Roles and Responsibilities
The Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) reports to Council and will:
Leadership and Staff Relationship
- Provide positive leadership, supervision, direction, mentorship and coaching to the administrative team, and review the performance goals and objectives of the leadership team, direct reports, and employees of the County.
- Champion a positive corporate culture by personally demonstrating and engaging with staff.
- Conduct oneself in an honest and ethical manner.
- Engage staff in the development and review of annual goals and objectives.
- Provide practical guidance and timely advice, as required.
- Ensure that staff issues and concerns are addressed respectfully.
- Implement any internal reorganization of responsibilities and duties required for the effective and efficient operation of the Municipality.
- Promote and encourage the training and development of skills and professional growth.
- Create and promote a work culture that embraces health and safety, productivity, succession planning and customer-oriented attitudes.
- Meet regularly with all levels of staff to ensure current understanding and knowledge relevant to operational issues, staffing concerns and any concerns received from stakeholders and County residents.
Council Relations and Support
- Maintain a positive and productive relationship with Council based on trust, commitment, and open communications.
- Champion and bridge positive relations between Council and Staff via communications, engagement and collaboration.
- Unless excused, attend Council and Committee meetings to contribute and assist in deliberations.
- Be prepared for Council by providing all the information required to enable well-informed decisions.
- Regularly update Council on progress, recommended changes and new matters that relate to the strategic plan and work programs.
- Prepare and submit reports and recommendations as required by Council and Council committees.
- Develop and recommend, for Council approval, bylaws and policies dealing with non-administrative matters as directed by Council, or at the initiation of Administration.
- Advise and inform the Council of issues and developments and opportunities of an operational, legislative, economic development or political nature that relate to the interests of the County.
- Work with Council to address matters of importance to the County.
- Develop objectives that align with the vision and direction of Council and committees.
- Support Council in determining policy by providing information such as other levels of government objectives, social and economic trends, advice of staff, positions advocated by community groups and local businesses.
Administration and Organization
- Develop, approve, and implement policies, procedures, and practices dealing strictly with administrative matters.
- Ensure the appropriate implementation of all programs and policies of the Municipality.
- Negotiate contracts, agreements, and transactions required for the effective operation of the Municipality and recommend the approval of such by Council.
- Hire or retain legal counsel on behalf of the Municipality as may be required.
- Attend meetings of such boards, committees, commissions, or other bodies as may be required.
- Maintain knowledge of the key responsibilities within the organization.
- Ensure operations and budgets align with the County’s / Council’s approved strategic goals, and business plans and goals.
- Measure and monitor levels of service against strategic and business goals.
- Terminating contracts on behalf of the Municipality or as directed by Council.
- Review and recommend progressive and responsive policies, procedures, systems, and investments that may positively enhance County activities, programs, and services.
- Sign any order, agreement, cheque, negotiation instrument, or document made or executed on behalf of the Municipality.
- Assume full accountability under the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy (FOIPP) Act.
- Listen to the concerns of Council via the CAO’ s annual performance review and seek to improve any deficiencies on an ongoing basis.
- Provide leadership, oversight, and support to direct reports and Council.
- Ensure that the organization structure for the County reflects operational needs and achieves objectives and vision established by Council.
- Liaison between industry, developers, regional municipalities, Committees, Commissions and Council.
- Ensures personal professional development relevant to CAO competencies.
- Work and guide the leadership team to ensure that County operations aligned with Council’s direction.
- In the name of efficiency and improvement, explore and make recommendations on the creation or elimination of processes, systems, infrastructure, operations or positions.
- Perform other duties as may be requested by Council or required by bylaw, order, statute, or regulation.
Legislative Responsibilities
- Maintain a current understanding of applicable municipal legislation and leadership, as well as relevant provincial and federal government programs, policies, and initiatives.
- Ensure all powers, duties and functions prescribed under the Municipal Government Act are fulfilled.
- Ensure municipal compliance with legislation as set out in the Statutes of Alberta.
- Ensure that all municipal staff comply with legislation as set out in the Statutes of Alberta.
Community Engagement
- Develop productive and collaborative working relationships with community partners of the County.
- Solicit input from County residents on development of policy, initiatives, programs, or investments.
- Explore and encourage community organizations to provide different services throughout the County.
- Establish positive working relationships with officials with neighboring municipalities, industry, surrounding First Nations, and provincial and federal levels of government.
Budgeting and Finance
- Oversee the development and administration of the County’s operating and capital budgets.
- Champion long-term operational and budget planning guided by Council’s strategic vision.
- Ensure compliance with the MGA in terms of budget submissions and reporting.
- Direct as well as approve expenditures in accordance with County policy.
- Ensure appropriate reserve fund management to address and plan for future Capital requirements.
- Oversee, review, advise, and update Council on County assets, debentures, and investments.
- In an emergency, authorize any expenditure not previously approved by Council and report to Council.
- Coordinate long-term land-use, economic development, financial, and capital planning.
- Investigate and pursue grant funding through various avenues and partnerships for the benefit of the County.
- Oversee the management of tax assessment, collection and appeals.
Economic Development and Tourism
- Be a champion for investment and recreation within the County.
- Oversee economic development and tourism planning, pursuits, promotions, initiatives, and programs.
- Work with your team, advise on programs and policies to Council which may stimulate employment and business opportunities within the region.
- Participate in regional economic development committees and explore potential for productive partnerships.
- Apprise Council and County employees of significant trends, opportunities, and threats.
