Community Development Officer
Role and Responsibilities - The role of a Community Development Officer centers around fostering growth and development within communities, with a focus on enhancing the quality of life for its residents. This position involves collaborating with local groups, organizations, and individuals to identify community needs, develop initiatives, and implement projects that support social, economic, and environmental well-being. By acting as a liaison between the community and various stakeholders, including government bodies and private entities, the Community Development Officer ensures that the community’s voice is heard and its interests are represented. Through strategic planning and resource allocation, this role supports the creation of sustainable and inclusive communities where every member has the opportunity to thrive.
Please send resume and cover letter to: cao@townofbiggar.com by March 13, 2026
CDO Tasks and Duties:
- Administration - Responsible for the administration, planning, and implementation of Community Development policies and activities in accordance with Council and the CAO.
- Develop and annual budget based on department activities and initiatives.
- Collaborate with Council and the CAO to develop 3-5 annual goals.
- Prepare and present reports to Council as required.
- Maintain and organize an office and filing system to record and store information as it pertains to the general operations of Town Community Development.
- To work with Council and other town staff to achieve community development goals and objectives as directed by the CAO and Council.
- To procure merchandise that promotes the Town and to administer its distribution.
- Assist with Strategic planning, particularly marketing and communications.
- Research, develop and implement policies and initiatives that will support the Town’s Community Development strategic goals and objectives.
- Provide policy advice to Council on appropriate external initiatives, issues and legislation relevant to community development.
- Perform regular program evaluation by analyzing data on community participation, resident feedback, demographics, needs, and resources to inform decision-making and measure the impact and effectiveness of initiatives that support the Town’s strategic goals and objectives.
- Communications- To develop and maintain positive effective communication and foster partnerships with a variety of organizations providing services and activities in the town of Biggar. To also promote positive relations with different levels of government and relevant agencies.
- Maintain the Town website as up to date as possible to provide a reliable and consistent location for town information that is easily accessed by the public.
- Utilize social media to disseminate information regarding town activities and responsibilities while driving traffic to the town website.
- Draft regularly scheduled newsletters focused on town activities and events and distribute them throughout the community.
- Utilize email effectively to communicate with the general public, community organizations, and local businesses. This may include newsletters, surveys, polls, etc.
- To prepare, publish and distribute promotional material and other publications.
- To establish, promote and maintain effective public relations on behalf of the Town of Biggar to local, provincial and federal authorities and agencies.
- Help to raise public awareness on issues relevant to the community.
- To educate the public on Town responsibilities and activities. This includes projects and operations as well as general information on the role of local government.
- Liaise with SEDA and participate in relevant initiatives that will benefit the community of Biggar.
- Community Engagement - Building and maintaining relationships with residents, community organizations and governmental entities are critical for aligning parties with community goals and projects. It involves listening to stakeholder concerns, facilitating discussions to address these issues, and leveraging relationships to create a supportive and engaged community environment.
- Act as a liaison on behalf of the town of Biggar with local and regional organizations and community groups.
- Represent the Town of Biggar on outside committees, boards or commissions.
- Administer Sponsorship and Donor Policy to ensure resources are allocated effectively and for the benefit of the community.
- Administer the Cultural Flag Program to reflect the diverse demographics and interests of Biggar.
- Create information packages and/or community profiles for distribution to potential residents. The profile should include town amenities, available services, community supports and information.
- Compile materials, maintain and distribute Welcome Packages to suitable people, organizations and local businesses.
- Provide support and advice to community groups and volunteers on project management, fundraising, and event planning.
- To coordinate the Town of Biggar’s role in community events and work with organizing committees to aid in the success of the event.
- To connect local organizations and groups with shared interests and facilitate partnerships for the benefit of the community.
- To represent the Town of Biggar at trade shows and other relevant promotional events.
- Solicit and foster community engagement and feedback regarding the development and implementation of Community Development policies and supporting initiatives. This may include surveys, workshops, polls, etc.
- Supporting local organisations and residents to identify issues, needs and solutions to improve their community.
- Encourage residents’ participation in town activities and events.
- Local Business Support and Expansion
- Act as a Community Liaison to local businesses on behalf of the town of Biggar.
- Actively strive to attract new business to the community to expand and grow the local economy.
- Administer the Urban Sign Corridor, including its promotion and expansion.
- Act as a resource to local businesses such as sharing or promoting information related to grants, government initiatives, SEDA activities, local skills and abilities, etc.
- Support the business community as a whole by promoting regular meetings and the sharing of information and resources.
- Administer business licenses within the Town of Biggar. This includes the promotion and enforcement of licenses and developing incentives for compliance.
- Develop and maintain a local business list or registry for those that provide services or goods in the region that are available to Biggar residents.
- Create information packages and/or community profiles for potential new businesses and investors. The profile may include available natural resources, demographics, zoning information, etc.