Chief Administrative Officer

Chief Administrative Officer

THE OPPORTUNITY
We have a fantastic opportunity for a Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) to join an innovative and growing municipality. Reporting directly to Council, the CAO is responsible for enacting Council’s vision and direction and is the most senior executive within the organization. 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”). This is an amazing role for a business leader or municipal expert with a proven track record in economic development and strategic growth.

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE
The ideal CAO should be a relationship builder, visionary leader, with an innovative and progressive approach to leadership. They will have an amazing Senior Leadership Team and Council to work with that is committed to making Sturgeon County the best municipality to live, work and do business in. 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.

THE ORGANIZATION
Sturgeon County, a sprawling municipal district located north of Edmonton, covers an expansive 2,146 square kilometers and serves a diverse population of 20,945 county residents. Sturgeon County is a vibrant municipality comprising farmland, world-class industrial development, and residential acreage developments. Sturgeon County provides residents with a high standard of living and a wide range of services, including recreational programming, community events, protective and transportation services, and utilities. It is the home of the Alberta Industrial Heartland, one of the world’s most attractive locations for chemical, petrochemical, oil, and gas investments. The county also hosts a rapidly growing regional airport and Canadian Forces Base Edmonton, contributing significantly to the area’s economic strength and community character.

STURGEON COUNTY’S VISION
Offering a rich tapestry of historical, cultural, and natural experiences, Sturgeon County is a municipality that honors its rural roots and cultivates desirable communities. Uniquely situated to provide world-class agricultural, energy, and business investment opportunities, the County prioritizes responsible stewardship and dreaming big.

Direct Reports (7)

• General Manager, Development Services Division
• General Manager/CFO, Financial Services Division
• General Manager, Corporate Services Division
• General Manager, Infrastructure Services Division
• Director, Communications and Strategic Services
• Director, Community Services
• Chief of Staff

KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Council Advice and Support

• Attends regular and special meetings of Council as required and other meetings as requested.
• Advises Council on relevant matters.
• Keeps informed about governmental and community affairs and advises Council and personnel of significant trends.

Leadership & Management

• Monitors and ensures adherence to County policies, rules, procedures, programs, and guidelines through effective communication.
• Directs the overall planning, coordination, and control of all municipal operations in accordance with the objectives, policies, and plans of the County.
• Monitors compliance with all applicable statutory enactments.
• Recommends objectives, programs, and policies (other than those related to personnel) to Council, and directs implementation of them, monitors those approved by Council, and recommends improvements as required.

People Leadership

• Directs and manages all the personnel and employees of the County.
• Establishes and changes personnel, employment, and administrative policies, procedures, programs, rules, and guidelines as deemed necessary for the safe, efficient, economic, and effective operation of the County.
• Hires, appoints, suspends, removes, lays off, or terminates any employee of the County.
• Sets terms of employment for employees of the County.
• Directs, supervises, oversees, manages, and reviews the performance of the employees and personnel of the County.
• Establishes structure and organization of the management, personnel, and administration of the County necessary for the safe, efficient, economic, and effective operation of the County.

Stakeholder, Public Relations, Boards and Committees

• Acts as a liaison with representatives externally, such as boards, commissions, agents, consultants, and others, and advises Council and committees as requested.
• Coordinates the prompt and proper handling of all requests, inquiries, and complaints by the public.
• Takes actions or measures which are necessary to respond to an emergency or disaster.

Financial Management

• Directs the development of policies and procedures related to budget expenditures and financial controls.
• Directs the preparation of capital and operating budgets and submits them to Council for approval with supporting documentation.
• Directs the execution of all documents, agreements, and contracts.
• Authorizes the payment of accounts within established guidelines of the County.
• Performs all other duties and functions for the safe, efficient, economic, and effective operation of the County as may be required from time to time including, but not limited to, retaining and instructing legal counsel, settling claims, actions and demands, paying any amounts the County is legally required to pay pursuant to an order, directive or judgment of a court, tribunal or board of competent jurisdiction, entering into contracts, agreements, and transactions, provided that no such action requires an expenditure of money which has not been approved by Council or which has not been included in an operating budget, interim operating budget except in the case of immediate action required to respond to an emergency or disaster.

Economic Development and Tourism

• Be a champion for investment and recreation within the County.
• 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 County employees of significant trends, opportunities, and threats.

Other Related Duties

• Performs other duties as required by Council.
• May delegate the CAO responsibilities under Bylaw 1100/06 to other officers or employees of the County.
• Performs special projects as required.
• Adheres to applicable responsibilities and accountabilities as outlined in the Sturgeon County Health and Safety Management System.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Post-secondary education (degree, diploma, or certificate) is an asset.
• 10+ years in a leadership role within a mid-size or larger public or private organization.
• At least 5 years in an executive level position within an 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.
• 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.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT
SANDY JACOBSON| T: 780.944.1327| E: sandy.jacobson@richardsonsearch.ca | www.richardsonsearch.ca