ACCOUNTABILITY
The CAO is accountable to Council:
- Performs all duties defined within Alberta legislation, municipal bylaws and policies duly and lawfully established.
- Exercises such powers, duties and functions that may be required by Council from time to time.
- Is accountable to Council for the exercise of all powers, duties and functions.
STAFF RELATIONSHIP
The CAO has the authority to develop and uphold an effective organizational structure that reflects the operational needs of the municipality as defined through the lawful decisions of Council:
- Be responsible for recruitment, hiring and managing performance of Director level staff.
- Together with Director level staff, work to ensure that municipal operations function well and are aligned with Council intent.
- Direct the municipal health and safety program and delegate responsibilities as necessary to achieve as safe a workplace for staff and the public as practically possible.
- Direct, supervise and review the performance of Director level staff.
- Review the performance of all staff as provided from Directors responsible for their performance and make recommendations to Director level personnel on matters arising from the annual or ongoing performance of municipal staff.
- Motivate and develop the skills of the Directors and municipal employees to foster productivity and professionalism.
- Provide a sense of vision for the organization and an ability to guide the management team on a day to day basis.
- Be aware of day to day operations and staff performance.
- Involve staff in the process of setting annual goals and objectives through an annual planning process.
- Be capable to provide practical and timely advice.
- Maintain a general sense of how the municipal district should be run as well as a working knowledge of each position within the organization.
- Exhibit a sound work ethic and personal integrity.
ORGANIZATION
The CAO is responsible for all matters related to the day to day operations of the municipal district:
- Provide recommendations to Council on the organizational structure of the municipal district including establishing, merging, dividing and eliminating departments, establishing hierarchical relationships and administer the reporting of outcomes arising from the implementation of Council policy decisions.
- Plan, merge and evaluate the use of the available human and material resources provided in the budgets approved by Council and undertake as necessary by their sole authority any modifications necessary to the organization required to implement lawful Council policy decisions.
- Direct and coordinate municipal staff and departments.
- Establish procedures for hiring, discipline and termination of employees.
- Establish powers, duties and functions of municipal district employees.
- Attend all meetings of Council, subdivision and development authority, agricultural service board and council committee meetings.
- Ensure accurate records and accounts are kept in accordance with municipal legislation.
- Appoint an acting municipal administrator to act in the absence of the municipal administrator who has all powers, duties and functions of a designated officer as required under the Municipal Government Act or any other Act.
COMMUNITY RELATIONSHIP
The CAO is the primary image of the staff of the municipal district to the community:
- Provide an image of open and transparent operations to the public.
- Maintain a professional and positive public presence in the community.
- Provide information to the public on official policy and current practices.
- Provide background information to the media and refer political comment to the Reeve or the appropriate Councillor.
- Establish a working relationship with stakeholders including other communities, community groups, individual citizens, other levels of government, municipal organizations and government agencies.
LEGISLATIVE RESPONSIBILITIES
The CAO will ensure all powers, duties and functions prescribed under the Municipal Government Act are fulfilled:
- Seek to ensure municipal compliance to legislation as set out in the Statutes of Alberta.
- Seek to ensure that all municipal staff comply with legislation as set out in the Statutes of Alberta.
- Maintain an understanding of municipal legislation.
ACADEMIC AND PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES
The position of the CAO requires a foundation of knowledge and experience:
- Maintain the professional designation of ‘Certified Local Government Manager” as defined by the Occupational Associations Registrations Act of Alberta.
- Undertake regular training including seminars, conferences and instructional courses and programs to maintain familiarity with current developments and trends within the field of municipal administration as provided by annual municipal budgets for professional development.
APPOINTMENTS
The responsibilities of the CAO of the municipal district include duties specific to the M.D. of Taber. In addition to the duties outlined within this position description the municipal administrator is hereby delegated the following appointments:
- Manager of the Vauxhall and District Regional Water Services Commission.
- Manager of the Highway 3 Regional Water Services Commission.
- Manager of the Vauxhall and District Regional Fire Authority.
AUTHORITY
The CAO:
- Is the administrative head of the municipality;
- Has full operational authority for implementation of Council policy and budget decisions;
- Ensures policies and programs of the municipality are implemented;
- Advises and informs the Council on the operation and affairs of the Municipality;
- Performs the duties and functions and exercises the powers assigned to a Municipal Administrator by the Municipal Government Act, this job description or as assigned by Council pursuant to any agreements, bylaws or policies.
THE PERSON
The ideal candidate will be a proven leader, with senior management experience, ideally in the municipal sector.
Previous rural government experience is preferred, along with a CLGM or LGA designation, however, other combinations of experience and credentials will also be considered.
The successful candidate will have highly developed interpersonal, communication, and public relation skills, and have demonstrated success in leading progressive administrative teams, working with elected officials and building strong relationships with stakeholders. Experience and success in economic development initiatives would also be an asset. Experience with, or willingness to learn, industries operating in the MD.
The CAO is required to live within a commutable distance, ideally in the MD of Taber.
KEY COMPETENCIES AND SUCCESS FACTORS
- Leadership Skills – Demonstrates progressive leadership style while giving guidance and support, a mentor and positive role model combined with a practical and common-sense approach. Mature, progressive and engaging style; leads by example. Shows strong ethics, common sense and intuitive judgement abilities.
- Management Skills – Demonstrates a style which actively promotes involvement with staff, with an emphasis on motivating and encouragement of people, teams and activities. Can work well at all levels and adapt to “changing hats” from working with council to internal staff to the community. Able to simplify often complex administrative and service matters, an ability to separate important issues and prioritize work initiatives.
- Human Resource Management –Supportive leader who demonstrates empathy and the ability to bring diverse individuals and program initiatives together using a combination of flexible approaches, strong negotiation and conflict resolution skills. Consensus builder with a proven ability of positively engaging people from diverse or polarized positions in problem solving. Ability to balance directing staff and trusting their judgement and actions.
- Financial Management, Corporate and Strategic Planning – Leads with a strong sense of service and urgency in all financial planning, budgeting, and management reporting. A proven ability to work in a fiscal environment of restraint and leads with a strong sense of service. Provides executive leadership to all planning initiatives and ensures accountability for achievement of results throughout the municipality. Relationship builder with strong “business acumen” to assist in economic development and other initiatives.
- Strong Communication and Interpersonal Skills – is a clear, concise and positive communicator who will build trust through presenting ideas clearly and effectively listening to others. Works collaboratively with others and is sensitive to diverse needs of staff, council and the community. Possesses an honest, open and consistent approach to working with people.
- Self-Confidence – Possesses confidence in own skills and abilities, able to make difficult decisions and stand by them and consistently demonstrate a professional and positive attitude.
- A Visionary – understands and interprets social, economic and political trends and issues facing municipal government. Innovative, open -minded and willing to explore new ideas and approaches.
- Volunteer Service – Presents a strong commitment to comprehensive community services, a demonstrated belief in voluntarism and a willingness to be visible in the community.
- Politically Astute – Knows and understands legislative and regulatory processes and has an intuitive ability to read the political implications of recommendations and actions. demonstrates a senior executive personal style with a professional poise and presence. Works effectively and respectfully with Council and staff.
- Customer Service – Confidence in ensuring customer needs are identified and addressed; ensuring appropriate consultation with all stakeholders and deliver timely, cost effective and quality service. Simplifies often complex and lengthy matters and runs an administration that is service oriented.
COMPENSATION
A competitive compensation package will be provided including an attractive base salary and excellent benefits. Further details will be discussed in a personal interview.