Project Lead, Economic Initiatives – City of Richmond

The City of Richmond is a diverse and dynamic community in pursuit of our vision
to be the most appealing, livable and well-managed community in Canada.

People l Excellence l Leadership l Team l Innovation

Imagine a career with the City of Richmond, a dynamic environment for growth and continuous improvement, fostered by our collective strengths and creativity. We are a vibrant, diverse cosmopolitan city, supported by a strong economy and recognized as leaders in innovation and service delivery excellence. The City of Richmond is committed to be the most appealing, livable, well-managed community in Canada, a goal that is only made possible by developing our most valuable asset – our people. This is a great opportunity to join our team and shape our community.
 

Project Lead, Economic Initiatives

Overview
The Project Lead, Economic Initiatives is responsible for leading and implementing key projects in the area of economic development, with a focus on strengthening Richmond’s innovation ecosystem. This role will lead the development and implementation of a commercially-focused Food Hub and, separately, the implementation of major projects identified in the City’s 5-Year Tourism Plan. 

Engaged with multiple sectors of Richmond’s economy, the Project Lead independently identifies key issues, conceptualizes and strategically plans major projects, and then leads their execution. This includes the development of project parameters, planning and facilitating complex public engagement, and, in the case of the Richmond Food Hub, playing a central role in shaping its governance and long-term sustainability. The Project Lead leads complex project implementation efforts on time and on budget, with minimal supervision, and as mandated by the strategic priorities and programs set out in the work plan of the Economic Development Office.  This position reports to the Manager, Economic Development.

Major Accountabilities

• Scope, design, and execute major projects in the area of economic development. This includes, and is not limited to, the following:
• Conceptualize what is required for a major project, including leading the strategy and vision. This includes leading the “why” of the project and designing it in such a way as to deliver on its key goals.
• Contribute to the successful execution of key projects by drawing on one’s own expertise and knowledge in areas related to economic development, governance models, organizational behavior, strategy, financial and operational sustainability, and/ or knowledge of the agri-food, seafood, and tourism sectors.
• Lead public sector procurement processes in adherence with bylaws, policy and provincial standards, and with an understanding of private sector project delivery processes. This includes writing tender documents for consulting services and liaising internally with the Purchasing Department as may be required for consultant and contractor procurement.
• Managing the work of consultants and contractors, serving as the single point of contact and City lead.
• Liaising across City departments and building strong relationships with internal and external partners and stakeholders.
• Leading efforts to identify and secure sufficient funding for projects, including from external funding sources.
• Administration of project tracking and reporting requirements for various grants as required.
• Planning and managing budgets, including for multiple projects at the same time.
• Preparing reports and updates for the awareness of colleagues and to provide information and seek direction from senior management and Council as required.
• Proactively engage and communicate effectively with diverse partners and stakeholders who are key to each project’s success and who may hold differing viewpoints. Facilitate meetings and various engagements between businesses, consultants, key City stakeholders and other external partners.
• Develop, prepare and present information, proposals, briefings, reports, analysis and updates at Committee, stakeholder and Council meetings; respond to inquiries; represent the department on internal and external committees as required.
• Review and interpret confidential and sensitive information such as issues, contract negotiations and Closed Council material.
• Collaborate with City departments, advisory committees, businesses, government and community agencies, and the general public, ensuring that sound information, services and advice are provided, and the City’s interests are professionally and effectively represented.

Qualifications

• Ability to break down complex issues, trace the root cause of problems, and recommend creative solutions.
• Awareness of, and/or ability and willingness to learn, how any major project or initiative for which the Project Lead is responsible is connected with broader work in the relevant sector and community. This includes awareness of key trends, risks and opportunities related to the local economy.
• Excellent decision-making, problem solving and analytical skills.
• Strong project management ability, with experience across the full project lifecycle, including scope development, procurement, management of consultants, public engagement, tracking and reporting of progress and costs and project delivery. This includes the ability to manage external consultants and large, complex projects with minimal supervision.
• Ability to work collaboratively and build relationships with a large, complex ecosystem of partners, including other levels of government, businesses, community members, and organizations.
• Knowledge of and experience with economic development initiatives and projects, including those focused on innovation and start-up businesses.
• Excellent communication skills across a variety of methods, including oral presentations, professional, report, strategy and public writing, and technical analysis and briefing papers.
• Ability to demonstrate sound judgement, diplomacy and an understanding of the organization’s strategic priorities.
• Ability to maintain a high degree of confidentiality and handle sensitive information with discretion.
• Ability to work independently, deliver results and exercise a considerable degree of independent judgement within the sensitivities of a political and regulatory environment.
• Ability to manage and reconcile accounts and budgets.
• Skill and ability to use client relationship management programs and Microsoft Office applications such as Outlook, PowerPoint, Excel and Word.  
• Familiarity with, and/or previous experience with the agrifood, seafood, and/or tourism sectors would be an asset.

Education, Training and Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree in Economics, Business or related Social Sciences discipline is required.  
• Master’s Degree in a Social Sciences discipline is preferred.
• Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification is an asset.
• Minimum 8-10 years of experience in managing complex projects, preferably in a public sector environment.

The City of Richmond offers a competitive pay and benefits program, attractive incentives and a compressed work day schedule. If you are looking to make a difference, and to share our vision “to be the most appealing, livable, and well-managed community in Canada,” please submit your application by following the instructions below:

The City of Richmond uses an applicant tracking system for candidates wishing to view and apply for available career opportunities. For further information regarding position details and to apply, please visit our website at https://www.richmond.ca/city-hall/careers.htm.

We are accepting applications until January 1, 2024

The City of Richmond is an inclusive employer committed to employment equity objectives and invites applications from all qualified individuals. We thank all applicants in advance for their interest; however, only those under consideration will be contacted. If you are unsuccessful, please accept our appreciation for your interest. No telephone inquiries please.
 
This position is restricted to those legally entitled to work in Canada.