Executive Assistant to the Chief Commissioner

Strathcona County is seeking a highly organized, diplomatic, and proactive professional Executive Assistant who thrives in a fast-paced, politically sensitive environment. 

Reporting to the Chief Commissioner, the Executive Assistant provides high-level, confidential executive administrative support to ensure the seamless operation of the Office of the Chief Commissioner and Executive Administration. Acting as a key liaison, this role facilitates communication and coordination between the Executive Team, the Office of the Mayor, Council, Executive Assistants, and various departments and divisions, working closely with department Directors and administrative staff.

The Executive Assistant offers professional and strategic guidance to the Chief Commissioner on operational matters, requiring a strong understanding of communications, policy, and divisional priorities, as well as their broader organizational impact. This position also leads, mentors, and coaches senior administrative staff while providing advisory support to senior management as needed.

With significant interaction with Elected Officials, their administrative teams, external stakeholders—including all levels of government, senior private sector representatives, and boards—this role operates in a politically sensitive environment, requiring discretion, professionalism, and a strategic mindset.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide senior-level confidential administrative assistance to the Chief Commissioner and Executive Team including working with Mayor and Council handling politically sensitive matters in a timely, exercising initiative and sound judgement
• Provides leadership and coordination for the day-to-day operations of the Office of the Chief Commissioner, ensuring efficiency and effectiveness
• Fosters a strong, cohesive and effective team environment with senior administrative staff to provide seamless coverage and support to all Executive Team members
• Builds and maintains positive relationships and excellent communication lines with administrative support to the Mayor and Council to ensure timely responses to Elected Officials and residents
• Ensure the Chief Commissioner is fully prepared for meetings and events with necessary briefing materials
• Analyze requests for information, conduct research, and prepare reports, correspondence, and briefing notes
• Reviews/initiates reports for Council, Priorities Committee, Executive Team and Senior Leadership Team meetings
• Compose correspondence, agendas, meeting minutes, reports and other material for the Chief Commissioner ensuring material meets organizational protocols
• Manage the Chief Commissioner’s calendar, scheduling appointments and meetings with a focus on priorities and business needs
• Manage the Chief Commissioner’s time to accommodate daily schedule as well as last minute business pressures
• Coordinates and respond to a significant volume of requests for meetings from other members of Executive Team, departments, other levels of government and external organizations
• Coordinate meeting invitations with the Office of the Mayor and the Office of the Elected Officials to ensure appropriate attendance from Administration and Elected Officials
• Organize travel arrangements, conference registrations, and logistics for meetings and events
• Lead division-wide coordination of information by ensuring Council/Priorities Committee reports, issue briefs and information requested by Council are provided for review by the Chief Commissioner, meeting all County protocols for presentation of written materials within timelines allotted
• Lead and mentor senior administrative staff, ensuring a cohesive and high-functioning team
• Provide guidance on administrative processes and best practices to internal stakeholders
• Coordinate and manage logistics for corporate, divisional, and Executive and Senior Leadership Team events, conferences and other special events
• Maintain accurate corporate records and manage access permissions
• Ensure internal and external communication is professional, timely, and aligns with organizational goals
• Handle Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy (FOIP) requests in collaboration with Legislative and Legal Services
• Act as a liaison between the Chief Commissioner’s office, the Associate Commissioners, the Mayor’s office, Council, and other stakeholders

Qualifications and Skills:

• Certificate or diploma in Office or Business Administration plus a minimum of 9 years of progressively responsible executive-level experience
• Extensive experience working in politically sensitive environments
• Highly proficient in Microsoft Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, Excel, eScribe, SharePoint, Oracle, and other office software
• Ability to assess the urgency of a situation and respond in a timely manner  
• Sound leadership skills to motivate and direct staff while maintaining a professional, positive image 
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to work independently and multi-task effectively, with frequent interruption, changing priorities and requests from a variety of sources 
• Excellent communication skills, including writing, proofreading, and presentation skills
• Experience with general accounting and budgeting procedures
• In-depth knowledge of government systems, policies, and legislative processes
• Ability to handle confidential matters with discretion, diplomacy and professionalism
• Strong problem-solving skills with a keen eye for detail

Conditions of Employment:

• Submission of a Satisfactory Criminal Record Check  

Who We Are:

Strathcona County is a specialized municipality located in the heart of Alberta. Our vision is to become Canada’s most livable community, where our workplace culture and identity are supported by our people plan and values of integrity, respect, safety, fairness, and cooperation. 

Why Join Strathcona County: (depending on position)

• Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package, which includes:
  • Extended health and dental coverage   
  • Health and wellness spending account   
  • Life and disability insurance and critical illness programs
  • Retirement and pension programs 
  • Paid and unpaid leave programs 
  • Earned day off program
  • Employee and family assistance program
• Commitment to employee development, through internal and external training and development opportunities
• Well-being programs and a safety culture focused on physical and psychological health in the workplace

Equivalencies of education and experience may be considered. 

This competition may be used to fill future vacancies for similar positions within the next 6 months.  

Strathcona County is committed to an inclusive, respectful, and equitable workplace that represents the community we serve. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds who can contribute diverse perspectives and experiences.

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

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