Director, Community Social Development at City of Richmond

The City of Richmond is seeking an experienced strategic and collaborative leader to serve as Director, Community Social Development. Reporting as part of the Planning and Development Division leadership team, this role leads the Community Social Development Department and provides expert advice to Council, senior management and community partners on a broad range of social development priorities. The Director is responsible for ensuring the effective planning and implementation of social policies, programs and services to respond to the evolving needs of Richmond residents, with a particular focus on vulnerable populations.

Responsibilities

The Director, Community Social Development provides strategic leadership and oversight for the Community Social Development Department, including the areas of homelessness, child care, youth planning, seniors planning, social planning and research, poverty reduction, accessibility and inclusion. The Director identifies departmental priorities, oversees service policy development, manages work plans and budgets, and leads the development and performance of exempt and union staff to ensure programs and services are aligned with Council priorities and respond to the evolving needs of the community.

The Director leads the development, implementation and continuous improvement of Council-adopted strategies, policies and initiatives that address Richmond's changing social needs. Working collaboratively across the organization, the Director provides strategic advice and evidence-based recommendations to Council, senior management and City departments on complex and often sensitive social policy issues, while overseeing community grant programs, reserve funds and other investments that support community priorities.

As a key representative of the City, the Director builds and sustains strong relationships with senior levels of government, the local health authority, the school district, City appointed advisory committees and other community partners to advance shared objectives and strengthen service delivery. The Director champions the City's interests by advocating for policy, legislative and funding initiatives that address local priorities, identifying opportunities for intergovernmental collaboration, and influencing decisions that benefit Richmond residents. Through leadership of major community initiatives and strategic partnerships, the Director helps position the City at the forefront of enhancing community well-being, inclusion and resilience.

Requirements

• University degree in planning, social planning, public policy, urban planning, business administration, or a related field; a Master’s degree is preferred. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered
• Minimum 10 years of senior experience in government and/or community-based social development, planning, operations, strategy, project management, and staff leadership.
• Demonstrated experience leading multidisciplinary teams and complex portfolios in a public sector environment.
• Strong understanding of social development policy, community planning, stakeholder engagement, intergovernmental relations and public sector decision-making.
• Strong written and verbal communication and presentation skills
• Excellent at relationship-building and leadership skills, with the ability to work effectively in politically sensitive and high-profile environments.

Why Join Us

This is a key leadership opportunity to shape City policy, strengthen partnerships, and advance initiatives that support the health, inclusion and well-being of Richmond residents. The role offers the opportunity to make meaningful impact across a diverse range of community priorities.

This position will be open until filled with review of applications scheduled to begin September 8, 2026.