This position requires a strong technical ability to manage the schedule of eight Councillors who attend a variety of meetings relating to issues that advance Council’s vision by fostering effective working relationships among Elected Officials, County leaders, community representatives, stakeholders, and residents. The incumbent needs to be creative in how they seek out information and makes connections with others to find solutions to advance Council’s vision by fostering positive working relationships. This position works in a politically charged, sensitive environment and must remain calm and be able to quickly understand and adapt to emerging situations. Attention to detail and strong communication skills is imperative to provide the support and guidance to Councillors and other stakeholders who are impacted.
Key Responsibilities:
- Strong ability to prioritize events, activities, special functions and meetings for the Councillors
- Precision in regularly monitoring Councillor schedules to ensure all conflicts are resolved prior to the event occurring
- Facilitate all travel arrangements for Councillors including accommodations and transportation and a strong ability to adapt to any scheduling challenges
- Responsible for evaluating and diplomatically responding to requests from local, provincial and federal government, industry and citizens
- Strong ability to leverage technological tools to ensure clarity and ease in accessing Councillor calendars
- Build and maintain positive relationships and excellent communications with the Executive Team, Executive Assistants, Office of the Mayor, LLP and stakeholders
- Coordinate the Councillors' business by facilitating public relations, professional development, business and community events and participation in trade shows
- Ability to work collaboratively with departments to confirm that resident inquiries are addressed in compliance with service level agreement requirements
- Ensure the Office of the Elected Officials and Councillors' corporate records are maintained electronically in SharePoint; determine permissions for select records, and make updates as required
- Process FOIP requests and other access to information inquiries as requested by Legislative, Legal and Procurement Services
- Strong understanding of Councilor Business Expense Policy when reconciling costs associated with Councillors conference/event registrations, travel, and accommodations
- Work with stakeholders to plan, promote and successfully execute special events
- Strong communication skills to review and edit information for accuracy, completeness and format before distribution to Executive Team, external agencies and the public to ensure a professional image is maintained
- Exercise a high degree of diplomacy when working with the Office of the Mayor, Executive Team, Executive Assistants, stakeholders, and residents handling politically sensitive issues Miscellaneous administrative duties as required, such as answering/screening telephone calls, photocopying, filing, supply orders, etc.
Qualifications and Skills
- Post-secondary training/certificate and a minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience including experience providing administrative support at a senior management level and/or supporting elected officials
- Degree from an accredited university in public administration, public policy, public engagement or governance is considered an asset
- Advanced computer skills with proficiency using Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, mail merges, email and web searches, and website content management
- Knowledge of County Connect and eScribe is an asset
- Municipal government experience is highly desirable
- Training on the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FOIP Act) is an asset
- Working knowledge of government systems and processes, legislation, corporate policies, processes, programs and guidelines
- Experience researching, compiling information and report writing
- Ability to show understanding, courtesy, tact, empathy and concern when dealing with controversial issues and people who are emotionally distressed or hostile
- Strong interpersonal/collaborative skills, including conflict management, with political acumen and professionalism are critical
- Excellent communication skills, including writing, proofreading and speaking
- Skilled in navigating complex political environments with professionalism and discretion
- Proven ability to perform effectively under pressure, balancing multiple priorities and meeting tight deadlines
Conditions of Employment:
- Valid Alberta Class 5 Driver’s licence and reliable transportation
Salary Range: $64,282.40 - $80,334.80
Who We Are:
Strathcona County is a specialized municipality located in the heart of Alberta. Our vision is to become Canada’s most livable community, where our workplace culture and identity are supported by our people plan and values of integrity, respect, safety, fairness, and cooperation.
Why Join Strathcona County: (depending on position)
- Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package, which includes:
- Extended health and dental coverage
- Health and wellness spending account
- Life and disability insurance and critical illness programs
- Retirement and pension programs
- Paid and unpaid leave programs
- Earned day off program
- Employee and family assistance program
- Commitment to employee development, through internal and external training and development opportunities.
- Well-being programs and a safety culture focused on physical and psychological health in the workplace.
Equivalencies of education and experience may be considered.
This competition may be used to fill future vacancies for similar positions within the next 6 months.
Strathcona County is committed to an inclusive, respectful, and equitable workplace that represents the community we serve. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds who can contribute diverse perspectives and experiences
We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
