Manager - Urban Planning & Development

Job Description

<p><b>Help Shape Calgary's Next Generation of Affordable Housing</b></p><p><b> </b></p><p>Onward is one of Calgary's largest and longest-standing affordable housing providers. We currently operate 2,200+ units across the city and are entering a significant period of growth, with plans to nearly double our portfolio over the next 4-7 years through new development, redevelopment, and strategic acquisitions.</p><p> </p><p>Our mission is to create high-quality, affordable homes that strengthen local communities. More than 3,000 residents call an Onward property home, including families, seniors, newcomers, Indigenous residents, and individuals supported by over 50 partner agencies.</p><p> </p><p>As we expand, we are building a modern, high-performing development team to deliver a sustained pipeline of meaningful, city-building projects.</p><p> </p><p>For candidates, this represents a rare opportunity to join a sector defined by long-term stability. Demand for affordable housing remains consistent, supported by public policy and long-term funding frameworks, making Onward's development pipeline largely insulated from short-term market fluctuations and broader industry slowdowns.</p><p><b> </b></p><p><b>The Opportunity</b></p><p> </p><p>Reporting to the Chief Development Officer, the Manager - Urban Planning & Development plays a critical role in advancing Onward's development portfolio by managing municipal approvals, coordinating multidisciplinary consultant teams, and guiding projects through Calgary's planning and regulatory processes.</p><p> </p><p>This role is ideal for a planning professional who brings strong technical expertise, excellent communication skills, and a desire to contribute to impactful, community-focused development.</p><p> </p><p><b>Key Responsibilities</b></p><p><b> </b></p><p><b>Planning & Approvals</b></p><ul><li>Lead land use, subdivision, and development permit applications</li><li>Serve as the primary liaison with the City of Calgary</li><li>Review drawings for compliance with planning policies and bylaws</li><li>Interpret the MGA, Land Use Bylaw, statutory plans, and guidelines</li><li>Coordinate consultants to ensure timely, coordinated submissions</li></ul><p><b>Technical Coordination</b></p><ul><li>Manage approval schedules, matrices, and tracking tools</li><li>Conduct zoning and policy due diligence</li><li>Support design teams with density, servicing, and access analysis</li><li>Coordinate subdivision and servicing approvals</li></ul><p><b>Stakeholder Engagement</b></p><ul><li>Represent Onward at City meetings, Calgary Planning Commission, and public hearings</li><li>Engage with community associations and partner agencies</li></ul><p><b>Project Coordination & Reporting</b></p><ul><li>Maintain progress tracking, approval milestones, and risk forecasts</li><li>Provide clear and concise updates to senior leadership</li><li>Align teams across development, design, engineering, and construction</li></ul><p><b>Policy & Research</b></p><ul><li>Monitor changes to planning policies and standards</li><li>Prepare summaries and internal briefs to support strategic decisions</li></ul><p> </p><p><b>What You Bring</b></p><ul><li>Degree in Urban Planning, Geography, Architecture, or related field</li><li>Candidate or Full membership with CIP/APPI</li><li>3-7+ years of experience in municipal or private-sector planning</li><li>Strong understanding of Calgary's planning and approvals processes</li><li>Ability to interpret technical drawings</li><li>Excellent communication, collaboration, and presentation skills</li></ul><p><b> </b></p><p><b>Assets:</b></p><ul><li>Experience with mixed-use, infill, or redevelopment projects</li><li>Familiarity with project management or tracking tools</li></ul><p><b> </b></p><p><b>Working Conditions</b></p><p><b> </b></p><p>Office-based role with periodic site visits and occasional evening meetings for public or stakeholder engagements.</p><p><b> </b></p><p><b>Compensation & Benefits</b></p><ul><li><b>$100,000 - $140,000</b> salary range</li><li>Annual performance bonus opportunity</li><li>Comprehensive health & dental benefits</li><li>Employer-paid RRSP contributions (up to 7%)</li><li>$1,800 annual Health Spending Account</li><li>Three weeks' vacation + five flex days</li><li>A collaborative, mission-driven environment with significant growth opportunities</li></ul><p><b> </b></p><p><b>Join Us</b></p><p><b> </b></p><p>This is a unique opportunity to help shape a rapidly expanding organization committed to delivering high-quality, affordable housing to Calgary's communities.</p><p> </p><p>Apply today and help bring our next generation of homes to life.</p>