THE ORGANIZATION TOWN OF FORT MACLEOD

Our client, the Town of Fort Macleod is a community of over 3200, poised for growth, rooted in history, and positioned to take advantage of the emerging economy. Fort Macleod is strategically located to benefit from the overflow of the explosive growth of Calgary and Lethbridge. For more information please see www.fortmacleod.com

The liveability of the town is unmatched, from the temperate climate, recreational opportunities and friendly people to high calibre health care and education. Fort Macleod’s deep history and pride is apparent in the historic Empress Theatre and Main Street, the Fort Museum of the North West Mounted Police and the 1884 NWMP Barracks. The Town also has a golf course, outdoor pool and spray park, hockey and curling rink, fitness gym, an active Ag society, the beautiful Oldman River and River Valley Wilderness Park, and the majestic Rocky Mountains just to the west.

THE OPPORTUNITY CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER

The Town of Fort MacLeod has 28 FTE’s and an operating budget of $ 13.6 million and capital budget of $ 8.9 million for 2015. The Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) is responsible for the overall administration of municipal operations in accordance with the objectives, policies and plans approved by the Council.  The CAO is responsible for directing, controlling, and coordinating the activities of the various town departments.

Specific Responsibilities:

coordinate and direct presentations by administrative staff to Council on policy proposals and ongoing municipal operations making recommendations thereon where appropriate;
ensure the Council receives such information and reports as it requires to make effective policy decisions and monitor the effectiveness of administrative operations;
attend or be represented by his designee, at all meetings of Council, Committee Meetings, Boards and Commissions appointed by Council, and assist in the decision making process by providing advice, guidance and consultation, as required;
report to the Council on the effectiveness of its policies and programs and recommend changes thereto to achieve Council’s objectives;
co-ordinate, direct and supervise the implementation of the policies and programs of the Council, reporting regularly of the progress thereon to the Council;
communicate with the Mayor(or designate), Assistant CAO and the Department Heads in preparation of Agendas for Council Meetings;
keep the Mayor(or designate) informed of the day to day operations of the Town which, in the Chief Administrative Officer’s opinion, should be familiar to the Mayor (or designate);
enforce or cause to be enforced all By-Laws and resolutions of the Town
catalogue the policies of the Council and ensure that information concerning these polices are distributed to and understood by relevant senior administrative officials;
review the Town’s organization and departmental structure regularly and recommend to Council changes to improve operating effectiveness or efficiency;
cause the development of satisfactory procedures concerning budget preparation and financial reporting of the Town’s revenues and expenditures, including:
preparation and submission to the Council of annual budgets with appropriate explanations and substantiating information, with cost reductions and eliminations effected where possible, without changing established programs;
quarterly reports to the Council of the Town revenue and expenditure reports compared with the approved budget with explanations of significant variations and account reallocations;
report to Council any other matter, either administrative or financial, that relates to the control of the Town’s affairs, which in the Chief Administrative Officer’s opinion should be reported to Council.
ensure the efficient procurement and safekeeping of goods and services for which funds are provided within the budget;
in compliance with any union contract that Council of the Town of Fort MacLeod have by resolution adopted, ensure the development of comprehensive personnel policies and programs covering the selection, compensation, development, retention, appraisal and placement of Town employees;
shall bring forth recommendations re: non-union employees;
appoint, promote, demote, transfer, or dismiss, except as delegated;
act on the union negotiating committee representing Council to recommend to Council positions concerning wages, salaries, fringe benefits, and working conditions;
perform liaison with other local governments and the Provincial Government when required;
ensure the prompt and proper handling by the administration of all requests, enquiries and complaints by residents of the Town, including the establishment of Town policies and procedures for dealing with complaints;
keep informed about governmental and community affairs and ensure that the Council and Town employees are made aware of significant trends;
perform other duties as may be required by the Council;
the Chief Administrative Officer shall have the authority to make public statements where such statements do not contravene policy established by Council;
it is the responsibility of the Chief Administrative Officer to be kept fully informed of the transaction of all Committees, Boards and Commissions authorized by Council and to further provide co-ordination with committees outside the scope of Council legislative power, but pertinent to the daily operation of Town business;
where a matter is not covered by terms of the By-Law and the Chief Administrative Officer deems it property and expedient to implement changes, he/she may make such recommendations to Council as may be appropriate; and
Council may, by resolution, make such policy changes as are necessary.

Key Result Areas:

The Chief Administrative Officer will assist the Town, the Mayor (or designate), and Council, staff and residents to realize its potential by positively dealing with the following challenges:

increase awareness of Fort MacLeod focusing on attracting people and businesses to the community;
provide pro-active, energetic leadership and management to all municipal functions and help build a dynamic service oriented external image of the Town of Fort MacLeod;
continue building a positive image focusing on Fort MacLeod’s unique location, strong agricultural and industry base and its excellent community facilities and lifestyle;
continue building a strong municipal administrative team that capitalizes on the wealth of skills available in the administration;
facilitate community growth and development within the guidelines of the Strategic Plan while managing with existing financial and human resources through encouraging productivity improvement and efficiency measures;
provide support and leadership to Town and community initiatives including:
economic development projects;
infrastructure improvement;
information systems and technological advancements;
develop cooperative working relationships with business and industry, provincial government and neighboring municipalities as well as community based organizations and agencies;
build an atmosphere with supporting initiatives that promotes improvement of municipal programs and services;
continue providing strong support, leadership and vision to all municipal strategic and corporate planning processes;
develop an atmosphere of trust and open communication amongst all segments of the municipal system including Council, Boards, Committees and residents;
the continuing challenge will be to help the municipality hold its taxes while maintaining its scope of services and improving efficiency and effectiveness of those services;
continue developing plans and operational objectives regarding upgrading of all municipal infrastructure;
develop positive labour relations atmosphere and relationship with the Town’s union;
develop systems to improve the cooperation and relationship with other municipalities and districts where joint ventures are possible.

THE PERSON

Required Qualifications

Education
A college diploma or university degree in public administration or a related field is desirable.  A Certificate in Local Government Administration (CLGM) or a professional designation in a related discipline is desirable.

Experience
The ideal candidate will have at least 5 years of related senior municipal government experience including:

successful experience in a CAO or senior management capacity;
successful department head experience in at least one of the key municipal service functions;
experience in a multi-dimensional service organization with proven ability to provide leadership, adapt and integrate complex planning policy and program initiatives;
a positive record of working effectively with elected officials, volunteers boards and committees and public participation processes and policy and service delivery;
proven experience in strategic planning, organization development and in achieving results in building team and labour relations;
experience in implementing capital works and infrastructure improvement programs.

Competencies and Personal Characteristics

The Chief Administrative Officer will have a progressive leadership record demonstrating positive relationships with elected officials, staff and the community.  The CAO will feel equally comfortable as a senior manager or as a “hands-on” team participant.

Leadership Skills – Demonstrates progressive leadership style while giving guidance and support, a mentor and positive role model combined with a practical and common sense approach. Acts as an integral part of an administrative team and displays a “first amongst equals” style with high ethical standards, an honest, open and consistent approach to working with staff and citizens. Mature, progressive and engaging style; leads by example.

Management Skills – Demonstrates a style which actively promotes involvement with staff, with an emphasis on motivating and encouragement of people, teams and activities. Can work well at all levels and adapt to “changing hats” from working with council to internal staff to the community.

Human Resource Management – Demonstrates a style, which actively promotes involvement with staff, with an emphasis on motivating and encouragement of people, teams and activities. Sensitive and caring with the ability to bring diverse individuals and program initiatives together using a combination of flexible approaches, strong negotiation and conflict resolution skills.

Financial Management, Corporate and Strategic Planning – A proven ability to work in a fiscal environment of restraint and leads with a strong sense of service.  Efficient in budgeting, financing and information reporting.
Provides executive leadership to all planning initiatives and ensures accountability for achievement of results throughout the municipality.

Strong Communication and Interpersonal Skills – Works well with people from all disciplines and is sensitive to diverse needs with the proven ability to integrate teams.  Has an ability to motivate and work positively with community volunteers and organizations.

Self-Confidence – Possesses confidence in own skills and abilities, is able to make difficult decisions and stand by them and consistently demonstrate a positive attitude. Act as a change agent, influencing change and challenging the status quo where appropriate.

Volunteer Service – Presents a strong commitment to comprehensive community services, a demonstrated belief in voluntarism and a willingness to be visible in the community.

Politically Astute – Knows and understands legislative and regulatory processes and has an intuitive ability to read the political implications of recommendations and actions.

Customer Service – Confidence in ensuring customer needs are identified and addressed; ensuring appropriate consultation with all stakeholders and timely, cost effective and quality service. Simplifies often complex and lengthy matters and runs an administration that is service oriented.

COMPENSATION

A competitive compensation package will be provided including an attractive base salary and excellent benefits.  Further details will be discussed further in a personal interview.