Senior Advisor, Strategic Engagement
Top Benefits
About the role
CITIZENS FIRST THROUGH SERVICE EXCELLENCE
We have an exciting Permanent Full-Time, Non-Unionized opportunity in the Communications, Marketing and Engagement Department for an experienced and motivated individual.
Senior Advisor, Strategic Engagement
J0325-1035
Vaughan is a city on the move. With a downtown core rising from the ground – the Vaughan Metropolitan Centre, a state-of-the-art hospital opening its doors in 2021 – the Cortellucci Vaughan Hospital, and a bustling subway, exciting projects are transforming the community. Be a part of something amazing and build your career at the City of Vaughan.
The City of Vaughan is an equal opportunity employer serving one of the fastest-growing municipalities in Canada, we are an organization committed to diversity and inclusivity, providing a thriving work environment, excellent benefits, learning and growth opportunities and a place where collaboration and teamwork are fostered. As one of the Greater Toronto’s Top Employers for 2021, we continuously employ workplace best-practices – and they’re getting noticed! Excellence demands brilliant personalities, visionary thinking and a passion for public service. Vaughan is your place to grow.
Position Overview
Takes a lead role in engagement matters to support a wide variety of projects across the organization, including Public Works, Planning and Growth Management, Community Services and Strategic Initiatives. Works with departmental staff and community stakeholders to build and implement meaningful community engagement strategies on key planning initiatives. Provides strategic expertise to identify communications issues and risks. Forges strong relationships locally, nationally, and globally.
Responsible for promoting and adhering to the Stakeholder and Community Engagement corporate policy to ensure a consistent approach to engage the community in the decision-making process to support the City’s strategic priorities, while meeting the statutory requirements of the Municipal Planning Act, Environmental Assessment EA processes and other relevant government legislation.
Supports all staff as required to manage community engagement activities by providing expertise and guidance to Members of Council, Senior Leadership Team (SLT), and project leads. Participates on cross-departmental projects teams where citizen engagement support and direction are required. May attend community engagement events (e.g. public hearings/meetings).
Prepares Council, Committee and other reports and presentations; attends Council, Committee and community meetings, including meetings outside regular business hours as required.
At employee request, this position is eligible to take part in our hybrid work model as outlined in the City's Alternative Work Arrangement Policy.
Responsibilities
Community Engagement Activities
• Takes a lead role in engagement matters across the City’s portfolios and departments.
• Works with departmental staff and community stakeholders to build and implement meaningful community engagement strategies on key planning initiatives.
• Liaises with external/third-party consultants on engagement projects.
• Supports staff to ensure consistency in the delivery of community engagement activities on major projects.
• Attends high-profile or contentious community engagement events (e.g. public hearings/meetings/virtual events) and responds to and/or addresses relevant inquiries from the public, Council, consultants and City staff.
• Collaborates with Communications, Marketing and Engagement staff to help communicate/publicize community engagement opportunities.
• Proactively works with staff to facilitate early detection of potential problems or issues, implement mitigation strategies and ensure disagreements are resolved or reflected within the advice provided.
• Works collaboratively with partner organizations on community engagement associated with major projects
• Ensures community members’ input has a meaningful impact on City projects and programs.
Procurement Support
• Assists with retaining vendors/outside facilitators for the provision of services.
• Assists with writing RFPs, RFIs, etc.
• Reviews proposals, sits on vendor selection panels and provides guidance from an engagement perspective.
• Maintains a Vendor of Record list for engagement opportunities.
Community Engagement Capacity-Building
• Develops and implements training for departmental staff on effective community engagement processes and tactics.
• Develops guides and templates for use by departmental staff to support the planning and execution
of effective community engagement.
• Provides mentorship and supports staff capability building through close collaboration with partner organizations on community engagement activities, encouraging continuous learning, best practice adoption and innovation in others.
Delivers Reports and Presentations
• Prepares reports and attends Council, Committee, SLT and other meetings as required.
• Makes presentations and provides expertise and guidance on community engagement.
Qualifications and Experience
• University Degree in Planning, Public Administration, Communications, Business Administration, Public Relations or suitable equivalent.
• Certified Facilitator and/or member of International Association of Public Participation.
• Minimum of five (5) years demonstrated progressive experience in designing and implementing creative and innovative public participation events and activities in the public sector or similar environment.
• Well-developed interpersonal and emotional intelligence skills with ability to foster trust, cooperation, and collaboration.
• Proven consultation and facilitation experience.
• Demonstrated understanding and enthusiasm for community engagement.
• Experience/knowledge of Planning matters at a municipal level.
• Proven project management skills.
• Knowledge of various techniques for engaging the community.
• Experience in establishing coordinating and implementing innovative strategies for community engagement.
• Excellent communication and relationship building skills for understanding and communicating complex issues, negotiation with required stakeholders and partners, staff and management at all levels as well as communicating with the public.
• Ability to work unassisted and manage complex workloads and competing priorities.
• Ability to act in a diplomatic manner, exercising tact and diplomacy in a political environment.
• Excellent interpersonal, project/time management, organizational, analytical, research, communication, presentation, facilitation/negotiation, prioritization, and problem-solving skills.
• Knowledge of and demonstrated ability in the City’s core and leadership competencies as well as relevant departmental functional competencies.
Working Conditions
• Standard office environment.
• Travel required to plan and implement engagement activities in the community. Engagement activities may take place outside of regular business hours – in the evening, and on weekends.
If you are an energetic person who is interested in bringing your knowledge and passion to the City of Vaughan, please visit our website to apply online by July 11, 2025.
We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. Please be advised, the City of Vaughan uses email to communicate with applicants for open job competitions.
The City of Vaughan is committed to diversity and inclusivity in employment and welcomes applications from qualified individuals of diverse backgrounds. The City of Vaughan is also committed to providing accommodations for people with disabilities. If you require an accommodation, we will work with you to meet your needs.
About City of Vaughan
Vaughan is one of Canada’s fastest-growing cities. Home to nearly 345,000 people, its globally competitive economy includes more than 19,500 businesses, employing more than 236,000 professionals. Vaughan includes the communities of Concord, Kleinburg, Maple, Thornhill and Woodbridge. This forward-looking municipality is in the heart of York Region. Vaughan’s emerging downtown, the Vaughan Metropolitan Centre; Canada’s first smart hospital, the Cortellucci Vaughan Hospital; and the 900-acre North Maple Regional Park continue to generate momentum and excitement.
Vaughan’s promising future is guided by the 2022-2026 Term of Council Service Excellence Strategic Plan. It represents how our team goes above and beyond to deliver innovative, exciting and transformational city-building initiatives. These include protecting the environment, igniting economic prosperity, fostering a high-quality of life, and building an active, engaged and inclusive community. The Strategic Plan upholds our values and vision while following through on our mission of Citizens First Through Service Excellence.
The City is an award-winning organization recognized for its employment practices:
- Named one of Greater Toronto’s Top Employers in 2021 and 2022.
- Winner in the Excellence in Diversity and Inclusion award category, and an excellence awardee in the Best HR Communication Strategy and Canadian HR Team of the Year (500 Employees or More) award categories for the 2022 Canadian HR Awards.
- Winner in the Most Effective Recruitment Strategy award category, and an excellence awardee in the Excellence in Financial, Physical and Mental Wellness award category for the 2023 Canadian HR Awards.
The City is focused on providing its employees with a thriving professional environment that leverages flexible work arrangements, a family-focused benefits package emphasizing work-life balance, learning and growth opportunities, and a place where collaboration and teamwork are valued.
Senior Advisor, Strategic Engagement
Top Benefits
About the role
CITIZENS FIRST THROUGH SERVICE EXCELLENCE
We have an exciting Permanent Full-Time, Non-Unionized opportunity in the Communications, Marketing and Engagement Department for an experienced and motivated individual.
Senior Advisor, Strategic Engagement
J0325-1035
Vaughan is a city on the move. With a downtown core rising from the ground – the Vaughan Metropolitan Centre, a state-of-the-art hospital opening its doors in 2021 – the Cortellucci Vaughan Hospital, and a bustling subway, exciting projects are transforming the community. Be a part of something amazing and build your career at the City of Vaughan.
The City of Vaughan is an equal opportunity employer serving one of the fastest-growing municipalities in Canada, we are an organization committed to diversity and inclusivity, providing a thriving work environment, excellent benefits, learning and growth opportunities and a place where collaboration and teamwork are fostered. As one of the Greater Toronto’s Top Employers for 2021, we continuously employ workplace best-practices – and they’re getting noticed! Excellence demands brilliant personalities, visionary thinking and a passion for public service. Vaughan is your place to grow.
Position Overview
Takes a lead role in engagement matters to support a wide variety of projects across the organization, including Public Works, Planning and Growth Management, Community Services and Strategic Initiatives. Works with departmental staff and community stakeholders to build and implement meaningful community engagement strategies on key planning initiatives. Provides strategic expertise to identify communications issues and risks. Forges strong relationships locally, nationally, and globally.
Responsible for promoting and adhering to the Stakeholder and Community Engagement corporate policy to ensure a consistent approach to engage the community in the decision-making process to support the City’s strategic priorities, while meeting the statutory requirements of the Municipal Planning Act, Environmental Assessment EA processes and other relevant government legislation.
Supports all staff as required to manage community engagement activities by providing expertise and guidance to Members of Council, Senior Leadership Team (SLT), and project leads. Participates on cross-departmental projects teams where citizen engagement support and direction are required. May attend community engagement events (e.g. public hearings/meetings).
Prepares Council, Committee and other reports and presentations; attends Council, Committee and community meetings, including meetings outside regular business hours as required.
At employee request, this position is eligible to take part in our hybrid work model as outlined in the City's Alternative Work Arrangement Policy.
Responsibilities
Community Engagement Activities
• Takes a lead role in engagement matters across the City’s portfolios and departments.
• Works with departmental staff and community stakeholders to build and implement meaningful community engagement strategies on key planning initiatives.
• Liaises with external/third-party consultants on engagement projects.
• Supports staff to ensure consistency in the delivery of community engagement activities on major projects.
• Attends high-profile or contentious community engagement events (e.g. public hearings/meetings/virtual events) and responds to and/or addresses relevant inquiries from the public, Council, consultants and City staff.
• Collaborates with Communications, Marketing and Engagement staff to help communicate/publicize community engagement opportunities.
• Proactively works with staff to facilitate early detection of potential problems or issues, implement mitigation strategies and ensure disagreements are resolved or reflected within the advice provided.
• Works collaboratively with partner organizations on community engagement associated with major projects
• Ensures community members’ input has a meaningful impact on City projects and programs.
Procurement Support
• Assists with retaining vendors/outside facilitators for the provision of services.
• Assists with writing RFPs, RFIs, etc.
• Reviews proposals, sits on vendor selection panels and provides guidance from an engagement perspective.
• Maintains a Vendor of Record list for engagement opportunities.
Community Engagement Capacity-Building
• Develops and implements training for departmental staff on effective community engagement processes and tactics.
• Develops guides and templates for use by departmental staff to support the planning and execution
of effective community engagement.
• Provides mentorship and supports staff capability building through close collaboration with partner organizations on community engagement activities, encouraging continuous learning, best practice adoption and innovation in others.
Delivers Reports and Presentations
• Prepares reports and attends Council, Committee, SLT and other meetings as required.
• Makes presentations and provides expertise and guidance on community engagement.
Qualifications and Experience
• University Degree in Planning, Public Administration, Communications, Business Administration, Public Relations or suitable equivalent.
• Certified Facilitator and/or member of International Association of Public Participation.
• Minimum of five (5) years demonstrated progressive experience in designing and implementing creative and innovative public participation events and activities in the public sector or similar environment.
• Well-developed interpersonal and emotional intelligence skills with ability to foster trust, cooperation, and collaboration.
• Proven consultation and facilitation experience.
• Demonstrated understanding and enthusiasm for community engagement.
• Experience/knowledge of Planning matters at a municipal level.
• Proven project management skills.
• Knowledge of various techniques for engaging the community.
• Experience in establishing coordinating and implementing innovative strategies for community engagement.
• Excellent communication and relationship building skills for understanding and communicating complex issues, negotiation with required stakeholders and partners, staff and management at all levels as well as communicating with the public.
• Ability to work unassisted and manage complex workloads and competing priorities.
• Ability to act in a diplomatic manner, exercising tact and diplomacy in a political environment.
• Excellent interpersonal, project/time management, organizational, analytical, research, communication, presentation, facilitation/negotiation, prioritization, and problem-solving skills.
• Knowledge of and demonstrated ability in the City’s core and leadership competencies as well as relevant departmental functional competencies.
Working Conditions
• Standard office environment.
• Travel required to plan and implement engagement activities in the community. Engagement activities may take place outside of regular business hours – in the evening, and on weekends.
If you are an energetic person who is interested in bringing your knowledge and passion to the City of Vaughan, please visit our website to apply online by July 11, 2025.
We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. Please be advised, the City of Vaughan uses email to communicate with applicants for open job competitions.
The City of Vaughan is committed to diversity and inclusivity in employment and welcomes applications from qualified individuals of diverse backgrounds. The City of Vaughan is also committed to providing accommodations for people with disabilities. If you require an accommodation, we will work with you to meet your needs.
About City of Vaughan
Vaughan is one of Canada’s fastest-growing cities. Home to nearly 345,000 people, its globally competitive economy includes more than 19,500 businesses, employing more than 236,000 professionals. Vaughan includes the communities of Concord, Kleinburg, Maple, Thornhill and Woodbridge. This forward-looking municipality is in the heart of York Region. Vaughan’s emerging downtown, the Vaughan Metropolitan Centre; Canada’s first smart hospital, the Cortellucci Vaughan Hospital; and the 900-acre North Maple Regional Park continue to generate momentum and excitement.
Vaughan’s promising future is guided by the 2022-2026 Term of Council Service Excellence Strategic Plan. It represents how our team goes above and beyond to deliver innovative, exciting and transformational city-building initiatives. These include protecting the environment, igniting economic prosperity, fostering a high-quality of life, and building an active, engaged and inclusive community. The Strategic Plan upholds our values and vision while following through on our mission of Citizens First Through Service Excellence.
The City is an award-winning organization recognized for its employment practices:
- Named one of Greater Toronto’s Top Employers in 2021 and 2022.
- Winner in the Excellence in Diversity and Inclusion award category, and an excellence awardee in the Best HR Communication Strategy and Canadian HR Team of the Year (500 Employees or More) award categories for the 2022 Canadian HR Awards.
- Winner in the Most Effective Recruitment Strategy award category, and an excellence awardee in the Excellence in Financial, Physical and Mental Wellness award category for the 2023 Canadian HR Awards.
The City is focused on providing its employees with a thriving professional environment that leverages flexible work arrangements, a family-focused benefits package emphasizing work-life balance, learning and growth opportunities, and a place where collaboration and teamwork are valued.