Senior Business Officer of Strategy and Planning

Senior Business Officer of Strategy & Planning

Our staff members are the backbone of our system. Becoming a part of the TDSB team means joining a talented community of educators and support staff dedicated to enriching the lives of all students and helping them to achieve success.

The TDSB is one of the largest and most culturally diverse school boards in Canada, with approximately 246,000 students in 584 schools and approximately 40,000 employees. We offer a dynamic, challenging work environment and unmatched career opportunities for our staff.

Please review the information provided and explore the exciting career possibilities the TDSB has to offer as we continue to establish ourselves as the leading school board of the new millennium.

We strive to meet the accommodation needs of persons with disabilities. Applicants are encouraged to make their needs for accommodation known in advance during the application process.

SCH II-25-2045NE
POSTED: April 30, 2025
DEADLINE:4:30 p. m. May 14, 2025

Senior Business Officer of Strategy & Planning

1 - Permanent Position

Facilities & Planning

(Non-Union - 12 Month)

The Toronto District School Board adheres to equitable hiring, employment, and promotion practices.

Overall Purpose

Reporting to the Executive Officer, Facilities & Planning, the Senior Business Officer of Strategy & Planning will be responsible for the strategic leadership, guidance, and management of the Board's Planning Department, ensuring effective enrolment and accommodation planning in a growing urban environment. The role will support the development of the Board's Long-Term Program Accommodation Plan and Capital Revitalization Strategy, and address critical issues such as school consolidations, closures, facility revitalization, and enrolment changes. By aligning planning priorities with the Board's goals, this role ensures the long-term stability of the Board's financial position and supports student success.

Summary of Duties

Strategic Planning and Leadership:

• Provides effective leadership and strategic direction for the Planning Department, leading a team of professionals in enrolment projections, accommodation planning, and land use.
• Oversees the development and implementation of the TDSB's Long-Term Program and Accommodation Plan, addressing sustainable pupil accommodation strategies.
• Provides expert advice and recommendations to the Executive Director on planning strategies, business plans, policies, and funding issues.

Data Management and Analysis:

• Leads the collection, analysis, and reporting of enrolment data, ensuring accuracy in projections and their application in budget planning, staff allocation, and facility utilization.
• Develops long-term enrolment projections for strategic planning purposes.
• Develops an evaluation matrix incorporating key facility and enrolment projection criteria to support the Board's Capital Revitalization Strategy.

Stakeholder Engagement and Collaboration:

• Engages with internal and external stakeholders, including trustees, school administrators, government agencies, community groups, and the Toronto Lands Corporation.
• Represents the Board at public meetings, Ministry of Education consultations, and committee discussions to address concerns and advocate for the Board's priorities.
• Works collaboratively with the System Officer of Capital Revitalization and the Toronto Lands Corporation (TLC) to align and achieve strategic, operational, and financial objectives. This includes leading the preparation and submission of the annual capital budget to ensure alignment with organizational priorities, actively participating in the planning and execution of property disposition strategies to optimize portfolio management, and engaging with communities by presenting and addressing concerns on property disposition matters to foster transparency and public trust.

Policy Compliance and Reporting:

• Ensures compliance with all relevant legislation, policies, and guidelines while aligning planning priorities with Ministry of Education expectations.
• Prepares and presents reports, briefing notes, and recommendations to senior management, trustees, and other stakeholders.

Leadership in Community and Accommodation Planning:

• Leads the Central Accommodation Team (CAT), overseeing accommodation options, cost-benefit analyses, and community planning processes.
• Has direct responsibility for the Planning employees, including hiring, developing, and retaining high-performing talent.

Financial/Budget Management:

• Leads financial planning for enrolment and accommodation strategies, prepares and manages department budgets including forecasting, expenditure monitoring and multi year financial planning.

Qualifications

Education:

• University degree in Urban Planning, Engineering, or a related field. A Master's degree is preferred.

Experience:

• Minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible senior management experience in planning functions, with a focus on enrolment projections, pupil accommodation strategies, and land use planning.
• Experience in managing large-scale planning projects and working with diverse stakeholders.

Skills:

• Strong strategic planning, budgeting, and project management skills.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.
• Ability to lead and inspire a high-performing team while managing diverse stakeholder interests.
• Proficiency in data management systems, spreadsheets, and presentation tools.
• Strong communication and negotiation skills, with the ability to present complex information clearly.
• Knowledge of Board policies, Ministry requirements, and collective agreements.

Core Competencies:

• Project Management: Skilled in managing multiple projects simultaneously, with attention to detail and deadlines.
• Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex information clearly.
• Technical Building Knowledge: this position needs to know something about building technology and construction.
• Collaboration: Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively with diverse stakeholders.
• Problem-Solving: Proactive in identifying issues and developing solutions to overcome challenges.
• Equity and Inclusion: Demonstrated ability to promote inclusive practices.
• Financial/Budget Management: Demonstrates the ability to develop, manage, and oversee budgets that support enrolment and accommodation strategies. Applies financial planning skills to forecast costs, monitor expenditures, and ensure responsible use of resources to achieve short and long-term goals.

Special Requirements

Special Requirements:

• Provision of own vehicle for Board business.
• Require.