We have an excellent opportunity for a Corporate Operations Advisor to join a leading and competitive municipality. This is a fast-paced and challenging environment with lots of moving parts. The type of person we are looking to attract will be politically savvy, diplomatic, an amazing communicator, both written and verbal, enjoy research and working with multiple projects and deadlines, and build strong relationships with staff and community partners to ensure that executive responses to contentious issues are presented and that service to residents/stakeholders is maximized.
Reporting directly to the Chief Operating Officer (COO), this position will proactively advise on activities relating to the coordination of issues management processes, legislation, regulations, directives, policies, and guidelines. They will provide support, advice and direction through the research and coordination of responses and actions. The Corporate Operations Advisor collaborates with the Leadership Team, Managers, Supervisors, and Project Leads primarily with the Infrastructure Services and Community Services Divisions to ensure the early identification of strategic analysis of issues and that business plan objectives are accurate and timely.
Key Responsibilities Include:
Duties include but are not limited to:
- Advise the COO on strategic issues related to issues, processes, legislation, regulations, directives, and guidelines through extensive research and provide recommendations.
- Monitors and provides analysis of new initiatives, reports and other communications that may impact residents and stakeholders to ensure alignment with Counties priorities.
- Develops and implements annual advocacy plans with clear goals, strategies, and methods of evaluation and in alignment with the Counties strategic objectives.
- Develops project-specific engagement plans.
- Evaluates budget and policy releases and their implications on the community.
- Undertakes research of leading best practices and successful collaboration models that could support the Counties strategic objectives.
- Coordinates the preparation of accurate and timely responses regarding project/initiative and issues related strategies, tactical plans, as well as being the primary on briefing materials prepared for the Infrastructure & Community Services Division and COO.
- Recommends the delegation of incoming issues to staff within the Division who have the appropriate knowledge of the issue.
- Monitors whether deadlines and objectives are being met and recommends interim actions where there are problems in meeting deadlines which are often tight.
- Lead and coordinate all Infrastructure division issues across the range of County meetings including Council, Committee of the Whole, Governance and Services Committee, Internal Briefing to Council, Leadership Team and so on.
- Ability to backfill and provide project management assistance on key projects as required.
- Liaise regularly with provincial government, municipal governments, industry associations, contractors, businesses, residents, and County staff to provide updates on emerging issues or new developments to existing issues, or to assist with requests for information and/or decision.
- Liaise regularly with key County administration including management, communications, and Leadership Team, solicit feedback and facilitate interdepartmental collaboration.
- Solicit feedback and responding to concerns from the community and other key stakeholders. Promote awareness and literacy among County Staff, community members and key stakeholders about project initiatives.
- Assists in the development and implementation of business practice and customer service standards, office procedures and practices, e-tools, for the effective and efficient operation of the COO’s office.
- Expected to monitor cell phone on evenings and weekends for contentious, time-sensitive issues and to act as required.
- Work is performed in a corporate environment, with multiple and frequently changing priorities. Must balance the needs of multiple stakeholders in an accurate, non-partisan, and confidential manner. There is a moderate requirement for extra hours and work may be subject to short deadlines with frequent interruptions. There is a requirement for travel of a short duration mostly within the Capital Region.
- Adhere to applicable responsibilities and accountabilities as outlined in the Sturgeon County Health and Safety Management System.
- Perform other related duties as required by supervisor.
Requirements:
- Degree in Public Relations, Communications, Business, Public Administration, or another related field. Equivalencies may be considered. A professional designation is preferred.
- 10+ years or more professional experience, preferably within the public sector and at a senior/manager level.
- Experience in project management, PMP certification is a benefit.
- Significant knowledge and experience in community relations, supporting senior management, and advancing external relationships.
- Proven track record of engagement success.
- A background in issues management and coordination with communications, planning and development in a large multi-stakeholder organization with a keen understanding of the workings and needs of Municipal Government.
KEY COMPETENCIES
Additional attributes include:
- Experience working for a public-sector organization (federal, provincial, municipal, crown corporation, etc.) or private sector organization (larger, multi-faceted organization).
- Strong analyzing and problem-solving skills to interpret, evaluate, research, identify, set priorities, and meet deadlines.
- A team player with excellent organizational skills, strong writing, and interpersonal communications skills.
- Willing to work as hard as the job demands and put in the hours required to ensure your projects are a success.
- Knowledge of the principals, concepts, standards and best practices in issues management and communication planning and related functions including stakeholder relations, media relations and government relations.
- Familiarity with the nature of municipal infrastructure issues.
- Familiarity with the current legislative and regulatory environment, bylaws, policies, and procedures, government structure and political relationships.
- Strong interpersonal, relationship-building and communication skills.
Employer Contact:
Name: FOR MORE INFORMATION SANDY JACOBSON | T: 780.944.1327 | E: sandy.jacobson@richardsonsearch.ca | www.richardsonsearch.ca
Email: sandy.jacobson@richardsonsearch.ca
Additional Job Information:
Posted Date: Aug 13, 2020
Closing Date: Aug 29, 2020