Chief Administrative Officer

Reporting to Council, the Chief Administrative Officer (“CAO”), is the most senior executive responsible enacting Council’s vision and direction. In addition, the CAO is accountable for the overall leadership, planning, reporting, budgeting, management, and administration of municipal operations as guided by the objectives, plans and policies approved by Council and in accordance with the Municipal Governance Act (“MGA”).

The Ideal Candidate
The Chief Administrative Officer is responsible for providing corporate leadership for the general management and stewardship of the municipality. An ideal Chief Administrative Officer should be self-motivated, collaborative, and a participatory leader. In addition to having mature tact and diplomacy skills, they will have the ability to build trusting relationships with Council and Staff. They will have exceptional interpersonal skills, the ability to build and empower strong teams, and the capacity to work with a diverse group of internal and external stakeholders. They should also have the capacity to work cohesively with elected officials, community organizations, industry, agencies, chambers of commerce, other municipalities and residents. They should possess the ability to invite and welcome diverse perspectives in a respectful environment and facilitate impactful outcomes. It would be beneficial if they possess personal or work-related experience within a rural community or environment.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership and Staff Relationship
• Provide positive leadership, supervision, direction, mentorship and coaching to the administrative team, and review the performance goals and objectives of the leadership team, direct reports, and employees of the Village.
• Champion a positive corporate culture by personally demonstrating and engaging with staff.
• Conduct oneself in an honest and ethical manner.
• Engage staff in the development and review of annual goals and objectives.
• Provide practical guidance and timely advice, as required.
• Ensure that staff issues and concerns are addressed respectfully.
• Implement any internal reorganization of responsibilities and duties required for the effective and efficient operation of the Municipality.
• Promote and encourage the training and development of skills and professional growth.
• Create and promote a work culture that embraces health and safety, productivity, succession planning and customer-oriented attitudes.
• Meet regularly with all levels of staff to ensure current understanding and knowledge relevant to operational issues, staffing concerns and any concerns received from stakeholders and Village residents.

Council Relations and Support
• Maintain a positive and productive relationship with Council based on trust, commitment, and open communications.
• Champion and bridge positive relations between Council and Staff via communications, engagement and collaboration.
• Unless excused, attend Council and Committee meetings to contribute and assist in deliberations.
• Be prepared for Council by providing all the information required to enable well-informed decisions.
• Regularly update Council on progress, recommended changes and new matters that relate to the strategic plan and work programs.
• Prepare and submit reports and recommendations as required by Council and Council committees.
• Develop and recommend, for Council approval, bylaws and policies dealing with non-administrative matters as directed by Council, or at the initiation of Administration.
• Advise and inform the Council of issues and developments and opportunities of an operational, legislative, economic development or political nature that relate to the interests of the Village.
• Work with Council to address matters of importance to the Village.
• Develop objectives that align with the vision and direction of Council and committees.
• Support Council in determining policy by providing information such as other levels of government objectives, social and economic trends, advice of staff, positions advocated by community groups and local businesses.

Administration and Organization
• Develop, approve, and implement policies, procedures, and practices dealing strictly with administrative matters.
• Ensure the appropriate implementation of all programs and policies of the Municipality.
• Negotiate contracts, agreements, and transactions required for the effective operation of the Municipality and recommend the approval of such by Council.
• Hire or retain legal counsel on behalf of the Municipality as may be required.
• Attend meetings of such boards, committees, commissions, or other bodies as may be required.
• Maintain knowledge of the key responsibilities within the organization.
• Ensure operations and budgets align with the Municipality / Council’s approved strategic goals, and business plans and goals.
• Measure and monitor levels of service against strategic and business goals.
• Review and recommend progressive and responsive policies, procedures, systems, and investments that may positively enhance the Village’s activities, programs, and services.
• Sign any order, agreement, cheque, negotiation instrument, or document made or executed on behalf of the Municipality.
• Assume full accountability under the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy (FOIPP) Act. 
• Provide leadership, oversight, and support to direct reports and Council.
• Ensure that the organization structure for the Village reflects operational needs and achieves objectives and vision established by Council.
• Liaison between industry, developers, regional municipalities, Committees, Commissions and Council.
• Ensures personal professional development relevant to CAO competencies.
• Work and guide the leadership team to ensure that Village operations aligned with Council’s direction.
• Perform other duties as may be requested by Council or required by bylaw, order, statute, or regulation.

Legislative Responsibilities
• Maintain a current understanding of applicable municipal legislation and leadership, as well as relevant provincial and federal government programs, policies, and initiatives.
• Ensure all powers, duties and functions prescribed under the Municipal Government Act are fulfilled.
• Ensure municipal compliance with legislation as set out in the Statutes of Alberta.
• Ensure that all municipal staff comply with legislation as set out in the Statutes of Alberta.

Community Engagement
• Develop productive and collaborative working relationships with community partners of the Village.
• Solicit input from Village residents on development of policy, initiatives, programs, or investments.
• Explore and encourage community organizations to provide different services throughout the region.
• Establish positive working relationships with officials with neighboring municipalities, industry, surrounding First Nations, and provincial and federal levels of government.

Budgeting and Finance
• Oversee the development and administration of the Village’s operating and capital budgets.
• Champion long-term operational and budget planning guided by Council’s strategic vision.
• Ensure compliance with the MGA in terms of budget submissions and reporting.
• Direct as well as approve expenditures in accordance with the Village policy.
• Ensure appropriate reserve fund management to address and plan for future Capital requirements.
• Oversee, review, advise, and update Council on Village assets, debentures, and investments.
• In an emergency, authorize any expenditure not previously approved by Council and report to Council.
• Coordinate long-term land-use, economic development, financial, and capital planning.
• Investigate and pursue grant funding through various avenues and partnerships for the benefit of the Village.
• Oversee the management of tax assessment, collection and appeals.

Economic Development and Tourism
• Be a champion for investment and recreation within the Village.
• Oversee economic development and tourism planning, pursuits, promotions, initiatives, and programs.
• Work with your team, advise on programs and policies to Council which may stimulate employment and business opportunities within the region.
• Participate in regional economic development committees and explore potential for productive partnerships.
• Apprise Council and Village employees of significant trends, opportunities, and threats.

Requirements

Qualifications
• Post-secondary education (degree, diploma, or certificate) is an asset.
• 5+ years in a leadership role within a small or mid-size public or private organization.
• Prior municipal leadership experience or exposure or an equivalent combination from another sector(s).
• Completion of or enrollment in a local government management or public administrative program such as CLGM, NACLAA, LGA would be an asset.
• Exposure or experience with municipal financial budget planning software.
• A provincial emergency management certification (DEM) would be an asset.
• Experience and or knowledge of the Alberta Municipal Government Act (MGA) would be an asset.
• Experience working with a municipal Council or Governance Board is preferred.
• Demonstrated management experience with financial and budgeting processes, strategic planning, government and people relations, negotiations, communications, conflict resolution, and capital works and infrastructure.
• Experience in strategic, capital and operational planning.
• Functional computer literacy and Microsoft Office skills.
• Proven and mature interpersonal and communication skills.

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