The Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) is the administrative head of the municipality, ensures that the policies and programs of the municipality are implemented; advises and informs the council on the operation and affairs of the municipality; and performs the duties and functions and exercises the powers assigned to a Chief Administrative Officer by this and other enactments or assigned by Council.
In addition to the duties and responsibilities prescribed in the Municipal Government Act, other legislation, Town of Didsbury bylaws and any additional duties assigned from time to time by Council, the Chief Administrative Officer is responsible to provide and/or undertake the following including but not limited to:
Advice and Support to Council
- Supports the Mayor and Council in the determination of policy by providing counsel relative to proposed municipal initiatives taking into account relevant consideration such as other levels of government objectives, social and economic trends, advice of staff, positions advocated by interest groups and the community overall.
- Formulates alternatives for consideration by the Mayor and Council to ensure the Town’s objectives are achieved through the most effective and realistic strategies; keeps the Mayor and Council apprised of issues and developments of an operational, legislative or political nature that relate to the interests of the Town.
- Report to Council on the effectiveness of its policies and programs and recommend changes or new initiatives to achieve Council’s objectives.
- Regularly report to Council on progress in implementing Council’s policies and programs, including coordinating and directing presentations on policy proposals and ongoing municipal operations.
- Advise Council of the provisions of relevant legislation affecting its decisions.
- Keep fully informed of the transactions of all committees, boards and commissions authorized by Council and to further provide coordination with committees outside the scope of Council legislative power pertinent to the daily operations of the Town’s business.
Manage the implementation of Council’s policies and programs
- Recommend to Council the organizational structure, staffing levels, financial and other resource requirements necessary to implement Council’s policies and programs.
- Plan, manage and evaluate the use of the available human and material resources, provided in the budgets approved by Council.
- Direct and coordinate the activities of the various departments.
- Provide liaison with other authorities and contractors providing public services within the Town of Didsbury.
Promote effective working relationships
- Establish positive working relationships with municipalities within the Mountain View County region, regional commissions, and relevant municipal associations.
- Establish positive working relationships with officials of the provincial and federal government as required.
- Promote and facilitate open, effective relationships with ratepayers/citizens.
Promote effective communication
- Keep informed of governmental and community affairs and ensure that Council and employees are made aware of significant trends.
- Ensure Council receives all information it requires to make effective decisions and that employees are informed of Council decisions.
- Establish partnership communication with local stakeholders.
- Ensure that opportunities are provided for the public to become informed of Town of Didsbury affairs.
- Ensure accuracy, quality, neutral and depth of communication of municipal matters throughout the organization.
Administration
- Provide positive leadership and mentorship to administration.
- Coordinate and oversee the Managers in the administration of the business affairs of the Town in accordance with bylaws, policies and plans established and approved by Council.
- Motivate and develop the skills of the Managers and their staffs to foster productivity and professionalism.
- Develop for approval of Council, comprehensive employee policies and programs covering the selection, compensation, development, retention, appraisals and placement of Town employees.
Education & Experience
- Post secondary degree in a relevant discipline such as Business Administration, Commerce or Public Administration or a degree in a related municipal function such as Planning, Engineering, Recreation or Social Services.
- Masters in Business or Public Administration preferred.
- Certified Local Government Manager status.
- A minimum of 3 – 5 years of extensive and/or progressive senior leadership experience in a local government setting or an equivalent combination of training and experience in other relevant settings.
- A positive record of working effectively with elected officials or boards of governors, local government staff, community volunteers, board and committees, and public participation processes.
- Proven experience in strategic planning, organization development and achieving results in building teams and effective employee relations.
- Exposure to implement development plans, capital works and infrastructure programs.
- Experience in a multi-dimensional service organization with proven ability to provide focus and leadership, adapting and integrating planning, policy and program initiatives.
- A proven track record of accomplishments and career advancement.
A competitive compensation package will be provided including an attractive base salary, a comprehensive benefits package, and Local Authority Pension Plan (LAPP). Further details will be discussed in a personal interview.
If you are looking for a challenging and rewarding opportunity, please submit your application quoting Competition 19-019 to:
Stefanie Halfyard, Human Resources
Town of Didsbury
Box 790 Didsbury, AB T0M 0W0
Email: shalfyard@didsbury.ca | Fax: 403.335.9794 | Tel: 403.335.7366
