Chief Administrative Officer

CYPRESS COUNTY, ABLocated in the southeast corner of Alberta, and surrounding the City of Medicine Hat and the Town of Redcliff, Cypress County is a large geographic area consisting of nine hamlets/urban service areas including: Desert Blume, Dunmore, Hilda, Irvine, Schuler, Seven Persons, Suffield, Veinerville, and Walsh. Cypress County is represented by nine elected officials (including a Reeve and Deputy Reeve) representing nine geographic wards….with a population in excess of 7,500 residents. The County is predominantly agriculturally driven (i.e. ranching, wheat and oilseed crops, irrigated alfalfa and other specialty crops.…to name a few), but is also active with oil and gas production, a destination for tourism with the Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park, and is home to the Suffield Canadian Forces Base. Cypress County serves as a major transportation hub as the TransCanada Highway (Hwy 1), the Crowsnest Highway (Hwy 3), and Highway 41 traverse the County. It is also a major transportation route for Canadian Pacific Railway.With solid leadership and strategic priorities including: Regional Leadership, Growth and Development, Public Safety, Tourism, Balanced Financial Strategy, and Access to Markets - Cypress County is well positioned for ongoing success and prosperity. Vision: Cypress County offers a highly desirable rural experience with diverse industrial and agricultural industries. Cypress County is fiscally strong and growing, with supportive communities and families. Mission: To provide regional leadership, responsible governance, and innovative municipal services.Values: Collaboration – Partnership – Teamwork – Respect – Integrity – Public Safety – Quality Infrastructure – Heritage – Supportive Communities – Affordable HousingFor additional information, please visit the County website at www.cypress.ab.ca as well as the 2024 Budget and Organizational Booklet at https://indd.adobe.com/embed/c37434b5-fbb4-4952-b7aa-5e159fc6dcb2?startpage=1&allowFullscreen=true POSITION OVERVIEWPosition Summary: The Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) is responsible for overall administration as prescribed by the Municipal Government Act (MGA). The CAO is accountable for directing the overall planning, coordination, and control of all municipal operations (including, but not limited to, agriculture, infrastructure, human resource management, emergency and protective services, financial management, legislative services, planning and development, and economic development) in accordance with the objectives, policies, bylaws and plans approved by the Council. The CAO advises and informs the Council on the day-to-day operations of the County. Together with the senior leadership team, the CAO ensures that the County is compliant with all applicable statutory regulations. He/she will maintain a positive relationship with the Council based on trust, commitment, and the ongoing willingness to communicate.Reports to: Nine Elected Councillors (including an appointed Reeve and Deputy Reeve)Budget: $36.8M Operating Budget, and an $18.8M Capital Budget, for a combined budget of nearly $56M Direct Reports:Director of Corporate Services, Director of Public Works, Director of Municipal Services, Human Resources Coordinator, Legislative SupervisorKEY RESPONSIBILITIES & FUNCTIONS OVERVIEWCypress County is seeking a solid and proven strategic leader to ensure that the County remains a key driver and player within the region. Main areas of responsibility are:Key Advisor to CouncilStrategic PlanningEconomic DevelopmentLeadership & General AdministrationHuman Resource ManagementFinancial ManagementCommunication & Public RelationsProfessional Development & Networking OpportunitiesOther Functions and Duties as Delegated by the CouncilSKILLS & ATTRIBUTES OVERVIEWThe CAO will possess the following to be successful:Strong leadership skills with the proven ability to provide support, guidance, and mentorship to both the Council, and to the staff. Open and supportive collaborative leader who supports a team approach and leads by example. Set an example for others to follow, and keep a focus on succession planning. Change management - the ability to work within a changing environment, and not be afraid to hit conflict and resistance to change head on. A visionary who isn’t afraid of challenging the existing culture, and who possesses a progressive outlook and a willingness to change and elevate Cypress County to new heights. A strong sense of urgency.Create and foster positive and professional relationships with higher levels of government, and always represent the County in a positive fashion. Excellent interpersonal skills with considerable presence and energy. Someone who is direct and to the point when required. Able to practice an open and transparent form of communication (oral and written) to staff, contractors, vendors, ratepayers, and Council. Proven ability to listen.Ability to provide executive leadership to all planning initiatives and ensure accountability for achievement of results throughout Cypress County.Capable of making difficult decisions, and able to demonstrate the confidence required to stand behind those decisions. Politically savvy with the ability to know and understand legislative and regulatory processes, coupled with the intuition to read the political implications of recommendations and actions.Unimpeachable ethical and moral standards, personal integrity, and trustworthy. EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE OVERVIEWThe ideal candidate will possess a post-secondary education in Business Administration, Commerce, Public Administration, or a combination of relevant training and senior leadership experience will be considered. This includes: A minimum of ten (10) years of related and progressive senior leadership experience particularly in a rural local government setting.Demonstrated experience in leadership, strategic planning, organizational development, team building, and conflict resolution.Ability to work effectively with elected officials, volunteer boards, and commissions. Experience with public participation process and policy and public service delivery.Knowledge in working with budgets and implementing capital works and infrastructure improvement programs.Previous involvement with the grant application and management process. Familiarity with the Municipal Government Act (MGA) and related statutes, or equivalent experience managing in a government environment. A Certified Local Government Manager (CLGM) designation would be an asset.COMPENSATIONA competitive compensation package will be provided to the successful candidate. This includes an attractive base salary, a comprehensive benefits package, and participation in LAPP (Local Authorities Pension Plan). Details will be discussed in further conversations.FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACTJames Davies Managing DirectorDCG Executive Search Services Ltd.Phone: (780) 758-9796E-mail: [email protected]: www.daviescg.com