Position Summary

The Manager, Community Planning is responsible for leading and managing the Community Planning function of the Yuułuʔiłʔatḥ Government. The role provides strategic oversight of land-use frameworks, regulatory instruments, and long-term development planning to advance Treaty Settlement Land optimization and community priorities.

Reporting to the Director of Lands & Resources, the Manager ensures the effective development, implementation, and integration of planning initiatives aligned with Yuułuʔiłʔatḥ laws, policies, strategic plans, and Treaty obligations.

This role carries accountability for planning program delivery, delegated regulatory decision-making, budget oversight, and supervision of planning staff and consultants.

Primary/Core Responsibilities Performs all duties and responsibilities in accordance with the Yuułuʔiłʔatḥ Government policies, standards, practices and procedures, as directed by the Director of Lands & Resources.

Strategic Planning Leadership

• Lead and manage the development, review, and implementation of the Official Community Plan (OCP) and related statutory planning instruments.
• Oversee zoning, development permit areas, and land-use regulatory frameworks.
• Translate long-term community vision into integrated planning strategies.
• Ensure alignment between planning frameworks, infrastructure capacity, housing priorities, economic development, and environmental stewardship.
• Monitor implementation of planning objectives and report progress to the Director.

Program and Regulatory Management

• Exercise delegated authority in reviewing and approving development plans consistent with Nation laws.
• Oversee permitting, leasing, licensing, and land-use compliance frameworks.
• Develop and implement planning policies and regulatory instruments. Ensure planning practices are defensible, transparent, and aligned with Treaty authorities.
• Represent the Nation in planning-related negotiations and intergovernmental discussions as assigned.

People Leadership and Workforce Management

• Supervise planning staff (as applicable) and oversee external planning consultants.
• Conduct performance management, coaching, and workforce planning.
• Provide mentorship and technical guidance.
• Support recruitment and succession planning within the planning function.

Community Engagement and Representation

• Lead culturally grounded engagement processes.
• Integrate community knowledge, Elders’ input, and technical data into planning outcomes.
• Provide clear communication regarding planning policies and development processes.
• Promote transparency and accountability in land-use decision-making.

Financial and Resource Management

• Develop and manage the annual planning budget.
• Oversee procurement and management of consultant contracts.
• Monitor expenditures and ensure fiscal accountability.
• Support funding proposals and grant management related to planning initiatives.

Qualifications Training, Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Urban, Community, or Regional Planning (required)
• Master’s degree in Planning, Public Administration, Indigenous Governance, or related field (strongly preferred)
• Certified Registered Professional Planner (RPP) with the Planning Institute of BC or equivalent affiliate
• 7–10+ years progressive professional planning experience
• Minimum 2 years supervisory or people management experience
• Demonstrated experience leading major planning initiatives
• Experience working within Indigenous or Modern Treaty governance preferred
• Experience managing budgets and consultant contracts

Knowledge, Skills And Abilities

• Well-developed knowledge of planning principles and practices.
• In-depth knowledge of one or more specializations, such as economic development, land-use, community plan, consultation, First Nation, transportation planning, or environmental planning.
• First-hand knowledge and experience of Modern Treaty Nations and cultural history is a strong asset.
• Knowledge of principles, methodology, practices of community engagement, research, and data collection.
• Knowledge of or experience in community remediation and redevelopment, and knowledge of relevant Provincial programs.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Internet applications, econometric or transportation modeling, database management, AutoCAD, Adobe Suite, GIS, or mapping software.
• Able to work independently with minimal daily supervision and within a collaborative team framework.
• Genuine respect for Yuułuʔiłʔatḥ traditions, culture, and protocols.

Working Conditions

• Work is performed in a hybrid setting. Flexibility to work evenings and weekends and flexible hours as required. Occasional travel to attend meetings is required.

Reports to: Director of Lands & Resources

Department: Nism̓aakukqinʔaała (Always our Land)

Direct Reports The pay range reflects the minimum and midpoint annual base salary based on full-time equivalent hours. Employees are typically hired, transferred, or promoted within the minimum to midpoint of the range, based on their knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience relative to the role requirements. The top 10% of the pay range is reserved for individuals recognized as industry experts in the position, demonstrating exceptional experience and competencies required to perform all duties and responsibilities at a superior level.