Primary responsibilities of this position include:
Advice and Support to Council
- Provide information and advice to Council to enable sound decision-making.
- Ensure that Council is made aware of reasonable policy options and CAO recommendations.
- Ensure that Council’s direction is implemented.
- Track major issues and advise council on progress, anticipated problems and decision points.
- Inform Council of emerging issues and developments relating to the operation and affairs of the Municipality.
- Work in a spirit of cooperation with Mayor, Council, and Councilors.
Leadership of the Organization
- Provide overall leadership to the organization in accordance with objectives, policies, and plans approved by Council.
- Communicate the Municipality’s mission, vision, values and strategic direction to employees to create an understanding of everyone’s role in accomplishing goals and objectives.
- Model the values of the Municipality and promote a positive, safe, and collaborative work environment.
- Ensure the appropriate organizational design and staffing is in place for the effective and efficient operation of the Municipality.
- Support the continuing development, promotion, and support of corporate diversity, equity, and inclusion strategies at the Municipality.
- Apply sound human resource practices to manage personnel and inspire high performance.
Financial and Administrative Management
- Anticipate and plan for long-range financial needs.
- Oversee the preparation of the annual budget and provide Council with recommendations on priorities.
- Monitor and manage the fiscal activities of the organization, ensuring effective control and sound fiscal management.
- Ensure records are maintained in accordance with the Municipal Government Act and other relevant legislation.
Rights Holders, Stakeholders and Community Relations
- Promote and maintain good public relations.
- Represent the Municipality’s interests when dealing with external organizations, agencies, and all levels of government.
- Demonstrate consistent, effective, and meaningful engagement with respect to Truth and Reconciliation and the Calls to Action that the Municipality has identified for implementation.
- Effectively handle disputes or complaints involving citizens.
Execution of Strategic Direction
- Facilitate and support Council in the development of a strategic plan, providing input with respect to matters of administration.
- Ensure that the strategic plan is effectively and efficiently implemented, and that Council is kept informed on progress.
- Oversee other organizational planning and priority setting processes.
SKILLS REQUIREMENTS:
Candidates need to show evidence of the following:
- Strong leadership skills.
- Ability to communicate effectively and maintain positive relationships.
- A high degree of personal initiative, integrity, and professionalism.
- Commitment to fostering a workplace of respect, diversity, and inclusion.
- Capable of both working independently and within a team environment.
- Strategic thinking style and creative problem-solving mindset.
- Ability to deal effectively with high pressure and challenging situations.
- Demonstrated ability and willingness to develop positive relationships with diverse stakeholder groups, including but not limited to, industry, government, Indigenous groups, and members of the public.
- Awareness and understanding of Indigenous culture issues, communities, and protocols.
- Political awareness and sensitivity, with the ability to adapt management and communication styles to the needs of Council.
WORK EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:
- Fifteen (15) years of experience in senior leadership roles, with an understanding of government or board governance is required. This experience must include managing large amounts of information, making difficult decisions in complex situations, negotiating, administering and controlling budgets, and establishing creative solutions for operational and community issues.
- Experience working in a public sector environment with unionized and non-unionized employees is considered an asset.
EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS:
- Degree in Public or Business Administration, Engineering, Accounting, Land Use Planning and Development, or other related discipline is required.
- Certificate in local government administration is considered an asset.
- An equivalent combination of education and work experience may be considered.
OTHER REQUIREMENTS:
- Valid Alberta Class 5 Driver's License
- Criminal Record Check
SAFETY:
As an employee of the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo, the incumbent is responsible and accountable for knowing and working in accordance with the organization’s Occupational Health and Safety Administrative Directive. As per section 2 of the Occupational Health and Safety Act, the incumbent shall ensure while employed with the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo the health and safety of employees, contractors and the public. This position is employed in a supervisory capacity. As such the employee is required to obtain additional safety training in accordance with municipal procedures and directives.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
Work is in a highly confidential, high stress office environment with frequent interruptions. Incumbents will be required to attend public engagements, Council meetings, etc. outside of regular working hours (evenings or weekends). Must be flexible to perform duties after regular hours and on weekends as required in meeting organizational needs.
Requisition ID: 2145
Job Location: Fort McMurray
Closing Date: August 21, 2023
To apply on this position please email your application to Susie Besler, Partner.
Email: susie@pekarskyco.com
Competition Reference: RMWB CAO
