City of Peterborough - Commissioner, Community Services
About the role
About the City of Peterborough
Located just 90 minutes northeast of Toronto, the City of Peterborough is a dynamic, growing community that offers an exceptional quality of life, a strong sense of connection, and access to both urban amenities and natural beauty. Situated along the Otonabee River and the Trent–Severn Waterway and surrounded by the lakes and trails of the Kawarthas, Peterborough provides an outstanding environment for work‑life balance. The city is home to Trent University and Fleming College, supporting a skilled, innovative workforce, and boasts a diverse economy with strengths in advanced manufacturing, cleantech, education, healthcare, and public service. With a vibrant downtown, rich arts and culture scene, and a commitment to sustainability and inclusive growth, Peterborough is an attractive place to live, work, and lead.
About the Community Services Department
The City of Peterborough’s Community Services Department plays a central role in enhancing quality of life and community well‑being through a wide range of resident‑focused programs and services. The department is made up of Social Services, Peterborough Public Library, Fire Services, and Recreation, Parks & Cultural Services, and Community Development, supporting residents across all stages of life. Together, these services strengthen community safety, inclusion, cultural vitality, and access to essential supports that help Peterborough remain a welcoming and connected city
About the Role
Reporting to the Chief Administrative Officer, the Commissioner of Community Services is a key member of the Corporate Senior Leadership Team and plays a critical role in advancing Council’s strategic priorities. This role requires an innovative, collaborative leader committed to strengthening community well‑being and delivering high‑quality, resident‑focused services.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic & Operational Leadership
- Provide visionary leadership and strategic direction to a complex, multi‑divisional department.
- Drive innovation, service excellence, process improvement, change management, and effective use of technology.
- Ensure legislative compliance and fulfill statutory responsibilities while maximizing value for taxpayers.
People & Culture Leadership
- Lead, mentor, and empower a diverse, multi‑faceted workforce through collaboration and accountability.
- Foster a culture of teamwork, performance management, customer service excellence, and continuous improvement.
- Model values‑based leadership grounded in integrity, trust, and ethical conduct.
Governance, Council & Political Acumen
- Serve as a trusted advisor to Council and Standing Committees, providing clear, strategic, and forward‑looking recommendations.
- Anticipate and manage political sensitivities while standing behind professional advice in a complex governance environment.
- Act as a key liaison between the department, Council, and the broader Corporation.
Stakeholder Engagement & Communication
- Engage effectively with diverse community and stakeholder groups as a visible and credible municipal leader.
- Communicate with clarity and confidence through professional verbal and written presentations.
- Build strong internal and external relationships to address community needs and advance municipal priorities.
Qualifications
- University degree in a related field, ideally supplemented by a postgraduate or Master’s degree, with 10+ years of senior leadership experience in a complex organization and a strong record of customer service excellence, innovation, collaboration, and fiscal accountability.
- Demonstrated ability to build trusted, collaborative relationships, with strong expertise in strategic and corporate planning, analytics, and problem‑solving, and proven experience working effectively with elected officials and senior executives.
- Creative, innovative leader with a proven track record of leading change, setting strategic direction, and delivering impactful solutions in complex, evolving environments.
- Values‑based, results‑driven public service leader with strong financial management expertise, high ethical standards, and a continuous improvement mindset; Lean Methodology experience is an asset.
To apply for this key role, submit your application to Phelps by clicking: https://rebrand.ly/cme1taz
Application deadline: Monday, March 30, 2026
Salary Range: $241,316 to $263,779
AI will not be used in the candidate screening process.
This is an existing position with a current vacancy.
To learn more information, visit our website at https://phelpsgroup.ca/
About Phelps
Phelps is an executive search company that helps clients accelerate their performance by unlocking leadership potential and building a preeminent firm. Serving Canada for nearly 40 years now, our team of dedicated professionals have the skills, expertise, networks, knowledge, and experience to take your organization to the next level.
Our diverse client portfolio includes Fortune 500 companies, government entities, education sector, healthcare sector, and non-profits. We specialize in providing tailored solutions and acquiring top talent to drive organizational success.
We take great pride in being part of the Panorama, an esteemed global community of more than 400 leadership experts collaborating to advance a varied outlook on leadership. Our community thrives on embracing innovative thoughts and mutually sharing our wealth of knowledge and experience. By doing so, we ensure that our clients receive unparalleled outcomes for their leadership requirements.
401, Bay street, Toronto, M5H 2Y4 | 1113 Jade court, Thunder Bay, P7B 6M7
City of Peterborough - Commissioner, Community Services
About the role
About the City of Peterborough
Located just 90 minutes northeast of Toronto, the City of Peterborough is a dynamic, growing community that offers an exceptional quality of life, a strong sense of connection, and access to both urban amenities and natural beauty. Situated along the Otonabee River and the Trent–Severn Waterway and surrounded by the lakes and trails of the Kawarthas, Peterborough provides an outstanding environment for work‑life balance. The city is home to Trent University and Fleming College, supporting a skilled, innovative workforce, and boasts a diverse economy with strengths in advanced manufacturing, cleantech, education, healthcare, and public service. With a vibrant downtown, rich arts and culture scene, and a commitment to sustainability and inclusive growth, Peterborough is an attractive place to live, work, and lead.
About the Community Services Department
The City of Peterborough’s Community Services Department plays a central role in enhancing quality of life and community well‑being through a wide range of resident‑focused programs and services. The department is made up of Social Services, Peterborough Public Library, Fire Services, and Recreation, Parks & Cultural Services, and Community Development, supporting residents across all stages of life. Together, these services strengthen community safety, inclusion, cultural vitality, and access to essential supports that help Peterborough remain a welcoming and connected city
About the Role
Reporting to the Chief Administrative Officer, the Commissioner of Community Services is a key member of the Corporate Senior Leadership Team and plays a critical role in advancing Council’s strategic priorities. This role requires an innovative, collaborative leader committed to strengthening community well‑being and delivering high‑quality, resident‑focused services.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic & Operational Leadership
- Provide visionary leadership and strategic direction to a complex, multi‑divisional department.
- Drive innovation, service excellence, process improvement, change management, and effective use of technology.
- Ensure legislative compliance and fulfill statutory responsibilities while maximizing value for taxpayers.
People & Culture Leadership
- Lead, mentor, and empower a diverse, multi‑faceted workforce through collaboration and accountability.
- Foster a culture of teamwork, performance management, customer service excellence, and continuous improvement.
- Model values‑based leadership grounded in integrity, trust, and ethical conduct.
Governance, Council & Political Acumen
- Serve as a trusted advisor to Council and Standing Committees, providing clear, strategic, and forward‑looking recommendations.
- Anticipate and manage political sensitivities while standing behind professional advice in a complex governance environment.
- Act as a key liaison between the department, Council, and the broader Corporation.
Stakeholder Engagement & Communication
- Engage effectively with diverse community and stakeholder groups as a visible and credible municipal leader.
- Communicate with clarity and confidence through professional verbal and written presentations.
- Build strong internal and external relationships to address community needs and advance municipal priorities.
Qualifications
- University degree in a related field, ideally supplemented by a postgraduate or Master’s degree, with 10+ years of senior leadership experience in a complex organization and a strong record of customer service excellence, innovation, collaboration, and fiscal accountability.
- Demonstrated ability to build trusted, collaborative relationships, with strong expertise in strategic and corporate planning, analytics, and problem‑solving, and proven experience working effectively with elected officials and senior executives.
- Creative, innovative leader with a proven track record of leading change, setting strategic direction, and delivering impactful solutions in complex, evolving environments.
- Values‑based, results‑driven public service leader with strong financial management expertise, high ethical standards, and a continuous improvement mindset; Lean Methodology experience is an asset.
To apply for this key role, submit your application to Phelps by clicking: https://rebrand.ly/cme1taz
Application deadline: Monday, March 30, 2026
Salary Range: $241,316 to $263,779
AI will not be used in the candidate screening process.
This is an existing position with a current vacancy.
To learn more information, visit our website at https://phelpsgroup.ca/
About Phelps
Phelps is an executive search company that helps clients accelerate their performance by unlocking leadership potential and building a preeminent firm. Serving Canada for nearly 40 years now, our team of dedicated professionals have the skills, expertise, networks, knowledge, and experience to take your organization to the next level.
Our diverse client portfolio includes Fortune 500 companies, government entities, education sector, healthcare sector, and non-profits. We specialize in providing tailored solutions and acquiring top talent to drive organizational success.
We take great pride in being part of the Panorama, an esteemed global community of more than 400 leadership experts collaborating to advance a varied outlook on leadership. Our community thrives on embracing innovative thoughts and mutually sharing our wealth of knowledge and experience. By doing so, we ensure that our clients receive unparalleled outcomes for their leadership requirements.
401, Bay street, Toronto, M5H 2Y4 | 1113 Jade court, Thunder Bay, P7B 6M7