Director of Community and Corporate Services

In late 2021, the Province of New Brunswick launched a process to modernize New Brunswick's local governance system. Recognized as ambitious and a fundamental change in the structure and operation of local government in New Brunswick, many new entities were created as a result, including the newly amalgamated community of Tantramar. This new municipality is now home to the former Town of Sackville, Village of Dorchester, Local Service Districts of Sackville, Dorchester and Pointe de Bute resulting in one of the fastest growing municipalities in New Brunswick. At the time of amalgamation, the population was estimated at approximately 9,000 residents.

The newly created Municipality of Tantramar officially came into effect on January 1st, 2023 with a new Council comprised of Andrew Black as Mayor and 8 Councillors representing 5 wards.

Accountable to Council and leading the charge for the day-to-day management of the operations of the municipality is Chief Administrative Officer Jennifer Borne supported by an executive team of 6 Directors responsible for the delivery of Legislative Services, Engineering and Public Works Services, Active Living and Culture, Community and Corporate Services, Financial Services as well as Protective Services.

Tantramar is located in southeastern New Brunswick, in the center of the Maritime Provinces, 5 minutes from the Nova Scotia border, 40 minutes to the Confederation Bridge linking PEI, and 30 minutes to Moncton. It is home to Mount Allison University, the top undergraduate liberal arts university in Canada, welcoming over 2,000 students each academic year.

The natural beauty of the area is captivating, from The Nature Conservancy of Canada's Shorebird Interpretive Centre in Dorchester Cape to the world-renowned Waterfowl Park located in the heart of Tantramar's business area featuring many restaurants and quaint local shopping.

In 2022, Sackville became the first municipality in North America to be accredited by the United Nations as a Ramsar City Wetlands Site. This accreditation has bolstered the municipality's initiative to prioritize and expand local wetlands conservation and restoration initiatives, while publicly acknowledging the vast and biodiverse ecosystems upon which Tantramar was built. With a variety of cultural, sporting, and community activities and an unmatched natural landscape, Tantramar is a vibrant and engaging community and a great place to call home.

SUMMARY OF RESPONSIBILITIES:

The Director of Community & Corporate Services is responsible for high level strategic initiatives for the Municipality of Tantramar. This senior leadership position reports to the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) and ensures that projects, programs and services align with the strategic priorities of the Municipality.

The Director of Community & Corporate Services is responsible for Tourism and Business Development and Communications and works closely with other departments on various projects that span across the organization. The portfolio also includes corporate-related initiatives and projects such as community engagement, policy analysis, population growth, climate change, as well as others. In addition, the Director will work directly with the CAO on planning and economic development related matters, along with Mount Allison University-Tantramar community relations. The position often prepares for and responds to the dynamic needs of the corporation and community, and regularly requires multiple complex projects to be managed at one time.

The Director of Community & Corporate Services is expected to build internal and external relations for effective communication and partnerships. Furthermore, the individual must be energetic and have a broad degree of municipal knowledge and experience to deliver and achieve the diverse strategic initiatives that are determined from time to time.

DUTIES:

• Oversee the development of a variety of community services and strategies, goals and objectives for review and approval of the Chief Administrative Officer and Council and implement these strategies to achieve Council's approved long term and yearly goals.
• Provide reports to the Chief Administrative Officer and managerial support as required to address various corporate initiatives and projects as identified.
• Prepares the department's annual project-based plan and budget tied directly to the Strategic Plan and participates in the budget process with Financial Services and Council.
• Responsible for the management and direction of the Department's responsibilities to be delivered within the community consistent with the approved budget.
• Oversee the promotion of business development and overall investment in the municipality.
• Oversee the communications for the Municipality, including the Municipal website, various social media platforms, and press releases.
• Make recommendations regarding current and/or future bylaws or policies that pertain to the Department of Community & Corporate Services.
• Write and assist other departments with policy and grant writing and analysis.
• Required ability and experience in Grant Writing and in working with higher levels of government, agencies, etc. to secure infrastructure grants and other grants to assist in making projects happen effectively.
• Work collaboratively on the modernization of initiatives relating to health care, housing, homelessness, and other social development files as dictated by changing trends.
• Facilitate and plan various community engagement sessions that may be needed across the organization.
• Create strong and effective linkages with local groups, organizations, and volunteers, in order to work collaboratively on initiatives.
• Promote, develop, implement, and maintain partnerships with a wide range of community groups to enhance the provision of services to the Municipality.
• Ensure reports presented to Council meet the objectives of the Municipality and contain the necessary information, analysis, and research leading to a recommendation that facilitates Council's decision-making.
• Attend Council meetings and other Committee meetings as required. During meetings, when called upon provide recommendations as appropriate as related to the Department of Community & Corporate Services.
• Create strong and effective linkages with all Municipal Departments and their respective staff members.
• Manage and supervise departmental staff, as well as provide and ensure appropriate training opportunities and up-to-date education materials pertinent to the employee's work discipline.
• Participate as part of the Municipal Emergency Operations Group, responsible for Emergency Public Information.
• Demonstrate continuous improvement efforts to enhance operations, streamline work processes, and work cooperatively to deliver customer service excellence.
• At all times, work in a safe manner promoting health and safety and compliance with the Occupational Health & Safety Act
• Other duties as assigned by the Chief Administrative Officer.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• A University degree in a related field and a minimum of 5 years of management experience, preferably in a municipal environment. A combination of experience and education may be considered.
• Demonstrated analytical, time management, organizational, negotiation, and public relations skills.
• Builds strategic partnerships and facilitates the development of collaborative relationships.
• Strong knowledge of economic development principles and practices with an understanding of principles and trends within the economic development industry.
• Strong organizational skills and proven project management with related program experience required.
• Exemplary knowledge and leadership in a variety of municipal disciplines.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication (written/oral) skills to work effectively with, and respond appropriately to inquiries from Council, Management, Employees, Community Groups/Organizations, and Taxpayers.
• Ability to provide timely, high-quality services that effectively serve the needs of Council and the Municipality.
• Proficient analytical skills, attention to detail, and a willingness to adapt to various challenges.
• Must be able to maintain strict confidentiality.
• Possession of a valid driver's license and availability of a reliable vehicle.

The above description reflects the general details considered necessary to describe the principal functions and duties as required for proper evaluation of the job and shall not be considered as a detailed description of all the work requirements that may be inherent to the job. The Municipality of Tantramar reserves the right to make, modify, revoke, suspend, terminate, or change any part of this Job Description, in whole or in part, at any time.