• Job ID: 38578
• Job Category: Community & Social Services
• Division & Section: Housing Secretariat, Housing Development, Revit & Improvement
• Work Location: Metro Hall, 55 John Street
• Job Type & Duration: 1 Permanent vacancy
• Hourly Rate and Wage Grade: $55.98 - $61.31
• Shift Information: Monday - Friday, 35 Hours per week
• Affiliation: L79 Full-time
• Number of Positions Open: 1
• Posting Period: 15-Aug-2023 to 07-Sep-2023

Reporting to the Manager, Housing Development & Improvement in the Housing Secretariat, the Housing Development Officer is part of a team responsible for leading affordable housing development and improvement projects, including the acquisition and/or renovation of existing affordable housing.

Major Responsibilities

The primary functions associated with this position include but are not limited to:

• Providing project oversight and facilitation for a portfolio of City-approved affordable housing projects, to meet housing targets set out in the HousingTO 2020-2030 Action Plan and ensuring the contractual, legal, financial, and policy interests of the City are met.
• The incumbent’s affordable housing portfolio and program delivery responsibilities may include a variety of affordable housing projects, including but not limited to, the acquisition and/or repair and renovation of existing affordable and supportive rental housing, including multi-tenant homes (aka rooming houses), and new affordable ownership housing and laneway/garden suite development.
• Explaining and promoting affordable housing programs to potential proponents and providing advice and direction to proponents and their consultants on City policy, housing program delivery, the acquisition of property, project design and development, and may develop and provide training initiatives for proponents.
• Facilitating the expediting of development approvals for affordable housing projects through Planning, Building and other City Divisions.
• Conducting construction site visits, attending site meetings to monitor construction progress, and responding to matters requiring attention.
• Monitoring cash flow, capital budgets, and construction schedules, preparing variance reports, and recommending payments for affordable housing projects.
• Reviewing and advising City Legal Services Solicitors on legal documents, such as funding and contribution agreements and leases.
• Facilitating, negotiating, and resolving existing and emerging issues in multiple stakeholder environments, liaising with elected officials, staff, and senior management in other Divisions at the City, external agencies and other governments, members of the community, and the private and non-profit sectors in support of City policies and industry best practices.
• Leading and preparing housing proposal calls including procurement documents for affordable housing funding allocations and other forms of financial support, and overseeing or contributing to the proposal review process with staff from various City Divisions.
• Reviewing and evaluating private and non-profit sector affordable housing project proposals with regard to cost/benefit analysis, capital and operating budgets, architectural design, community engagement plans and multi-year management plans.
• Making recommendations on affordable housing projects regarding the selection of proponents and the allocation of funding, and preparing related reports for Senior Management to Committees of Council.
• Working with other City Divisions, Agencies, Boards and Corporations in determining the suitability of City-owned surplus properties and potential property acquisitions for affordable housing, developing business cases for suitable properties and making recommendations regarding their disposal to affordable housing proponents.
• Planning, facilitating and representing the City’s interest at public and stakeholder meetings, workshops, and charrettes, including making presentations in partnership with local Councillors, developers, proponents, and other City staff.
• Initiating, overseeing and conducting research, analysis, and data management activities in support of housing policy and program development.
• Providing information, analysis, and advice on emerging issues and trends, policy and program changes and strategies, and collaborating on new and innovative approaches to affordable housing with City staff, sector organizations and other stakeholders

Key Qualifications:

Your application must describe your qualifications as they relate to:

1. Post-secondary education in planning, architecture, urban studies, business administration, community development, or other relevant field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
2. Considerable experience in the management of housing development, including leading similar projects at various stages in the development process (e.g. reviewing and approving capital proposals, architectural drawings, expediting approvals, monitoring construction, approving progress draws, ensuring timely completion of projects on a budget, etc.).
3. Experience working in multi-stakeholder environments (e.g. delivering community consultation, engagement, and organization), in relation to at least one of the following areas: public, private, and/or community organizations.

You must also have:

• The ability to review and prepare financial models to determine project viability from development to operating stages.
• Familiarity with a range of types and scales of residential development.
• Knowledge of issues related to affordable housing and residential development, including relevant legislation and by-laws affecting land use development and construction including City requirements such as the Toronto Green Standard.
• Highly-developed verbal and written communication skills and political acuity to communicate, and work with a broad range of stakeholders including community representatives, senior management, and political representatives.
• The ability to write reports, conduct research, and analysis.
• Strong proficiency in a variety of computer software packages including Microsoft Office Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and database software programs.
• Ability to support the Toronto Public Service values to ensure a culture that champions equity, diversity and respectful workplaces.

NOTE TO INTERNAL FULL-TIME AND PART-TIME CITY OF TORONTO EMPLOYEES:

City of Toronto employees must apply to full-time or part-time employment opportunities posted on the City's Internal Job Posting Portal.

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion

The City is an equal opportunity employer, dedicated to creating a workplace culture of inclusiveness that reflects the diverse residents that we serve. Learn more about the City’s commitment to employment equity.

Accommodation

The City of Toronto is committed to creating an accessible and inclusive organization. We are committed to providing barrier-free and accessible employment practices in compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). Should you require Code-protected accommodation through any stage of the recruitment process, please make them known when contacted and we will work with you to meet your needs. Disability-related accommodation during the application process is available upon request. Learn more about the City’s Hiring Policies and Accommodation Process.