Chief Administrative Officer

Brazeau County
Chief Administrative Officer

Job Type
Executive Opportunities
Organization
Brazeau County
Closing date
Apr 5, 2024
Job Description
About Brazeau County
Brazeau County is a vibrant and growing community where industry and commerce join forces with outdoor recreation and western culture! Located in west-central Alberta, just 30 minutes south of the Yellowhead Highway 16 and just 60 minutes from the Canada–Mexico trade corridor of Highway 2 and the Edmonton International Airport, Brazeau County is country living at its best.
The population within the geographic boundaries of Brazeau County includes 7,200 residents of Brazeau County, 7,291 residents in the Town of Drayton Valley and 567 residents in the Village of Breton.
The Brazeau County economy is thriving off the natural resources found in its region, creating prosperity and opportunities for a wide range of businesses that both directly and indirectly impact the oil & gas industry.
The County is legislated under the Alberta Municipal Government Act and is governed by a Council comprised of a Reeve, and six Councilors
The County’s 2021-2026 Strategic Plan is guided by it’s vision, mission, and values:
VISION
The Independent Spirit of Beautiful Brazeau County Inspires Innovative Leaders.
MISSION
We Value a Climate Where:

• Entrepreneurs Flourish and Recreation Abounds
• Our Residents-First Philosophy is Forefront
• We Appreciate our Natural Resources and Environment
• We Drive Ambition and Welcome Diverse Opportunities
• We Support Innovative Ideas and Continually Improve Service Levels.

VALUES

• Transparency, Integrity, and Ambition
• Diversity Among our Communities
• Our Neighbors
• Efficiency and Pragmatism

About the Opportunity
Reporting to Council, the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) is responsible for providing leadership to members of the senior management team and for the administration and coordination of the delivery of services to the County’s residents and businesses in a manner that will ensure the sustainable utilization of human, financial and physical resources of the County. The CAO implements the objectives, policies and programs approved by Council and in accordance with the Municipal Government Act, the bylaws of the County and all other applicable legislation.
The CAO’s direct reports include a:

• Director of Corporate Services
• Director of Community Services and Planning
• Director of Public Works
• Fire Chief
• Safety Coordinator

The Ideal Candidate
The CAO is responsible for providing corporate leadership for the general management and stewardship of the municipality. The ideal CAO will be a 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, 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. Equally as important, they should also have the capacity to work cohesively with elected officials, community organizations, industry, agencies, chambers of commerce, and other internal and external stakeholders including residents. They should invite and welcome diverse perspectives in a respectful environment and facilitate impactful outcomes.
Specifically, Brazeau County’s new Chief Administrative Officer will:

• Be innovative and open to ideas- the County has evolved and has become much more than logging and oil and gas. It requires a CAO to match this progressive thinking.
• Be inspiring, sharp, and charismatic; and part of a “new school” of CAO’s that is adaptive, open minded, and flexible while adhering to bylaws, policies, and procedures.
• Be ambitious.
• Be a skilled communicator- with staff, council, and the public.

Roles and Responsibilities
The CAO reports to Council and will have the following responsibilities:
1. Council Relations and Support

• Diligently carry out the direction of Council
• Maintain a positive and productive relationship with Council based on trust, commitment, and open communications.
• Regularly update Council on progress, recommended changes, and new matters that relate to the strategic plan.
• Prepare and submit reports and recommendations as required by Council and Council committees.
• Advise and inform Council of issues and developments and opportunities of an operational, legislative, economic development or political nature that relate to the interests of the County.
• 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.

2. Leadership and Staff Relationships

• Provide positive leadership, supervision, direction, mentorship, and coaching to the senior leadership team, and review the performance goals and objectives of the employees of the County.
• Work and guide the leadership team to ensure that County operations are aligned with Council’s direction.
• Maintain full and professional relationships with an appropriate network of federal and provincial government employees, neighbors, useful contractors and professional advisors, and mentors.
• Involve staff in setting and reviewing annual goals and objectives.
• Provide practical guidance and timely advice to staff, as required.
• Implement any internal reorganization of responsibilities and duties required for the effective and efficient operation of the County.
• Promote and encourage the training and development of staff.
• Create and promote a work culture that embraces health and safety, positivity, productivity, succession planning and customer-oriented attitudes.

3. 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 (MGA) are fulfilled.

4. Community Engagement

• Develop productive and collaborative working relationships with the community partners of the County.
• Ensure that the dealings of the municipality with residents are professional, respectful, accurate, and timely.
• Solicit input from County residents on development of policy, initiatives, programs, or investments when advisable.
• Establish and maintain positive working relationships and partnerships with neighboring municipalities, industry, surrounding First Nations, and provincial and federal levels of government.
• 5. Budgeting and Finance
• Manage the development and administration of the County operating and capital budgets.
• Ensure compliance with the MGA in terms of budget submissions and reporting.
• Ensure that the financial operations of the municipality are in accordance with the direction of council and that finances are recorded and reported in an accurate and timely way.
• Coordinate long-term land-use, economic development, financial, and capital planning.
• 6. 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.
• 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 is an asset. Brazeau County wishes to not overlook an excellent candidate who may have acquired equivalent skills through experience or alternative training.
• Specific or supplemental education in public administration or management is a significant asset.
• Prior municipal leadership experience or an equivalent combination from another sector.
• A minimum of five years of progressive leadership experience.
• Experience with or relevant exposure and understanding of the Alberta Municipal Government Act.
• Experience working with a municipal Council or a governance board.
• Experience in large-scale capital and operational budgeting and planning.
• Proven exceptional interpersonal and communication skills.
• A rural/ agricultural background and/or industrial experience would be an asset.

Equal Opportunity
Brazeau County is committed to equity, diversity and inclusion and recognizes that a diverse staff benefits and enriches the work environment and contributes to organizational excellence. It welcomes applications from all qualified individuals including candidates from diverse backgrounds and those with disabilities.
Compensation
A competitive compensation package commensurate with skills and experience is available. 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.
Application Return
Please forward resumes and a cover letter showing the distinct link between your experience and the requirements for this role, in confidence to:
Todd Sharpe, Partner
HumanEdge Global
Phone: 403-828-0286
Email: todd@humanedgeglobal.com
www.humanedgeglobal.com