Position Description
Assistant Chief Administrative Officer

Position Responsibilities

Reporting directly to the CAO as well as Council, this is a senior management position responsible for developing and implementing the strategic goals for the Office of the CAO. The incumbent provides the highest possible level of local government services and management to the Municipal District in accordance with the objectives, policies, and plans approved by The CAO and Council. In this role, the Assistant CAO will oversee a team of two direct reports across Planning & Development and Peace Officers as well as gaining comprehensive understanding of the organization as a whole.

Specific Accountabilities

• Attends all Council meetings alongside the CAO to assist this body in making decisions and recommendations that are in the best interest of the residents of the Municipal District.
• The Assistant CAO will also act in the capacity of CAO during their absence.
• Assist in preparing Council follow-up regarding items initiated by the Municipal Manager or delegated to the Manager by Council.
• Attends meetings as required, or as directed by the CAO in respect to issues concerning the Municipal District and its operations and provides appropriate written or verbal reports to the Council.
• Oversee daily operations of assigned departments, fostering accountability and performance.
• Assist in long term plans, budgets and priorities.
• Assist in preparing the annual budget.

General Accountabilities

Leadership

• Lives and leads our organizational culture
• Facilitates alignment between organizational goals and the management team and partner organizations
• Provides mentorship and assistance to direct reports with navigating political directions
• Intentionally and purposely develops self and others
• Demonstrates a willingness and commitment to learning over time for improved service delivery and organizational effectiveness
• Behaves in alignment with the MDs values and policies; identifies when things are out of alignment and acts as an agent for positive change
• Promotes a positive, professional image of the MD
• Communicates and addresses issues and concerns as they arise, with the person most appropriate for a full and respectful resolution
• Takes pride in the organization, its work culture, and its people; rides for the brand
• Involves and inspires others to determine solutions and fulfill their responsibilities and to meet the MDs vision and goals

Business Acumen

• Uses the proper funding and project planning models to assist with the prioritization of competing community projects and initiatives and to develop sound business cases
• Uses critical thinking and discernment to develop strategic plans and prioritize within the corporate level
• Works within planning & development systems and has a firm understanding of the pertinent Alberta legislative framework
• Ensures decisions are made and results are accomplished
• Synthesizes and mobilizes ideas for programs, projects, processes, and people within a complex environment
• Consistently communicates with the CAO, council, and other organizational leaders on politically sensitive matters
• Consistently demonstrates positive, effective communication skills and interactions, and proactively shares pertinent information with the teams
• Adheres to municipal standards, environmental compliance, regulatory compliance

Communication

• Articulates and influences through communication in a way that builds alignment across cross-functional teams
• Conveys information in ways that motivates others to take action
• Communicates respectfully and tactfully
• Confronts problems and issues competently, mitigating them from interfering with work objectives
• Establishes and maintains vertical and lateral communication and feedback systems

Innovation

• Demonstrate entrepreneurial, creative thinking that is aligned with corporate values
• Demonstrate a results orientation approach to problem solving
• Create a work environment that empowers employees to collaborate, generate, and implement new ideas and creative solutions

Relationships

• Builds respectful and productive relationships at all levels of the organization and with external organizations, and is relied on as a trusted advisor and partner

Safety and Risk Management

• Demonstrate accountability for and contribute to the success of the MDs Health & Safety Program by providing a safe working environment and injury free workplace for all employees in compliance with legislation and the Alberta Occupational Health and Safety Act, Regulations and Code
• Demonstrate accountability for and contribute to the success of the MDs Risk Management Program
• Participate in MD Emergency Management initiatives

Education and Certifications

• Post secondary education in Public Administration, Business Administration, Engineering, Land Use Planning and Development, or a related discipline (equivalencies considered) Required
• Continuing education in local government management preferably as it relates to Alberta an asset
• Valid Alberta Class 5 Drivers License Required

Abilities and Experience

• 7-10 years of senior leadership experience in Planning & Development, Municipal Administration and Policy development.
• Proven ability to provide strong leadership and direction to multiple teams.
• Experience leading in an organization that is run by a board of directors or body of elected officials Asset
• Experience working with the Alberta Municipal Government Act (MGA), environmental legislation and other related legislation Required
• Superior social, communication, and relationship management skills Required
• Well-developed interpersonal skills Required
• Ability to manage time, prioritize work, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced multitasking environment Required
• Ability to appropriately exercise discretion and confidentiality Required
• Mediation and facilitation skills to reach consensus and propose solutions Asset
• Ability to work well under pressure, individually and as part of a team Required
• Proficiency with computers and Microsoft Office programs, with the ability to independently create and edit a variety of documents and spreadsheets Required

Salary will be dependent on experience and education.

Interested applicants are encouraged to submit a resume and cover letter in confidence to [email protected]. Please use ACAO-2024 in the subject.

This competition will remain open until a suitable candidate is hired.

Please note that only qualified candidates will be invited to interview.