Planner-in-Residence Program

Context

Each year, the School of Planning hosts a Planner-in-Residence, an expert who teaches a core course and interacts with students and faculty in the School. The program gives students and professors the opportunity to interact with professionals who are leaders in their field. The Planner-in-Residence program is one of the ways the School of Planning integrates practice experience directly in planning education. The Planner-in-Residence program is funded by the University of Waterloo Planning Alumni of Toronto. The Planner-in-Residence role is held for one year (starting in September).

Role

The Planner-in-Residence role would normally involve the following:

  • Fall
    • Attend the UWPAT dinner
    • Attend the Young Alumni Social (part of the UWPAT dinner)
    • Lead one seminar on professional development as part of the Association of Graduate Planners (AGP) lecture series

      •  
  • Winter
    • Teach a core undergraduate course (PLAN 403: Professional Practice, Public and Private Administration). Usually offered in person but virtual delivery may be required depending on pandemic related restrictions at that time.
  • Spring
    • Deliver a public keynote address in an area of the Planner’s expertise
    • Attend the School’s Pragma conference

Criteria

The Planner-in-Residence is an established professional working in the planning field, broadly defined. The position requires:

  • 10 years or more of practice experience in planning
  • Passion and interest in planning education and a teaching role
  • Desire to inspire and mentor young planners
  • Strong communication, interpersonal and public presentation skills
  • Normally, ability to travel to Waterloo on a regular basis, especially during the Winter term. Need for travel will depend on any pandemic related restrictions. If applicable, travel costs, within a reasonable limit, are reimbursed by the School.

Practice experience can be in any one or a combination of different areas within planning, including community-based work. The University celebrates diversity through intersectionality informed initiatives for students, faculty, and staff who identify as racialized, Indigenous, women, a person with a disability, and/or LGBTQ2+. The School of Planning seeks applicants who embrace these goals of diversity and inclusion.

Applications

Expressions of interest can be submitted at any time to the Director of the School Dr. Mark Seasons. These should include a detailed resume, a short letter of interest (about 1-2 pages) describing qualifications and fit with the position, and the contact information of an arm’s length professional willing to act as a reference. If not selected in a given year, applications will be kept on file for future consideration. Applicants from traditionally underrepresented groups in planning are particularly encouraged to apply.

Members of the School’s leadership team (Associate Director Graduate, Associate Director Undergraduate, Associate Director, Professional Practice and the Academic Services Manager) advise the Director on the selection of the Planner-in-Residence. The Director of the School makes the final decision based on the above criteria and current School priority areas/needs. The successful applicant will normally be selected in July/August.