Chief Administrative Officer (CAO)

Position Details:

Employer: Cypress County

Location: Dunmore, AB

Industry: Municipal Government

Position Outline:

• Key Advisor to Council:
  • Recommend objectives, policies and programs to the Council; direct the implementation and monitor the progress of policies and programs as approved by the Council; evaluate same and recommend improvements as required.
  • Attend all regular and special meetings of Council, and other meetings as requested by the Council…and provide advice on relevant matters.
• Strategic Planning:
  • Support the Reeve and Council in continuously formulating and updating the Strategic Plan for the County.  This plan will chart the future, identify critical issues, and set annual objectives and strategies.
  • Work closely with the Council to develop and implement new and innovative ways to increase the profile and perception of Cypress County as an employer of choice, as well as awareness as a destination for business.
• Economic Development:
  • Work closely with the Council and Palliser Economic Partnership to continue to promote local businesses and attract new businesses to the County and the region.
  • Promote an “open for business” mindset, and always strive for new and innovative opportunities to generate revenue.
• Leadership & General Administration:
  • Establish clear and measurable Key Performance Indicators (KPI’s).
  • Coach, train, and mentor staff with the goal of leadership development, and succession planning.
  • Ensure all required bylaws, resolutions, and records of the municipality are regularly reviewed, up to date, and available for public review.
  • Coordinate departmental activities and advise Council of any necessary changes in duties, responsibilities, or authority of Directors and staff.
• Human Resource Management:
  • Together with the Human Resources Coordinator, establish, promote, and maintain comprehensive human resource policies, procedures and programs covering the selection, compensation, development, retention, appraisal, and placement of municipal employees within established policies and delegation; recommend to Council new positions, salary grid adjustments, fringe benefits and improved working conditions.
  • Develop, implement and monitor performance standards; complete performance reviews, and ensure that performance evaluations are ongoing.
• Financial Management:
  • In concert with the Director of Corporate Services, direct the preparation of capital and operating budgets and submit same to Council with supporting documentation; act as the senior staff member in charge of, and responsible for, budget expenditures and financial controls.
• Communication & Public Relations:
  • Deliver top-notch customer service to both internal and external stakeholders and ensure it is a priority.
  • Develop effective regular and open communication strategies that advance the interests of the County, its residents, and its stakeholders.
  • Act as a liaison with representatives externally such as boards, commissions, agencies, consultants, neighbouring municipalities, industry, and CFB (Canadian Forces Base) Suffield representatives.
  • Keep informed of governmental and community affairs, and advise the Council and County employees of significant trends, grant programs, legislatives changes, and other relevant information.
  • Ensure the prompt and proper handling by administration of all requests, enquiries and complaints by the public, including the establishment of County policies and procedures dealing with complaints.
  • Attend community events – which may include occasional evenings and/or weekends.
• Professional Development & Networking Opportunities:
  • Monitor changes in Provincial and Federal legislation, emerging issues and trends, and provide the Reeve and the Council with advice and guidance relative to the potential impact on the County.
  • Participate in relevant conferences, conventions, and training sessions.
• Other Functions
  • Ensure that workplace Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S) remains a top priority.
  • Train and participate in the Municipal and Regional Emergency Response Plans.
  • Perform other duties or functions as delegated by Council.

The CAO will possess the following to be successful:

• Strong leadership skills with the proven ability to provide support, guidance, and mentorship to both the Council, and to the staff.   
• Open and supportive collaborative leader who supports a team approach and leads by example.  Set an example for others to follow, and keep a focus on succession planning.   
• Change management -  the ability to work within a changing environment, and not be afraid to hit conflict and resistance to change head on.
• A visionary who isn’t afraid of challenging the existing culture, and who possesses a progressive outlook and a willingness to change and elevate Cypress County to new heights.  A strong sense of urgency.
• Create and foster positive and professional relationships with higher levels of government, and always represent the County in a positive fashion.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with considerable presence and energy.  Someone who is direct and to the point when required.
• Able to practice an open and transparent form of communication (oral and written) to staff, contractors, vendors, ratepayers, and Council.  Proven ability to listen.
• Ability to provide executive leadership to all planning initiatives and ensure accountability for achievement of results throughout Cypress County.
• Capable of making difficult decisions, and able to demonstrate the confidence required to stand behind those decisions.
• Politically savvy with the ability to know and understand legislative and regulatory processes, coupled with the intuition to read the political implications of recommendations and actions.
• Unimpeachable ethical and moral standards, personal integrity, and trustworthy.

The ideal candidate will possess a post-secondary education in Business Administration, Commerce, Public Administration, or a combination of relevant training and senior leadership experience will be considered.  This includes:  

• A minimum of ten (10) years of related and progressive senior leadership experience particularly in a rural local government setting.
• Demonstrated experience in leadership, strategic planning, organizational development, team building, and conflict resolution.
• Ability to work effectively with elected officials, volunteer boards, and commissions.  Experience with public participation process and policy and public service delivery.
• Knowledge in working with budgets and implementing capital works and infrastructure improvement programs.
• Previous involvement with the grant application and management process.
• Familiarity with the Municipal Government Act (MGA) and related statutes, or equivalent experience managing in a government environment.
• A Certified Local Government Manager (CLGM) designation would be an asset.

A competitive compensation package will be provided to the successful candidate.  This includes an attractive base salary, a comprehensive benefits package, and participation in LAPP (Local Authorities Pension Plan).  Details will be discussed in further conversations.

James Davies                               

Managing Director

DCG Executive Search Services Ltd.

Phone: (780) 758-9796

E-mail: [email protected]

Web: www.daviescg.com