Executive Director, Housing Secretariat
Toronto is Canada’s largest city, the fourth largest in North America, and home to a diverse population of about 2.8 million people. Consistently ranked one of the world’s most livable cities, we are a global centre for business, finance, arts and culture.
About the Role
The City of Toronto is seeking an experienced, strategic, and collaborative leader to serve as the Executive Director of the Housing Secretariat. Reporting to the Deputy City Manager, Development and Growth Services, the Executive Director will lead the development and execution of Toronto’s 10-Year Housing Plan. This critical leadership role is responsible for championing the City’s housing vision—particularly across the spectrum of supportive, transitional, and affordable housing—and for fostering innovation and progress in partnership with internal divisions, external stakeholders, and all levels of government. The Executive Director will provide high-level strategic advice to senior municipal leadership, including the City Manager, Deputy City Managers, and City Council, helping to shape and implement policies that meet Toronto’s growing and evolving housing needs.
Key Responsibilities
- Set the strategic direction and oversee the operations of the Housing Secretariat, aligning divisional goals with Council priorities and corporate strategies.
- Collaborate with the Executive Director of the Housing Development Office and other City leaders to implement the 10-Year Housing Plan, including major initiatives like Housing Now and the Open Door Affordable Housing Program.
- Provide expert policy and program advice to the City Manager, Deputy City Managers, Mayor, and Council; represent the City in housing-related intergovernmental relations and advocacy.
- Lead and coordinate cross-divisional housing policy development, service planning, and program administration.
- Foster strategic partnerships across City divisions, agencies, community-based organizations, and other levels of government.
- Ensure effective financial stewardship, including annual budgeting, financial planning, and forecasting for housing investments.
- Lead and develop a high-performing, multidisciplinary team that promotes continuous improvement, innovation, and a strong service culture.
- Represent the City publicly in media and stakeholder engagements related to housing initiatives.
- Promote a safe, equitable, and inclusive workplace in compliance with Occupational Health and Safety regulations and corporate policies.
Candidate Profile
The ideal candidate is a visionary and systems-oriented executive with demonstrated success in developing housing strategies or large-scale public initiatives. You bring a deep understanding of housing issues, urban development, and public policy, and are adept at navigating complex political, regulatory, and stakeholder environments. Your leadership style is collaborative and empowering, and you are experienced in building consensus across diverse communities, sectors, and governments. You are fiscally responsible, media-savvy, and deeply committed to equity, inclusion, and social impact.
Qualifications
- Progressive senior leadership experience in housing, public administration, urban planning, policy development, or a related field.
- Proven ability to develop and implement complex, multi-stakeholder strategies in a public sector environment.
- Demonstrated experience advising senior government officials and working with political bodies.
- Strong financial acumen, including experience managing large budgets and investment portfolios.
- Exceptional interpersonal, negotiation, and communication skills, with a record of building and maintaining strong partnerships.
- Familiarity with municipal governance, legislative frameworks, and housing-related regulatory requirements in Ontario.
- A post-secondary degree in a relevant discipline such as public administration, urban studies, social policy, planning, or law is strongly preferred.
To apply to this role, submit your application to Phelps by clicking here: https://rb.gy/7hm3it
Review of candidates will begin July 4th, 2025
