncover the wonder of the Niagara Region and join a team dedicated to meeting tomorrow’s challenges TODAY!

Let us know why you would be an excellent team member by submitting your online application.

We thank all candidates for their interest however, only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

We confirm that we do not use AI in screening of applicants, and this position is an existing vacancy.

If you require an accommodation for the application process in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, the alternate formats for contacting us are as follows:

• Email: myhr@niagararegion.ca
• Phone: 905-980-6000 or 1-800-263-7215
• Bell Relay: 1-800-855-0511
• In-person: Sir Isaac Brock Way, Thorold, ON L2V 4T7 – Human Resources Department