Chief Administrative Officer (CAO)

Position Details:

Employer: Town of Oyen

Location: Oyen, AB

Industry: Municipal Government

Position Outline:

The Town of Oyen, located at the crossroads of Highways 9 and 41 in east-central Alberta, is a welcoming and resilient community of approximately 960 residents.  Known for its strong sense of community, comprehensive medical services, vibrant sports culture, and quality recreational amenities, Oyen offers an exceptional standard of living in a safe, connected, and community-minded environment.

Serving as a regional hub for the surrounding dryland farming region, Oyen supports a progressive, diverse, and evolving economy that includes agriculture, energy, transportation, and emerging sectors.  The Town’s forward-thinking approach, strong regional partnerships, and commitment to service excellence position it well for sustainable growth and long-term success.

Oyen’s resilience, progressive outlook, and dedication to quality of life make it a distinctive and thriving rural community in Alberta.  Please visit our website to learn more about the Town of Oyen (www.townofoyen.com).

The Town of Oyen is seeking a Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) to provide strategic, ethical, and collaborative leadership as the organization continues to evolve and serve its community.

Reporting Relationship:               Elected Mayor and six elected Councillors                            

Staff:                                                12FTE’s and 5 PTE          

Operating Budget:                        $550,000                          

Capital Budget:                             $2M (over the next three years)

Reporting directly to the Mayor and Council, the CAO is the administrative head of the municipality and Council’s sole employee.  The CAO provides professional leadership to the organization, implements Council’s strategic direction, and ensures that municipal services are delivered effectively, efficiently, and in accordance with Alberta’s legislative framework.

This role offers an experienced municipal leader the opportunity to:

• Collaborate closely with an engaged Mayor and Council.
• Shape the organization’s future through strategic planning and economic development initiatives.
• Provide solid leadership and human resource management oversight to a dedicated municipal team in a close-knit community.
• Deliver support, stimulate, motivate, coach, and direct all individuals to contribute fully to the realization of the Town’s strategic and operational objectives.
• Ensure proper and professional financial administration and stewardship of public monies.
• Continue to build strong local, regional, provincial, and federal relationships with key stakeholders and partners.
• Guarantee proper legislative practices are adhered to and maintained.
• Make a visible and meaningful impact on community life for our residents and visitors alike.

The successful candidate will be a confident, politically astute municipal executive who will demonstrate the following competencies and behaviours to successfully meet the requirements of the position:

• Proven senior leadership experience, with a strong focus towards training, coaching, and mentoring both Town employees and elected officials alike.
• Strong understanding of Alberta’s municipal legislative framework.
• Sound financial acumen and experience in fiscally restrained environments.
• Strategic thinking combined with practical and purposeful execution.
• Exceptional communication, interpersonal, relationship-building, as well as conflict management skills.
• A collaborative leadership style and commitment to staff development and retention.
• An entrepreneurial mindset with experience or exposure to economic development practices.
• High ethical standards, integrity, and professionalism.

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 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 collaborating effectively with elected officials, municipal neighbours, Indigenous groups, volunteer boards, stakeholder groups, industry and business, various levels of government (local, provincial, and federal), public participation process, as well as the public.
• Previous Economic Development, Land Development, and Land Use Planning exposure and understanding.
• Capacity to adapt your 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.
• An understanding of, and appreciation for, small rural communities.

A competitive compensation package will be provided to the successful candidate.  This includes an attractive and competitive base salary, a comprehensive municipal benefits package, as well as 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