Chief Administrative Officer (CAO)

Nestled in green rolling hills on the banks of the North Saskatchewan River, Elk Point is rich in culture, history, and opportunity.  Located approximately two hours northeast of Edmonton, 20 minutes southeast of St Paul, 30 minutes south of Bonnyville, and 40 minutes north of Vermilion, the picturesque Town of Elk Point has a population of nearly 1,500 residents.

The Town offers a safe environment to raise a family, an abundance of both indoor and outdoor recreational opportunities (including an arena, curling rink, golf course, riding arena, pickleball courts, ball diamonds, soccer pitches, etc.), excellent educational opportunities, local professional healthcare practitioners and facilities, emergency management services (i.e., RCMP, fire services, and ambulance), and a local airport…to note a few key attractions and amenities.

With the full support of the Council and the community, Elk Point is a hub for business and investment opportunities (including industrial hemp, oil and gas, agriculture, tourism, aerospace, technology, defence, petrochemicals, agri-foods, financial services, cleantech, etc.).  From available serviced parcels of land, enticing tax incentives, to streamlined application processes, the Town is prepared for economic development, continued investment, and growth.

Come see why Elk Point is “The Right Place To Be.”

For additional information on our community, please visit the following:

• Town of Elk Point: www.elkppoint.ca
• Elk Point Promotional Video: https://youtu.be/R60rA-pEV5U

Reports to:                         Mayor & Four Elected Councillors

Total Staff:                         12 FT Town Staff

Budget:                               Combined - $5M

Organizational Structure:

The Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) is the sole employee of Council, and the administrative head of the municipality responsible for implementing the strategic direction as set out by the Council, and coordinating the planning of departmental priorities and programs which align with corporate goals and objectives.  Central to this role is the establishment of effective professional relationships and communication between Council, administration, neighbouring municipalities, Treaty 6 First Nation Members, Fishing Lake Metis Settlement, local businesses, potential investors, the Provincial Government, and the general public.

Additionally, the CAO will ensure:

Positive Council Relations:

• Support the Mayor and Council in determining policy by providing objective advice, clearly articulated alternatives, current and relevant background research, and ongoing counsel.  Ensure that effective policy decisions are being made in accordance with legislation such as the Municipal Government Act (MGA).

Solid Leadership & Management:

• Develop and uphold an effective organizational structure for the staff that reflects operational needs, and that is directed towards accomplishing the objectives. 

Economic Development/Growth Focus:

• Work closely with the Mayor and Council, and regional partners, to implement and carry out an economic development focus in order to promote local businesses, and attract new businesses/industry to the Town of Elk Point. 
• Promote an “open for business” mindset, and strive for new and innovative practices.

Transparent Communication & Public Relations:

• Ensure that Town staff are committed to providing the highest level of service, as well as effective and transparent communication (both internally and externally), and ensure it remains an on-going priority.

Continued Professional Working Relationships with Key Stakeholders:

• This includes existing businesses, potential investors, municipal partners, Treaty 6 First Nations members (i.e., Frog Lake First Nations, Kehewin Cree Nation, Cold Lake First Nations, and Saddle Lake Cree Nation), and the Fishing Lake Metis Settlement.  

Proper Legislative Practices:

• Provide efficient and cost-effective procurement of goods and services, and make sure that proper records are maintained.
• Direct and supervise the implementation of the policies and programs of the Council, and reporting regularly of the progress thereon to Council.

Effective Human Resource Management:

• Provide leadership and support to the employees of the Town in order to capitalize on the full potential of these critical resources.  Stimulate, motivate, coach, and direct all individuals to contribute fully to the realization of the Town’s strategic and operational objectives.
• Provide leadership and support to volunteers as directed by Council. 

Proper Financial Administration:

• Work collaboratively with the Director of Corporate & Community Services to ensure appropriate financial and administrative systems are in place that maximize the effectiveness of resource utilization within the objectives, policies, and budgets of Council.
• Together with the Director, monitor and control municipal spending within the operational and capital budgets established by Council.
• Administer the municipal taxation process including the collection of taxes and management of overdue accounts, and the sale of properties in arrears of taxes and in accordance with the tax sale process established in the MGA.

Ongoing Strategic Planning:

• Support the Mayor and Council in the formulation and updating of the Strategic Plan for the Town.  This plan will chart a future, identify critical issues, and set annual objectives and strategies.
• Create a dynamic climate that results in the continual search for a new and more effective approaches to fulfilling the Town’s mandate.

Other:

• Attend Town meetings and community events as required, which may include evenings and/or weekends.
• Ensure the implementation of a Health & Safety program and policy requirements including maintaining a safe and secure workplace environment.
• Perform any other duties as may be required by Council.

The successful candidate is expected to demonstrate the following competencies and behaviours in order to successfully meet the requirements of the position:

• Leadership – Ability to provide solid leadership and direction through personal example while demonstrating professionalism, mentorship, common sense, and a sound work ethic at all times.  A welcoming and calming demeanor, coupled with effective negotiation and conflict resolution skills.   
• Economic Development/Growth - Understand and interpret trends and management challenges with clarity, energy, and confidence.  Calculated risk taker with an entrepreneurial mindset who is able to see and articulate the potential for the municipality through economic development initiatives and business opportunities.  
• Strategic Planning – Provide executive leadership to all planning initiatives and ensures accountability for achievement of results throughout the municipality.
• Communication – Excellent written and verbal communication, interpersonal, and public relations skills.  This includes with Council, staff, ratepayers, the business community, industry, investors, neighbouring municipalities, neighbouring First Nations, and the Province.
• Interpersonal –A “people person” who works well with individuals from all backgrounds and professional disciplines.  Cognizant and sensitive to diverse needs (both internal to the organization, and externally), with the proven ability to integrate teams. 
• Professional Relationships – Unwavering commitment to on-going strong regional working relationships and the willingness to always promote and support the Town of Elk Point and the region positively.
• Customer Service – Always striving to provide superior customer service (internally and externally), and possessing the know-how to deliver top-notch services and programs to the community.  Confidence in ensuring customer needs are identified and addressed in a timely and cost-effective manner.  Compassionate.
• Ethics - Act as an integral part of an administrative team and display a “first amongst equals” style with high ethical standards, an honest, open and consistent approach to working with staff and ratepayers.
• Professional – A high standard of thoroughness, accuracy, and attention to detail.  High level of trust with the capability to maintain confidentiality at all times.
• Visionary – Able to constantly keep eye on the vision of Council and is achievement orientated.  Understands and interprets trends and management challenges with clarity, energy and confidence.
• Teamwork – Personal initiative with excellent planning and organizational development skills. 
• Financial/Grant Management – A solid understanding of municipal finance, the budgeting processes, and information reporting.  A proven ability to work in a fiscal environment of restraint.  Understanding of how to identify, manage, report, and effectively utilize various grant opportunities.  
• Technical - A reasonable understanding of municipal infrastructure matters, planning and land development, as well as project management experience is  beneficial.
• Volunteer Service - Aptitude to work and communicate effectively with volunteers.  Presents a strong commitment to comprehensive community services, a demonstrated belief and engagement in voluntarism, and willingness to be a part of the community.
• Self Confidence – Positive attitude, effective assertiveness, and sound decision making abilities. 
• Politically Astute – Know and understand legislative and regulatory processes, and possesses an intuitive ability to read political implications of recommendations and actions.
• Human Resource Management – Able to demonstrate stability, and is invested in promoting the same for the organization through professional development opportunities, coaching and mentoring staff, with the goal of succession planning.

The successful candidate will possess the following, or an acceptable combination focused on administrative leadership:

• Post-secondary education in public administration, business, or a related field is desirable.  A Certified Local Government Manager (CLGM) designation would be an asset.
• At least five (5) years of related and progressive senior leadership experience, preferably in a local government setting.
• Proven experience leading employees in a dynamic and multi-dimensional service organization, coupled with the ability to integrate and implement complex planning and policy initiatives.
• A demonstrated record of working effectively with elected officials, indigenous groups, volunteer boards, stakeholder groups, industry and business, various levels of government (local, provincial, and federal), public participation process, as well as the general public.
• Previous Economic Development, Land Development, and Land Use Planning exposure and understanding.
• Capacity to adapt his/her leadership and management style to the needs of Council and to understand the culture of the organization and community.
• Working knowledge of the MGA, other relevant municipal legislation, and in delivering municipal services.

COMPENSATION