We are accepting applications for a full-time Social Planning Coordinator (Coordinator) to join our Planning and Development Services team. The Coordinator will support and coordinate efforts with community-based organizations, municipal partners, other levels of government and internal departments to advance social planning projects and initiatives that contribute to a healthy, equitable, inclusive and resilient region. The Coordinator will help build capacity within the CVRD to be an effective partner and contributor in supporting efforts to address complex community issues related to poverty reduction, affordable housing, homelessness supports, and community health and wellness.
Reporting to the Community Development and Resilience Manager, the primary responsibilities of this role include:
- Liaising and collaborating with local non-profit agencies, community groups, indigenous organizations and rights holders, member municipalities, senior levels of government and public agencies to understand gaps in social development programming, service delivery and advocacy;
- Building relationships, convene conversations, coordinate and collaborate with community-based organizations, rights holders, municipal partners, other levels of government and internal departments to support action and recommend policy for poverty reduction work.
- Assisting with the channels of communication and sharing of information between social organizations and the CVRD;
- Participating in, contributing to, and supporting the development of department work plans reflecting the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and CVRD’s commitment to Reconciliation;
- Assisting with the collective impact work that is already underway to reduce poverty in the Comox Valley;
- Researching, assessing and providing analysis of key social development trends and issues in the Comox Valley to support the work of community organizations and the strategic priorities of the Board;
- Supporting collection, sharing and monitoring of community socio-economic data and poverty indicators.
- Supporting work to review existing and developing new policy to support the Board’s “Community Partnerships” and “Accessibility, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion” strategic drivers;
- Preparing reports, presentations and documentation to communicate with partners, municipalities and the Board as required.
Our ideal candidate is:
- A relationship builder and collaborator able to develop and maintain effective working relationships and interact respectfully and meaningfully with a variety of community partners, stakeholder and rights holders, including people with lived and living experience;
- Educated in social policy, social work, community development, planning, public health or another related discipline with an undergraduate degree of four years, or equivalent;
- Experienced in social development, policy development, impact evaluation, social innovation and community development with over three years of progressively responsible experience, preferably within a local government context (an equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered);
- Culturally and socially aware with knowledge and ability to foster and promote diversity, equity and inclusion;
- Experienced working with social non-profit organizations and community groups with knowledge of relevant community-based services;
- Current in the mandate, operating environment, board objectives, strategic priorities, structure and operations of the CVRD;
- Sensitive to the political realm within the local government context with the ability to recognize, understand and effectively communicate the implications of emerging issues which may have broader influence on communities;
- Self-motivated, organized and able to balance multiple priorities;
- A strong communicator with excellent facilitation and presentation skills;
- Experienced in preparing and developing policy recommendations;
- Resourceful with strong research and writing skills;
- Able to work flexible hours as necessary to attend Board and committee meetings.
A valid BC Class 5 driver’s license is required for this role. Successful candidates will be required to consent to a Canadian Criminal Record Check (including vulnerable sector search if applicable).