Chief Administrative Officer (CAO)

Job Overview

Reporting to an elected Council of seven, the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) is responsible for the overall leadership, planning, coordination, and administration of all municipal operations in accordance with the Municipal Government Act (MGA), as well as Council‑approved policies, bylaws, and strategic priorities. The CAO serves as Council’s senior policy advisor, ensuring effective governance and the efficient delivery of municipal services, while providing strategic leadership to all departments and staff. This role oversees the day‑to‑day operations of the municipality, aligns organizational performance with Council objectives, and fosters a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement across the organization.

The CAO will maintain a positive relationship with the Council based on trust, dedication, and a constant willingness for open and transparent communication. This position requires sound decision‑making abilities, and an ongoing commitment to enhancing the quality of life for Clearwater County residents.

Direct Reports

• Director, Agriculture & Community Services
• Director, Corporate Services
• Director, Public Works/Infrastructure
• Director, Public Works/Operations
• Director, Planning & Development
• Director, Emergency Services
• Manager, Human Resources
• Health & Safety
• Executive Assistant to the CAO & Council

Employees

• 140 FTE’s and 80–90 paid on‑call fire for a total of approximately 230 staff.

Budget

• Operating: Revenues of $76.8M, and expenses of $58.8M (excluding amortization), with an additional $782K in restricted funds.
• Capital: Revenues of $8.5M and $40.3M in expenditures, supported by $31.7M in restricted funds for capital projects.

Key Responsibilities & Functions Overview

Council Relationship & Key Advisor

• Build a relationship with Council based on trust, open communication, and mutual respect.
• Recognize Council’s authority in policy and budget decisions, supporting and implementing these decisions.
• Ensure alignment of policies, procedures, and practices with Council’s Strategic Plan.
• Collaborate with Council to define the County’s vision, propose alternatives, and keep them informed of key operational, legislative, or political developments.
• Support policy formulation with relevant data, advise on the effectiveness of bylaws and policies, and recommend necessary updates.
• Provide guidance on objectives, policies, and programs, overseeing implementation and monitoring progress.
• Advise Council on trends, grants, legislative changes, and other relevant information.
• Attend all Council meetings, offering relevant advice as needed.

Leadership & General Administration

• Demonstrate leadership, maintain open communication, and empower staff while ensuring high morale and productivity.
• Coach and mentor staff to foster leadership development and succession planning.
• Set clear Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and ensure regular review.
• Coordinate departmental activities and inform Council of changes in staffing.

Strategic Planning

• Assist Council in updating the Strategic Plan to address critical issues and set annual objectives.
• Propose policies to enhance employment opportunities and expand the County’s assessment base.
• Align operations with the County’s strategic goals and review policies, procedures, and investments.

Economic Development

• Coordinate resources, feedback, and partnerships to implement the County’s economic development strategies.
• Promote Clearwater County as an employer of choice and a destination for business investment.
• Collaborate with local businesses and stakeholders to attract new opportunities.
• Work with the Director, Corporate Services to prepare capital and operating budgets for Council approval. Ensure financial controls and expenditures are managed effectively to guarantee financial compliance.
• Oversee the deposit of municipal funds as designated by Council.

Human Resource Management

• Work with the Manager, HR to maintain comprehensive HR policies and programs, including recruitment, compensation, and employee development.
• Oversee the organizational structure to align with operational needs and Council objectives and recommend organizational changes to optimize departmental structure and efficiency.
• Develop performance standards and conduct regular employee evaluations.

Legislative Responsibility

• Ensure compliance with federal and provincial legislation and other relevant acts, including the Municipal Government Act, Employment Standards Code, and Occupational Health and Safety Act.
• Ensure that bylaws, resolutions, and municipal records are current and accessible.
• Maintain accurate records of Council meetings and secure the corporate seal.

Community Relationships & Public Relations

• Deliver exceptional customer service to residents, promptly addressing inquiries, and attending community events as needed.
• Lead collaborative initiatives with neighbouring municipalities, stakeholders, and government officials to promote economic, fiscal, and citizen‑focused services.
• Foster transparency and a positive public image of the County. Serve as a liaison with the media, external boards, agencies, and municipalities, ensuring appropriate and effective communication.
• Participate in relevant conferences, training, and professional development opportunities.

Other Functions

• Ensure a safe, healthy, and inclusive work culture, and prioritize Occupational Health & Safety (OH&S). Participate in emergency response planning.
• Perform additional duties as delegated by Council.

Skills & Attributes Overview

• Leadership: Inspire and support team settings with a positive, approachable demeanor. Lead by example, guiding both staff and Council, while fostering a collaborative, team‑oriented environment. Focused on succession planning and organizational success.
• Communication & People Skills: Exceptional communicator, able to navigate sensitive issues with integrity and confidentiality. Skilled in engaging with Council, staff, and the public, and adept at presenting complex information clearly and effectively. Promote open, transparent communication at all levels.
• Conflict Resolution Expertise: Skilled mediator, able to engage diverse perspectives and resolve conflicts through proactive, interest‑based negotiations. Proficient in diffusing tense situations and ensuring all individuals feel heard and valued.
• Relationship Building & Collaboration Capability: Build strong, professional relationships with elected officials, staff, municipal neighbours, businesses, industry, and external stakeholders. Foster teamwork across departments and cultivate positive interactions with government and community partners.
• Strategic Thinking: Make data‑driven decisions and confidently stand behind difficult choices. Able to align actions with long‑term goals and objectives.
• Analytical & Critical Thinking Skills: Utilize critical thinking to solve complex problems, anticipate challenges, and develop innovative, practical solutions. Demonstrate sound judgment in high‑pressure situations.
• Energy & Commitment: Highly motivated, results‑driven, and capable of making timely decisions. Politically savvy, with the proven ability to work effectively with elected officials.
• Integrity & Trust: Demonstrate unwavering ethics, integrity, and trustworthiness. Politically astute, understand legislative processes, and navigate political dynamics with tact.
• Financial Acumen: Strong understanding of municipal budgeting, fiscal planning, and management, with a history of making sound, fiscally responsible decisions.
• Change Management Understanding: Embrace change, challenge existing norms, and drive progress. A visionary with a keen sense of urgency, committed to elevating Clearwater County to new heights.
• Planning & Organizing Skills: Efficient planner and project manager, effectively utilizing resources, setting clear expectations, and designing practical processes.
• Adaptability & Resilience: Adapt to evolving political, social, and economic conditions, demonstrating resilience, and driving organizational growth through challenges.

Education & Experience Overview

• A university degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, or a combination of education and senior leadership experience in a municipal setting will be considered.
• Minimum of five years in senior management, with experience in business planning, finance, civil engineering, project management, land use planning, economic development, capital projects, and/or human resources.
• Previous experience with, and a strong understanding and appreciation of, rural environments.
• Experience working with elected officials and/or Boards of Directors.
• Strong knowledge of relevant legislation and statutes to ensure compliance with Provincial requirements, particularly the Municipal Government Act (MGA).
• Proven experience in securing federal/provincial grants that support programs and projects.
• A Certified Local Government Management (CLGM) designation, or progress towards obtaining it, is considered an asset.
• Proficiency in communications, conflict resolution, mediation, team building, and OH&S, with a commitment to ongoing professional development.

Compensation

A competitive compensation package will be provided for the successful candidate. This includes an attractive and competitive base salary, a comprehensive overall benefits package, enrollment in LAPP (Local Authorities Pension Plan) and the supplemental APEX pension plan, and on‑going Professional Development support. Details will be discussed in further conversations.

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