Director of Community Development
Share
Job Location:
Monthly Salary:
Posted on:
2 days ago
Vacancies:
1 Vacancy
Job Summary
Centrally located within Nova Scotia between two extraordinary coastlines Colchester is a progressive rural municipality that offers an unparalleled work-life is a place that is affordable welcoming family focused rich in diverse culture and natural beauty with thriving businesses and access to all the modern amenities typically found in an urban setting without the common stresses of living in an urban setting.
Meridia is pleased to partner with the Municipality of the County of Colchester to recruit a Director of Community Development a senior leadership role responsible for guiding the Countys growth strategic planning and service delivery across multiple departments.
Role Description:
Reporting to the Chief Administrative Officer the Director of Community Development provides strategic leadership to a multidisciplinary team including Planning & Development Recreation Services GIS & Property Information and Inspection Services. You will play a key role in shaping policies programs and infrastructure that directly impact the Countys residents businesses and future growth. This is a highly visible leadership position requiring a balance of strategic vision operational expertise and the ability to foster strong relationships with Council staff developers community groups and residents. The successful candidate will be a collaborative innovative and forward-thinking leader comfortable guiding complex initiatives and translating technical concepts into clear actionable insights.
Key Responsibilities:
Strategic Leadership & Vision
- Lead the Community Development Department fostering a collaborative and high-performing culture across Planning & Development Recreation Services GIS & Property Information and Inspection Services.
- Develop and implement long-term strategies that align with Council priorities and community needs including growth management housing economic development and sustainability initiatives.
- Translate complex technical regulatory and policy information into clear recommendations for Council stakeholders and the public.
- Champion innovative approaches to community development challenges seeking solutions that balance efficiency sustainability and public benefit.
Planning & Development Oversight
- Oversee land use planning zoning development control and municipal policy implementation.
- Provide guidance and support to developers consultants and community groups ensuring compliance and fostering positive relationships.
- Lead major planning projects such as county-wide land use strategies housing initiatives and active transportation plans.
- Facilitate interdepartmental collaboration to support infrastructure recreation and economic development projects.
Community Engagement & Stakeholder Relations
- Build and maintain strong relationships with residents community organizations developers NGOs and Council members.
- Lead public engagement initiatives to promote understanding trust and buy-in for municipal projects and policies.
- Advocate for the long-term interests of the County while respecting the needs of individual communities and stakeholders.
Operational & Program Management
- Ensure delivery of programs and services across all divisions meeting quality standards community expectations and strategic objectives.
- Oversee inspection services facility maintenance GIS and property information management.
- Develop monitor and evaluate departmental metrics to measure performance identify opportunities for improvement and inform decision-making.
Financial & Resource Management
- Prepare and manage departmental operating and capital budgets ensuring fiscal responsibility and alignment with municipal policies.
- Monitor spending manage resources efficiently and ensure robust financial controls are in place.
- Support procurement contracting and consultant management to deliver projects effectively and on schedule.
Human Resources & Team Development
- Lead mentor and develop managers and staff promoting professional growth engagement and succession planning.
- Support recruitment performance management workforce planning and employee wellness initiatives.
- Maintain positive labour relations including effective engagement with unionized employees.
- Ensure compliance with occupational health and safety legislation and promote a safe inclusive and supportive workplace.
Council & Public Representation
- Attend Council meetings advisory committees and community events as a visible representative of the Municipality.
- Present clear data-driven reports and recommendations to support evidence-based decision-making.
- Engage proactively with stakeholders to anticipate challenges manage expectations and foster collaboration.
Your Qualifications:
- Bachelors degree in Planning or a related field; CIP membership or eligibility preferred.
- 57 years of senior management experience in municipal planning community development or a closely related field.
- Demonstrated ability to lead multidisciplinary teams and manage complex projects.
- Deep understanding of municipal governance land use planning and development regulations.
- Strong strategic analytical and decision-making skills with a focus on evidence-based community-oriented outcomes.
- Exceptional interpersonal communication and negotiation skills with a track record of building trust with staff Council developers and the public.
- Innovative thinker able to translate policy and technical information into actionable strategies.
- Visible and approachable leadership style with a commitment to being engaged in the community.
- Willingness to attend evening Council and committee meetings and occasional community events.
Why Colchester County
This is a rare opportunity to lead a growing dynamic community and shape its long-term growth planning and services. You will have visible meaningful impact guiding policy projects and programs that touch every part of the County. Colchester offers a collaborative innovative environment competitive salary ($125389 - $149048) and benefits a defined benefits pension flexible work options and a culture that values professional growth engagement and hands-on leadership.
The Municipality of Colchester is committed to treating people fairly with respect and dignity. Their goal is to continue to move forward as a diverse and inclusive community representative of the citizens they serve by offering equal opportunities free of biases. They have formed an Equity Diversity Inclusion and Accessibility Committee to keep them accountable and to help them reach this goal.
The Municipality encourages all qualified applicants who self-identify as Indigenous Black/African Nova Scotian Persons of Colour Newcomers Persons with Disabilities 2SLGBTQIA to apply and self-identify on their applications.
For more information contact Thomas Pugh Partner at and or Heather Simmons Consultant at and or please apply online by clicking the Apply Now button. If you require accommodation to participate in the recruitment process please let Thomas or Heather know.
Meridia Recruitment Solutions connects leading organizations with top talent by building strong relationships and creating ideal matches with candidates because we are only successful when you are. We appreciate your interest in this opportunity.
To learn more about Meridia Recruitment Solutions our job opportunities and career advice we invite you to explore our site and subscribe for career alerts.
Required Experience:
Director
Key Skills
- Crisis Management
- Marketing
- Public Relations
- Fundraising
- Media Relations
- Constant Contact
- Strategic Planning
- Social Media Management
- Team Management
- Public Speaking
- Wordpress
- Writing Skills
About Company
Colchester County is located in north central Nova Scotia. This area was originally known as Cobequid until 1780 when it was named after the town of Colchester, England. Colchester was part of Halifax County until 1835. The town of Truro (population 12,500) is the county seat.
