The Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) is the administrative head of the municipality, and provides effective support and advice to the Mayor and Council within the framework of relevant statutes, legislation (i.e., Municipal Government Act – MGA), policies, and bylaws.
The incumbent will provide strategic direction and leadership to all employees of the Town, and will be instrumental in developing, implementing, and executing policies, strategies, and objectives (as approved by Council) to address the immediate and long-term needs of the Municipality.
Vital to this role is the ongoing open communication and effective relationships between Council, administration, neighbouring municipalities, the Province, local businesses, potential investors, key stakeholders, ratepayers, and the general public.
Additionally, the CAO will provide:
Council Relations
- Advise and interact with the Council in an open, transparent, honest, timely, and professional.
- Provide Council with balanced, sufficient, concise, complete information, and clear recommendations in order for Council to make effective decisions, and set the best course forward for the Town and its residents.
- Attend all Council meetings, or arrange for a designate to be in Make recommendations on matters requiring Council action, by providing accurate and complete information and reports as required, to ensure that sound decisions are made.
Leadership
- Practice leadership in a manner that is viewed positively, and has the support of those with whom the CAO works most directly.
Fiscal Responsibility
- Ensure that the Town operates in a fiscally responsible manner, including adherence to professional accounting practices.
- Direct the preparation and presentation of the Town’s annual operating and capital budget.
- Ensure that Council is kept in the loop from a financial standing perspective (i.e., through quarterly reports and variance analysis).
Personnel/Organziational Management
- Develop and uphold an effective organizational structure for the staff that reflects operational needs, and that is directed towards accomplishing Council objectives.
- Monitor, and ensure adherence to OH&S requirements and guarantee that the safety of all employees remains a priority.
Economic Development & Community Growth
- Work closely with the Mayor and Council, as well as regional partners, to implement an economic development strategy in order to promote local businesses, and attract new businesses to the Town of Didsbury.
- Promote a “make it happen” mindset and always strive for new and innovative ways of doing things.
- Ensure the Town of Didsbury is a community of choice and place where residents have the opportunity to thrive at any stage of life.
Communications & Community Relations
- Take appropriate actions to ensure open, transparent, and positive internal and external communications are developed, practiced, and maintained.
Strategic Planning & Reporting
- Facilitate the strategic planning process, including the Council’s development of goals, and supporting budget.
- Implement approved plans and report regularly with achieved results to Council.
Legislation & Policy
- Provide guidance and leadership in the planning, development, implementation, and evaluation of Council Bylaws and Policies.
- Ensure adherence to, and compliance with, relevant statutes and legislation.
- Make sure that the Protetion of Privacy Act (POPA) is ahdered to, and enforced.
