Job Code: 26AE02
Administrative Employees
CAREER OPPORTUNITY: MANAGER OF PLANNING
ABOUT THE UPPER GRAND DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD (UGDSB)
The UGDSB employs a team of approximately 6,500 dedicated staff who serve more than 35,000 students attending a variety of programs across 66 elementary and 12 secondary schools as well as continuing education and adult learning centres in the counties of Dufferin, Wellington, and the City of Guelph. We are committed to supporting student achievement and well-being through our team of dedicated staff and strong learning communities, always striving to meet the diverse needs of our students
The UGDSB is situated on the ancestral, treaty and title lands of two Anishinaabek Ojibwe Nations: the Michi Saagig of the Credit and the Saugeen Ojibway Nation. This land also includes a specified tract of land granted to the Six Nations of the Grand River. These Nations hold legal and specific rights in their respective territories. This area has been and continues to be home for Indigenous Peoples and non-Indigenous peoples.
We are proud to offer our employees a comprehensive range of total rewards designed to recognize their contributions to our shared success, including competitive compensation, a defined benefit pension plan, professional development opportunities, and vibrant wellness programs.
Join a community that values innovation, fosters growth, and empowers you to make an impact. and Find Your Path.
THE OPPORTUNITY
The UGDSB is seeking a dynamic individual to join our Planning team for a permanent full-time opportunity in the capacity of Manager of Planning.
Location: Guelph Board Office (500 Victoria Road North, Guelph, ON)
FTE and Hours: 1.0 FTE; 40 hours per week
Salary Range: $143,273 - $171,877 per year (wage rate effective September 1, 2025)
Start Date: To commence as soon as possible
Board Information: 12-month position; permanent; full-time; Administrative Employees; Non-Union
Vacancy Status: This posting is for an existing vacancy
Reporting to the Senior Facilities Manager, the responsibilities of the Manager of Planning are as follows:
Responsibilities:
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Lead and manage the Board's Planning Department, providing leadership, and expertise for all enrolment projections, land use planning, and accommodation planning
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Supervise, train, and conduct performance reviews for planning staff, while determining operational parameters and administrative support requirements
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Oversee the preparation of annual and long-term enrolment projections (actual, projected, FTE, and ADE) for all schools in accordance with Ministry of Education requirements
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Develop the Board's Long-Term Program and Accommodation Strategy to support sustainable pupil accommodation and decision-making for school facilities
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Manage school boundary and accommodation review processes, including the preparation of accommodation options, cost-benefit analyses, and community planning
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Review and respond to municipal development applications (zoning by-laws, plans of subdivision/condominium, site plans) to ensure the Board's interests and accommodation needs are addressed
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Identify and develop strategies to address facility utilization, capacity issues, program expansion, and the allocation of portables
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Manage the acquisition and disposition of property in accordance with provincial regulations and Board policy and maintain property legal records
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Coordinate the development of business cases for new capital projects and school closure or consolidation projects
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Manage the Education Development Charges (EDC) background study and by-law renewal process
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Represent the Board at public meetings, Ministry sessions, and joint committees with municipal officials, developers, and coterminous school boards
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Develop and monitor the department budget, including the review and authorization of expenditures
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Provide expertise and key advice to the Senior Management team, Board of Trustees, and school communities through reports and presentations
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Foster equity and inclusiveness in the development and delivery of all programs and services
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Other duties as assigned
Experience and Qualifications:
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University degree in Urban and Regional Planning or a related discipline
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Minimum of seven to eight years of progressively responsible experience in school board planning or land development planning, with a focus on enrolment, facilities, and land use
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Proven supervisory and leadership experience with a record of leading teams and producing results
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Expertise in land use planning legislation, municipal/education planning functions, and public policy
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Membership in the Ontario Professional Planners Institute (OPPI) or the Canadian Institute of Planners (CIP) is considered an asset
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Advanced proficiency in computer applications, including:
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Microsoft Office 365 (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
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Geographic Information Systems (GIS/ArcGIS)
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Adobe Creative Suite and knowledge of SQL, Python, or WordPress is considered an asset
- Exceptional communication, presentation, and negotiation skills to facilitate resolutions to complex issues with diverse stakeholders
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Demonstrated experience in strategic planning, budget management, and project management
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Deep commitment to promoting equitable practices that value diversity and inclusiveness
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Effective problem-solving, critical thinking, and analytical skills with meticulous attention to detail
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Exceptional organizational and time management skills to handle multiple concurrent priorities and meet strict timelines
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Valid Ontario Driver's License and access to a personal vehicle for regular travel within the Board's jurisdiction
APPLICATION DETAILS
Ready to make a difference? Candidates are invited to submit their application through , no later than 4:00 p.m. on September 18, 2026. To submit your application, click the “Apply” button at the top of the page or visit: .
Please note: An original Vulnerable Sector Check (VSC) must be provided prior to the commencement of employment (if the successful candidate is external). The VSC must be dated within 6 months of the start date of employment. For further information, refer to the UGDSB's for requirements.
While we thank all applicants for their interest in working for the UGDSB, we wish to advise that only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
As part of our recruitment practices, Artificial Intelligence (AI) will not be used in the screening, assessment, or selection process for this job posting.
INCLUSIVE RECRUITMENT & HIRING
The UGDSB is committed to building a diverse staff that is reflective of the community and students we serve. We actively encourage applications from members of groups who have historically and/or currently experience marginalization and/or barriers to equity, including, but not limited to:
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First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples
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Persons of marginalized sexual orientations, gender identities, and gender expressions
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Members of groups that commonly experience discrimination based on race, ancestry, ethnicity, colour, religion and/or spiritual beliefs, or place of origin
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Persons with disabilities
At UGDSB, we recognize that individuals may hold overlapping identities, which shape their experiences in unique ways. We are committed to our responsibility to create and maintain inclusive, equitable environments where everyone can fully participate, thrive, and reach their potential. To learn more, please visit .
Accommodation & Accessibility
If you require accommodation at any phase of the recruitment process, please contact .
APPLICANT SELF-IDENTIFICATION QUESTIONS
The UGDSB is committed to fair and equitable hiring practices. As part of this commitment, we are collecting voluntary self-identification data to achieve an inclusive, diverse and representative workforce. The data aims to intentionally identify and remove barriers for equity-deserving communities at each stage of the hiring process.
Access to this information is restricted to People, Leadership and Culture (Human Resources). Personal information on this form is collected under the authority of the Anti-Racism Act, 2017, S.O. 2017, c. 15 in accordance with the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. M.56. The UGDSB is committed to respecting the privacy of our staff, students and applicants. To learn more, please visit .
People, Leadership, and Culture (Human Resources) will use aggregate data from all forms (not individual data) for internal reporting. For more information on Human Rights at UGDSB, please visit .
Completing the form is voluntary. If you prefer not to answer any or all questions, you can select “Prefer not to answer”. Choosing “Prefer not to answer” as a response will not impact your application or consideration for employment. If you have questions or concerns about this form, please contact .
4-Sep-26
