Commissioner, Community Services

Located on the historic, 386-kilometreTrent-Severn Waterway in the heart of the Kawartha tourism region, Peterborough is a unique community known for its exceptional quality of life and beautiful setting. The city has been named one of 52 destinations to visit in 2025 by the New York Times. 

The City has been shaped by its connection to the waterway, nature, and by the people who call it home. Peterborough is a community of doers and dreamers that are resourceful, passionate, creative and brimming with local pride.

Before it was ever known as Peterborough, this land was called Nogojiwanong – Ojibwe for “the place at the foot of the rapids.” Today, the city remains continuously in motion, guided by a deep sense of community and connection. The City is located on the Treaty 20 Michi Saagiig Anishinaabeg territory and in the traditional territory of the Michi Saagiig and Chippewa Nations, known collectively as the Williams Treaty First Nations.

About the Community Services Department

The City of Peterborough’s Community Services Department plays a central role in enhancing quality of life and community well‑being through a wide range of resident‑focused programs and services. The department is made up of Social Services, Peterborough Public Library, Fire Services, and Recreation, Parks & Cultural Services, and Community Development, supporting residents across all stages of life. Together, these services strengthen community safety, inclusion, cultural vitality, and access to essential supports that help Peterborough remain a welcoming and connected city

About the Role

Reporting to the Chief Administrative Officer, the Commissioner of Community Services is a key member of the Corporate Senior Leadership Team and plays a critical role in advancing Council’s strategic priorities. This role requires an innovative, collaborative leader committed to strengthening community well‑being and delivering high‑quality, resident‑focused services.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic & Operational Leadership

• Provide visionary leadership and strategic direction to a complex, multi‑divisional department.
• Drive innovation, service excellence, process improvement, change management, and effective use of technology.
• Ensure legislative compliance and fulfill statutory responsibilities while maximizing value for taxpayers.

People & Culture Leadership

• Lead, mentor, and empower a diverse, multi‑faceted workforce through collaboration and accountability.
• Foster a culture of teamwork, performance management, customer service excellence, and continuous improvement.
• Model values‑based leadership grounded in integrity, trust, and ethical conduct.

Governance, Council & Political Acumen

• Serve as a trusted advisor to Council and Standing Committees, providing clear, strategic, and forward‑looking recommendations.
• Anticipate and manage political sensitivities while standing behind professional advice in a complex governance environment.
• Act as a key liaison between the department, Council, and the broader Corporation.

Stakeholder Engagement & Communication

• Engage effectively with diverse community and stakeholder groups as a visible and credible municipal leader.
• Communicate with clarity and confidence through professional verbal and written presentations.
• Build strong internal and external relationships to address community needs and advance municipal priorities.

Qualifications

• University degree in a related field, ideally supplemented by a postgraduate or Master’s degree, with 10+ years of senior leadership experience in a complex organization and a strong record of customer service excellence, innovation, collaboration, and fiscal accountability.
• Demonstrated ability to build trusted, collaborative relationships, with strong expertise in strategic and corporate planning, analytics, and problem‑solving, and proven experience working effectively with elected officials and senior executives.
• Creative, innovative leader with a proven track record of leading change, setting strategic direction, and delivering impactful solutions in complex, evolving environments.
• Values‑based, results‑driven public service leader with strong financial management expertise, high ethical standards, and a continuous improvement mindset; Lean Methodology experience is an asset.

Salary

$241,316 to $263,779