The City of Toronto is seeking an accomplished, relationship-driven executive to lead its Development Review Division. Toronto is Canada's largest city, with more than three million residents, a workforce of more than 42,000 employees and an annual operating budget of approximately $19 billion. As the city continues to grow, delivering housing, supporting economic development and building complete, sustainable communities is a priority.
Reporting to the Deputy City Manager, Development and Growth Services, and leading a total team of about 500, the Executive Director leads the division responsible for reviewing and advancing development applications across the city. The role sits at the intersection of planning, policy, politics and community interests. It ensures growth aligns with the City's long-term vision while balancing the needs of residents, stakeholders and the development industry.
Responsibilities:
- Provide strategic leadership for development review processes.
- Advise the Mayor's Office, Council and senior leadership on complex and often sensitive matters.
- Build strong partnerships across government, industry and the community.
- Oversee divisional operations, people, finances and ongoing transformation initiatives aimed at improving service delivery and supporting the City's housing and growth objectives.
Requirements:
- Significant executive leadership experience in development, planning, housing, infrastructure or a related field, ideally within a large and complex organization.
- Ability to lead change, navigate competing priorities, build consensus among diverse stakeholders and deliver results through collaboration and influence.
- Strong political acuity, strategic thinking and policy expertise.
- A commitment to developing high-performing teams.
- Experience in a unionized environment and a Professional Planner designation are considered assets.
The City of Toronto is an equal opportunity employer and provides accommodation on request during the recruitment process.
Closing date: 2026-10-16
HOW TO APPLY:
Apply online via the Odgers careers page, ideally by October 16, 2026. The City of Toronto has partnered with leadership advisory firm Odgers for this search. Only candidates chosen for further development will be contacted.
https://careers.odgers.com/en-ca/32161