About the Municipality

Andrew is a village in central Alberta, Canada that is northeast of Edmonton approximately 100kms. The Village of Andrew is situated within the boundaries of Lamont County. The Village of Andrew is home of the world’s largest Mallard Duck roadside attraction, part of the Giants of the Prairies. Its post office was established March 2, 1902. The community’s name originated from an early settler, Andrew Whitford.

In the 2021 Census of Population conducted by Statistics Canada, the Village of Andrew had a population of 366 living in 192 of its 238 total private dwellings.

The Village is legislated under the Alberta Municipal Government Act and is governed by a Council comprised of five (5) Councilors from which a Mayor and Deputy Mayor are appointed.

About the Opportunity
Reporting to Council, the Chief Administrative Officer (“CAO”), is the most senior executive responsible enacting Council’s vision and direction. In addition, the CAO is accountable for the overall leadership, planning, reporting, budgeting, management, and administration of municipal operations as guided by the objectives, plans and policies approved by Council and in accordance with the Municipal Governance Act (“MGA”).

Ideally the Chief Administrative Officer will reside within the municipality or within the region.

The Ideal Candidate

The Chief Administrative Officer is responsible for providing corporate leadership for the general management and stewardship of the municipality. An Ideal Chief Administrative Officer should be self-motivated, collaborative, and a participatory leader. In addition to having mature tact and diplomacy skills, they will have the ability to build trusting relationships and be fair and empathetic. They will have exceptional interpersonal skills, the ability to build and support strong teams, and the capacity to work with a diverse group of internal and external stakeholders. They should also have the capacity to work cohesively with elected officials, community organizations, industry, agencies, chambers of commerce, other municipalities and other internal and external stakeholders including residents. They should possess the ability to invite and welcome diverse perspectives in a respectful environment and facilitate impactful outcomes.

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 Village.
• Conduct oneself in an honest and ethical manner.
• 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 development.
• 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 Village residents.

Council Relations and Support

• Maintain a positive and productive relationship with Council based on trust, commitment, and open communications.
• Unless excused, attend Council and Committee meetings to contribute and assist in deliberations.
• Be prepared for Council 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 Village.
• Work with Council to address matters of importance to the Village.
• Develop objectives that align with the vision and direction of Council and communities.
• 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.
• Attend meetings of such boards, committees, commissions, or other bodies as may be required.
• Ensure operations and budgets align with the Village’s approved strategic and business plans and goals.
• Terminate contracts on behalf of the Municipality or has been directed by Council.
• Review and recommend progressive and responsive policies, procedures, systems, and investments that may positively enhance Village activities, programs, and services.
• Assumes 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 Village 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.
• Performs other duties as may be requested by Council or required by bylaw, order, statute, or regulation.
• Subject to the approval of the Council, create or eliminate any organizational divisions or positions.

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

• Establish positive working relationships with officials, community partners and with neighboring municipalities, businesses, and provincial and federal levels of government.
• Solicit input from Village residents on development of policy, initiatives, programs, or investments.
• Explore and encourage community organizations to provide different services throughout the Village.

Budgeting and Finance

• Manage the development and administration of the Village operating and capital budgets.
• Ensure compliance with the MGA in terms of budget submissions and reporting.
• Direct as well as approve expenditures in accordance with Village policy.
• Ensure for appropriate reserve fund management to address and plan for future Capital requirements.
• To oversee, review, advise, and update Council on Village assets, debentures, and investments.
• 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 Village.
• Oversee the management of tax assessment, collection and appeals.

Economic Development and Tourism

• Be a champion for investment and recreation within the Village.
• Oversee economic development and tourism planning, pursuits, promotions, initiatives, and programs.
• Advise on programs and policies to Council which create or increase employment and business opportunities for residents.
• Participate in regional economic development committees and explore potential for productive partnerships.

Qualifications

• Post-secondary education (degree, diploma, or certificate) is an asset.
• Prior municipal leadership experience or an equivalent combination from another sector.
• Exposure or experience with municipal financial budget planning software e.g., Excel, Muniware or equivalent is an asset.
• Completion of or enrolled in a local government management program or public administrator program such as CLGM, NACLAA, LGA would be an asset.
• A minimum of five (5) years of progressive leadership experience.
• Experience and or knowledge of the Alberta Municipal Government Act (MGA) is a preference.
• Experience working with a municipal Council or Governance Board is preferred.
• Functional computer literacy and Microsoft Office skills.
• Proven and mature interpersonal and communication abilities.

Equal Opportunity
The Village of Andrew is committed to equity, diversity and inclusion and welcome applications from all qualified individuals.

Compensation
A competitive compensation package commensurate with skills and experience. Further details will be discussed in a personal interview.

Confidentiality
In compliance and consistent with the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (“PIPEDA”), HumanEdge shall respect the privacy and confidentiality of all personal information provided directly or indirectly verbally, electronically or in print throughout the process of candidate engagement in our search assignments.

Resume and cover letter can be sent in confidence to:
Ken Glover, BSc., RPR
Managing Partner, HumanEdge Global
Phone: 780-902-1174
Email: ken.glover@humanedgeglobal.com
www.humanedgeglobal.com