Vice President, Development

The Opportunity

Reporting to the Chief Development Officer, the Vice President, Development will direct the work of an internal/external team including development team leads, consultants, contractors, and others to identify, market, obtain internal and external approvals for, and execute the project for each property that best meets the Company goals. The Vice President, Development will be responsible for the project from concept inception to completion, will also act as the corporate centre of excellence for civic, residential, and institutional development.

Principal Functional Responsibilities

• Leadership: Creates/maintains a working environment that encourages creativity and high productivity by demonstrating desired behaviours and outcomes and by setting an inspiring example. Leads, coaches and mentors all direct reports. Sets annual and long-term strategic goals for the team.
• Provide strategic direction regarding best uses of CreateTO properties.
• Establish and maintain team communication and reporting protocols and act as team leader.
• Oversees the creation and development concepts and management of approvals, sales, joint ventures.
• Responsible for managing development leads in official plan and zoning approvals, variances, severances and permits in coordination with the Planning Team.
• Manage, provide guidance and oversight to development leads in the preparation of complete due diligence on properties including site analyses, site capacity, planning approval issues, environmental assessment, valuation, site servicing requirements and community impacts.
• Manage and assist development leads in the preparation of project assessments and project business plans (cash flow requirements, funding requirements, operating pro-formas, etc.)
• Direct or participate in negotiations with all stakeholders including internal clients, City agencies, councillors, the Mayor s office, neighbours, ratepayers, and other interest groups to ensure timely receipt of government approvals
• Prepare and present development plans and design concepts for approval at various public hearings, community-based meetings, workshops, including the preparation of business cases.
• Facilitate and negotiate partnerships with local business, developers, senior levels of government, business associations and related agencies with respect to specific development projects.
• Assist in feasibility studies of properties to identify potential redevelopment projects including advising mixed use development.
• Responsible for preparation and reforecasting of development budgets and recommend for approval.
• Responsible for preparation of alternative plans and proforma development budgets and recommend for approval the best alternative development project for each property.
• Represent CreateTO s goals and mandate at public meetings with external agencies.
• Presentation of business plans, development plans, negotiated transactions and project schedules to senior management, Board and Committee/Council.
• Negotiate listing and brokerage commission agreements where required.
• Negotiate and secure legal agreements required to execute on transactions with preferred proponents for development of city lands.
• Responsible for a number of assigned development properties and major projects
• Establish and maintain team communication and reporting protocols and act as team leader.
• Work with Director, Communications and Marketing in the development of specific stakeholder management strategies for each development project.
• Identify and communicate to the Executive Team and other team members problems any concerns with budget and schedule as early as possible and identify and implement solutions.
• Project management responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the creation of architectural concepts, financial analysis, land acquisition and assembly and transactions (including dispositions, joint ventures, and partnerships) and design.
• Manage internal staff relationships to assist in achieving the above functions.
• Manage external consultants and staff to assist in achieving the above functions.

Position Profile And Qualifications

• Minimum of 15 years of experience with retail/commercial real estate development is preferred and experience with leasing and construction is an asset.
• Appropriate educational background in land use planning, real estate (in the private and/or public sector), finance and/or urban studies (minimum MBA, CPA or BComm preferred).
• A strong background in real estate development to identify, prioritize and develop strategies to add-value, bring to market and sell underutilized City of Toronto surplus lands
• Strong experience in collaborating and managing a variety of stakeholders and interests including City Officials, City Councilors, and residents.
• Well-developed political acumen and the ability to work effectively with Councillors, City of Toronto Staff, CreateTO Executive Team and staff, Board members and relevant stakeholder groups.
• Ability to build relationships, engage and influence others and work with diverse internal and external groups and stakeholders.
• Thorough understanding of municipal policies and the planning regulation and approval process.
• Skilled in directing the design process to achieve excellence in architecture, landscape and public realm that will support good and sound urban planning and design.
• A solid development background is required.
• Experience with developing and analyzing financial proforma and land appraisal fundamentals is also required.
• Strong knowledge of financial aspects and project budgets as it relates to real estate development, strong financial acumen.
• Previous experience managing joint venture relationships would be preferred.
• Ability to engage and work with both internal and external stakeholders to build relationships, and positively influence the outcome for development that support city building priorities and initiatives
• Advanced level computer skills, specifically, Windows, Word, Excel and PowerPoint, e-mail, Internet, with experience with specific development software an asset.
• Proven organizational skills; able to cope with changing project needs and deliver successful results within agreed upon timeframes.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Detail oriented; able to resolve problems using facts and sound reasoning.
• Self-motivated, professional, and flexible; able to work both independently and as part of a team.
• Proven ability to achieve goals using a strategic approach while encouraging and managing innovation.
• Proven leadership with ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

Relationship Responsibilities

Works collaboratively and develops and maintains good working relationships within CreateTO

Develops and maintains effective and positive working relationships with various City departments and agencies as well as external contacts, City Councillors, service providers, financial institutions, professional organizations, and clients.

Develops and maintains positive relationships with community groups and stakeholders in the City of Toronto.

CreateTO is committed to fostering a positive and progressive workforce. We provide equitable treatment and accommodation to ensure barrier-free employment in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code and Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act. Candidates can request accommodation related to the protected grounds at any stage of the hiring process. Our organization is committed to creating a diverse, inclusive, and equitable environment and we especially welcome applications from individuals within equity seeking groups. We strive to provide an inclusive workplace that promotes and values diversity. Diversity in age, gender identity, race, sexual orientation, physical or mental ability, ethnicity, and perspective are proven to build better companies. Our goal is to create an environment where everyone, from any background, can do their best work and be themselves. For more information on CreateTO, please visit our website at .

Interested and qualified candidates are required to provide their resume and cover letter by Friday, February 23^rd, 2024. Submissions that don t include the requirements noted above will not be considered. Only those individuals selected for an interview will be contacted. No agencies at this time please.