Chief Administrative Officer Jobs

The Township of Russell is located within the United Counties of Prescott and Russell, to the east of the City of Ottawa.One of the key factors contributing to continued steady growth in the Township is its proximity to the Ottawa area. The natural setting and bilingual nature of Embrun, Russell, Limoges and Marionville make Russell Township a dynamic and vibrant community in which to live and work.

Position Overview

The Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), leads an innovative, fast-paced and results-oriented organization. Accountable to Council, the CAO is an integral member of the Municipality’s leadership team and is responsible for providing strategic leadership and direction regarding the development and execution of administrative and operational policies, procedures and initiatives. The CAO is responsible for overseeing multiple administrative functions and ensures the seamless coordination and integration of activities across the organization.

The incumbent will be accountable for reflecting a citizen-centric approach in developing the initiatives, strategies, business plans, programs, and services which align with Council’s vision and strategic priorities. The CAO is responsible for shaping an organizational culture that supports the Township’s most valuable resources: the employees who are encouraged and enabled to be innovative, progressive, collaborative, and results oriented.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Planning and Execution

• Monitor industry trends and best practices to identify opportunities for continuous innovation and improvement.
• Develop and implement corporate strategies and objectives aligned with the Township's overall vision;
• Drive initiatives to improve corporate operational and administrative processes, policies, and procedures which will enhance efficiency and productivity; and

Organizational Leadership

• Be a change leader. Provide leadership and guidance to the senior management team, fostering a culture of excellence, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Establish clear performance expectations, objectives and evaluation metrics for senior management and administrative team members.
• Promote professional development and mentorship opportunities to enhance the skills and capabilities of staff at all levels, with a focus on enabling leadership.
• Provide recommendations and guidance which supports policy-making by Council; ensuring elected officials have sufficient information on which to make effective decisions, and provide recommendations based on provincial policy, county and municipal plans, strategic objectives and staff analysis.
• Advise Council and recommend actions for the development and implementation of initiatives, projects, programs and policies which will facilitate and promote the welfare of the municipality and its residents.

Operations Management:

• Oversee and ensure efficient, economical and effective corporate operations as determined through Council direction, strategic and operational planning, budgetary considerations and the by-laws of the Township.
• Ensure compliance with legal and regulatory requirements as they apply to the management of Township resources.
• Identify and implement innovative technology solutions to streamline administrative processes and enhance productivity across the enterprise; and
• Exercise all of the powers and duties of the position of Chief Administrative Officer, as may be prescribed by the Statutes of Ontario, and as prescribed by Council.

Budgeting and Financial Management:

• Collaborate with finance and accounting teams to provide accurate financial reports and forecasts to Council on a regular basis.
• Provide general financial oversight for all departments through the Director of Corporate Services, ensuring the efficient allocation of resources and adherence to financial objectives; and

Cross-Functional Collaboration:

• Coordinate and collaborate with other municipalities and with the United Counties of Prescott and Russell, examining and proposing initiatives which will benefit the Township and the wider region; and
• Participate in strategic decision-making processes, providing valuable insights and recommendations to both Council and departmental staff.
• Foster effective communication and collaboration with and between Township departments to support organizational objectives.
• Administer effective public relations between the Township, its officials and the community at large: establish liaison and positive relationships with the business community, local volunteer groups, boards and authorities, and other levels of government, and act as a spokesperson on behalf of the Administration.
• Promote internal communication and engagement, including awareness of Council decisions and policies; as well as effective working relations between Council and Staff.
• Coordinate with department heads to identify administrative needs, implement solutions, and resolve operational and administrative issues.

Qualifications

• Minimum five (5) years’ experience as a senior leader in a municipal setting or equivalent experience in the public or private sectors.
• Sound financial acumen with experience in budgeting and resource allocation.
• Ability to prioritize tasks effectively in a dynamic and complex environment.
• Strong and demonstrated leadership and management skills, with the ability to inspire, enable and motivate teams.
• Native proficiency in one of Canada’s official languages, and at least a working proficiency in the other official language.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build relationships and influence stakeholders at all levels.
• Ability to work in a cross-cultural environment.
• Strategic thinker with an innovation and results-oriented mindset.
• Understanding or familiarity with municipal business planning and budgeting.
• Proven track record of successfully implementing administrative and/or operational strategies and initiatives.
• Knowledge or familiarity with applicable legislation, including, but not limited to municipal legislation/regulations, Employment Standards Act, 2000, and Human Rights Code; and knowledge of relevant laws, regulations, and compliance requirements.
• Demonstrated experience with visioning, strategic and operational planning.
• Post-secondary education in Public or Business Administration or a combination of other education in a related discipline and progressive experience in the public or private sector.
• Proficiency in using technology tools and software to streamline administrative processes; and

Compensation

A competitive compensation package will be provided including an attractive base salary and excellent benefits as well as participation in OMERS.

Application Instructions

This is an opportunity to work with a high-performing, progressive and innovative team in a growing and thriving township in Ontario. To explore this exciting opportunity, qualified candidates are invited to submit their application in confidence, to Human Resources at [email protected] before August 4^th, 2023.