Downtown Halifax Business Commission (DHBC) is the voice and resource for the businesses located in the central business district of Halifax, Nova Scotia. DHBC develops and executes programs, events, and marketing initiatives to make Downtown Halifax a better place to live, work, and play and to foster a place where businesses want to be. DHBC’s mission is to champion and support a thriving Downtown Halifax.
DHBC represents businesses located in the area between the Halifax Waterfront and the waterside of Brunswick Street, and between the Cogswell Interchange and the south end of Barrington Street. There are approximately 1,600 businesses within the geographic area. By virtue of being in the Downtown district, these businesses are Members of DHBC. DHBC gives its membership a collective voice at the table on all major issues concerning Downtown Halifax.
DHBC is currently looking to fill the role of Placemaking Manager.
Reporting to the Director of Finance & Operations, the Placemaking Manager leads the planning, development, execution and evaluation of placemaking, public‐realm, event and maintenance initiatives throughout Downtown Halifax. The position is responsible for managing and delivering highly visible projects and programs that enhance Downtown Halifax’s public spaces and contribute to a vibrant, welcoming and engaging Downtown.
The role provides an opportunity to apply urban planning, public‐space design, community engagement, project management and research skills while also playing a hands‐on role in the implementation and operation of programs, events and activations. The Placemaking Manager directly supervises the Downtown Halifax Crew and works closely with staff, contractors, businesses, community partners, event organizers and other stakeholders. Flexible hours, including some evenings and weekends, will be required in relation to events, activations and seasonal programs.
Operations, Planning & Placemaking
- Lead and execute placemaking initiatives within Downtown Halifax’s public realm to ensure parks, streetscapes and public spaces within DHBC’s boundaries are welcoming, attractive, inclusive and engaging.
- Manage and execute DHBC placemaking and public‐space programs, including (but not limited to) seasonal decorations, picnic table program, Gritty to Pretty Placemaking Grant Program, banner pole program, poster kiosk program and other public‐space initiatives.
- Provide planning, project and placemaking advice and recommendations to the CEO and Board of Directors, as required.
- Assess Downtown streets, parks and public spaces to identify opportunities for enhancement, activation, improvement and investment.
- Lead all phases of project development, from concept and planning through implementation, launch and evaluation, ensuring industry best practices are met or exceeded.
- Develop project plans, budgets, timelines and recommendations, ensuring projects are delivered effectively and funds are spent responsibly.
- Work with project partners, consultants, contractors, designers and activity providers to communicate project vision, establish clear expectations, coordinate implementation and ensure timely completion.
- Coordinate concept design and project development while maintaining strong stakeholder engagement and supporting the timely acquisition of permits and approvals through Halifax Regional Municipality.
- Establish and maintain positive relationships with businesses, property owners, community organizations and other stakeholders surrounding key public spaces, building support through effective communication and successful implementation of placemaking initiatives.
- Hire, supervise and support the Downtown Halifax Crew, providing direction, scheduling, training and oversight as required.
- Work with the Director of Finance & Operations on annual budget planning and strategic planning.
- Implement and manage projects related to graffiti, cleanliness, maintenance and upkeep of public‐space installations, artwork and structural elements.
- Monitor and address graffiti, cleanliness, maintenance and other public‐space issues identified through regular observation or reported by staff, members, businesses or other stakeholders, coordinating appropriate follow‐up with relevant parties.
- Participate directly in the setup, takedown and operation of equipment required for successful
public‐space activations and events. - Work with Marketing & Communications staff to promote new projects, public‐space initiatives, programs and activations throughout Downtown Halifax.
Events & Public‐Space Activation
- Develop event logistics and provide on‐site management of DHBC events, public‐space activations and programs as required, including some evenings and weekends.
- Liaise with event organizers, Halifax Regional Municipality and other partners regarding events and activities affecting Downtown Halifax, including Nocturne: Art at Night, Hal‐Con, Halifax Pride, HRM Tree Lighting, Scotiabank Blue Nose Marathon and other major events.
- Work with event and activity partners to ensure successful delivery of activations, including coordinating calendars, schedules, site requirements, activity providers, staffing and volunteers.
- Coordinate sponsored event activations from planning through execution, including equipment, setup and takedown, staffing, volunteer coordination and on‐site management. Support the use of events and temporary activations as tools to enhance, test and evaluate public spaces.
- Work directly on‐site and hands‐on during events and activations, including setting up and moving equipment, coordinating staff and volunteers, troubleshooting issues and ensuring spaces are safe, functional and ready for public use.
Research, Engagement & Administration
- Research and apply best practices in urban planning, urban design, placemaking, public‐space activation and community development to inform ongoing and innovative programs.
- Serve as staff lead for the volunteer Placemaking Action Team, supporting meaningful volunteer and stakeholder participation in placemaking initiatives.
- Develop and implement engagement strategies, surveys and other methods to gather community, business and stakeholder feedback.
- Gather, maintain and analyze accurate project and public‐space data, including pedestrian counts, observations, photographs, measurements, type of engagement and length of stay.
- Manage the pedestrian counter program, including maintenance, technical support, data collection and reporting.
- Use research, data and stakeholder feedback to evaluate projects, measure outcomes and inform future placemaking initiatives.
- Research grants and other funding opportunities, in collaboration with the Director of Finance & Operations, to support and expand project implementation.
- Monitor incoming invoices and monthly budget tracking for relevant projects, ensuring financial information is accurate and up to date.
- Oversee the management, maintenance, tracking and storage of DHBC placemaking assets and equipment, including seasonal decorations, canopy tents, sound equipment and other activation materials.
- Manage special projects as they arise and provide shared administrative, financial and office support as required.
Qualifications & Experience
- Post‐secondary education in urban planning, community design, urban design, landscape architecture, architecture, community development, events or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Experience in urban planning, placemaking, public‐realm projects, community engagement, project management, events or a related field.
- Experience leading or supervising staff, volunteers or project teams.
- Experience working with members of the public, business community, community organizations and/or other stakeholders.
- Passion for creating vibrant, inclusive and accessible public spaces, with a strong understanding of how the built environment and public realm impact communities. Familiarity with municipal planning and approval processes, public engagement, GIS, mapping or data collection is considered an asset.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office products.
Requirements & Competencies
- Excellent written and verbal communication, analytical and relationship‐building skills.
- Exceptional organizational, administrative and time‐management skills, with strong attention to detail.
- Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects, priorities, deadlines and stakeholders simultaneously.
- Ability to balance receiving direction with initiative, sound judgment and independent decisionmaking.
- Demonstrated critical‐thinking and problem‐solving skills, with the ability to remain positive, seek clarification when required and develop practical solutions.
- Ability to work independently while contributing effectively within a collaborative team environment.
- Ability to communicate and collaborate effectively with contractors, consultants, businesses, community members, staff, volunteers and other partners.
- Must be capable of performing moderate physical tasks, including lifting and transporting materials or equipment, moving items by dolly, setting up and taking down equipment, walking, and sitting or standing outdoors for extended periods.
- Ability and willingness to work in varying weather conditions. Must be willing and available to work some evenings and weekends as required.
- A valid Nova Scotia driver’s license would be considered an asset.
How to Apply
Interested candidates are invited to apply NOW by submitting their resume and cover letter outlining their qualifications and relevant experience to:
Kimberly Dossett
Director of Finance & Operations
Downtown Halifax Business Commission
104‐1546 Barrington Street, Halifax, NS B3J 3X7
Email: Kimberly@downtownhalifax.ca
Please include the position title in the subject line of your email.