Chief Administrative Officer Position Description

Transcription

1 Chief Administrative Officer Position Description About Tecumseh Business in Focus Magazine recently dubbed the Town of Tecumseh a small Town that packs a pretty big punch. With a population of just under 24,000, Tecumseh provides community living with big city access and opportunities. Its location includes a prime transportation network and business landscape that supports local and global industry growth. Since 2011, the Town has been implementing policies and procedures that follow a strategic plan, ensuring the Town is an even better place to live, work and invest. Residents agree with this approach. For the last six years, Tecumseh has received a 98% or higher citizen satisfaction survey rating. Four out of five respondents believe Tecumseh is heading in the right direction. Yet the Town believes there is room for improvement and continues to demonstrate leadership by promoting good governance and community engagement. With successful industrial and business sectors, a commitment to sustainable, planned development, and a wealth of cultural and recreational opportunities, Tecumseh is well positioned as a vibrant destination. Tecumseh is a lifestyle community with a variety of residential neighborhoods, distinct commercial/industrial areas and amenities, and an extensive parks system. There are homes of all sizes, different types of businesses from big box stores to small boutiques, along with a significant tool & die and mold making sector. Tecumseh residents enjoy an active community life as part of a regional hub and close to an international border. Council and Administration believe in a healthy, liveable approach to community living through planning as well as supporting workplace initiatives for our staff. The Town is an eight-time recipient of the Gord Smith Healthy Workplace and Bike Friendly Workplace awards sponsored by the Windsor-Essex County Health Unit. Tecumseh also recognizes that working with regional partners is an integral part of success. Administration has developed robust relationships with local economic development and community organizations as well as Provincial and Federal partners who provide guidance and support. The Mayor of Tecumseh is a past president of the Association of Municipalities of Ontario and currently sits on AMO s County Caucus. He is a strong advocate for both the Town and Essex County. His network of municipal, Provincial and Federal leaders ensures the Town s voice is heard and concerns are responded to on a variety of municipal initiatives. To learn more about the Town of Tecumseh, please visit 1

2 The Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Responsible to the Mayor and Council, the Town of Tecumseh s CAO will direct, administer and coordinate all affairs of the municipality. The individual will oversee all aspects of municipal administration, financial management, municipal operations, project planning and project delivery in accordance with Council policies, priorities and legislative requirements. The CAO must be an experienced and dynamic individual who is forward thinking and believes in innovative approaches to assist the municipality to achieve its long-term goals and implement strategic priorities. The CAO provides information, advice, and recommendations to Council on issues affecting the municipality. Charged with exercising general control and management of municipal affairs, the CAO leads a team of Directors and Managers overseeing the organization s human, financial, and physical resources to ensure that Council's polices and directives are implemented. The CAO represents the municipality as a key contributor for matters involving the community, Province and other municipalities. Position Summary: Reporting to the Mayor and Council, the Chief Administrative Officer is responsible for all aspects of the administration through establishment of a clear administrative vision, mission, values and behaviours in line with corporate directions. The portfolio includes advising the Mayor and Council on all matters relative to Town operations and implementing Town Policies as well as ensuring an administrative focus on quality customer service using a team approach. The CAO supports and coaches administrative team members to achieve expected outcomes through a collaborative approach and ensures sound administrative policies are developed and monitored. Together, the Mayor, Council and Administration will work to ensure timely conclusion to Council projects and initiatives. Duties & Responsibilities: Management & Leadership Lead and direct seven (7) Directors. Working with Council, establish the vision and strategic direction for the Town; develop, consolidate and review the annual business plans and budgets (operating and capital) prepared by Departments; lead the business plan and budget approval process with Town Council. Provide periodic briefings of Council s long-term direction so all employees can gain an appreciation of the big picture. Monitor the performance of Departments against business plans/budgets; review variance reports and initiate corrective action where necessary. Review and approve new or revised policies, corporate-wide and departmental. Provide recommendations to Council covering the attraction and retention of talent through policies and practices on recruitment and selection, compensation and benefits, training and development, and working conditions for Town employees; make recommendations to Council on corporate position and guidelines for contract negotiations covering the Town s collective bargaining agreements. 2

3 Act as key management representative for the coordination and cooperation among Town Departments; provide problem solving and decision making advice to the members of the Senior Management Team. Formal oversight of the Water Distribution System and Drinking Water Quality Management System (DWQMS). Set a visible and positive leadership example to promote empowerment of employees through coaching, mentoring, 1:1 communication and delegation of decision-making; take necessary steps to anticipate impact of changes and to identify and remove barriers to empowerment. Provide leadership in the ongoing identification and tracking of best practices (including benchmarking of other municipalities) and latest technology; make recommendations to support continuous improvement efforts that positions the Town as state-of-the-art in municipal government. Technical Provide business and technical advice to members of Town Council on decisions/actions requiring their approval. Review and approve all materials and documentation sent to members of Council including the final approval of the Council and Council Committee agendas. Present materials at Council and Council Committee meetings; guide and coach Town Staff making presentations to Council. Implement Council directives and decisions including follow-up on implementation with initiation of corrective action where required. Identify and monitor best practices and trends/advances in the municipal field for possible application in Town administration and operations. Establish terms of reference for corporate-wide continuous improvement initiatives/projects; review calls for tender for major projects/studies to ensure compliance with current policies and procedures. Provide input and approval of quality assurance programs covering the delivery of service to the public by various Town Departments; review recurring customer complaints. Contract the legal services for the Town; oversee claims settlement and litigation with recommendations to Council on cost effective resolutions; track pertinent legislation affecting Town Operations and Administration with technical advice to Council. Develop and facilitate required actions on behalf of Council, a participative process that leads to establishing long-term direction, strategy and priorities. Hire, coach, discipline and terminate all directly reporting personnel in accordance with established corporate policy. Establish regular goals and performance appraisals for direct reports. Ensure that regular reviews and assessments of the organizational structure take place using best practices and research; evaluate the effectiveness of the allocation of responsibilities and authorities; and, ensure adequate performance measurement systems are in place. 3

4 Communications & Representation Provide leadership in the development and implementation of programs aimed at marketing/promoting the Town and enhancing its image and visibility. Direct ongoing outreach and engagement with community stakeholders, residents and businesses. Develop and maintain a contact network of counterparts in other municipalities; direct on-going efforts to explore and optimize sharing of services and cooperative/group purchasing. Represent the Town with individual citizens, community organizations, special interest groups, developers, commercial interests and the media. Liaise with officials and agencies at the Federal, Provincial and municipal levels. Provide comprehensive advice and report on issues to Council, Council Committees and community organizations providing explanations and advice. Establish a regular and formal communication process with the Mayor and Council regarding administrative goals. Human Resources Provide personal leadership and direction to ensure a High Performance Organization. Assess staffing needs, including succession planning, and direct the recruitment process following corporate policy and practices. Conduct performance evaluation, coaching, mentoring and professional development of Department Heads. Financial Resources Monitor the results of operations compared to the budget on a quarterly basis. Ensure Town policies and procedures are followed as per the Purchasing Bylaw. Develop annual budgets for Council, Police and CAO departments. Report quarterly budget variances and recommend action where appropriate. Requirements: Skills Working knowledge of the professional/technical disciplines related to the functions, and service delivery by: Public Works & Environmental Services, Parks & Recreation Services, Fire & Rescue Services, Planning & Building Services, Corporate Services & Clerk, Human Resources, Information & Communication Services and Financial Services. Knowledge of sources of information for the above disciplines; ability to research information from appropriate sources and to monitor trends and developments. General knowledge of the Municipal Act and associated Regulations as they pertain to the functions of each Department. Working knowledge of current techniques for determining citizens needs, measuring satisfaction with services delivered and monitoring quality control for the organization. Ability to develop and maintain technical/professional contacts with counterparts in the municipal field as well as Provincial and Federal government representatives; ability to deal with ratepayer groups, citizens associations, special interest groups, and other stakeholders. 4

5 Preferred Qualifications Academic background including a Masters degree in one of: business, accounting, engineering, planning, law or public administration or other related fields. Preference to candidates with a Certified Municipal Officer (CMO) designation or ability to obtain. Must possess at least 10 years progressive experience in a senior level of management. Superior organizational, communication and human relations skills. Computer literacy, including familiarity with Microsoft Office and Windows. Interpersonal Skills & Contacts: Internal/External Conduct effective daily contact with Members of Council, Directors, Managers, support staff, as well as the general public, ratepayers and business community. Develop a contact network of counterparts in other municipalities, technical professionals, industry/trades representatives and suppliers/contractors. Address inquiries, requests and complaints from Council and the public with prompt, courteous responses while ensuring compliance with established policies, procedures and Town By-Laws. Represent the municipality with officials at the Federal, Provincial and municipal levels. Communicate with associates in other municipalities to exchange information on related programs and services. Decision Making & Judgment Make independent decisions on work method and procedures using sound judgement, professionalism and a results-oriented approach. Under the direction of Council, work within the guidelines of the Municipal Act, Municipal Policies and Provincial Regulations. Working Conditions: Environment Works within an office environment at Town Hall. Normal office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (35 hours per week). Duties will require work beyond normal office hours to meet deadlines, attend Council, Committee and Public meetings, and other activities as necessary. The Town is committed to providing a safe and healthy workplace for all employees. Compensation: Salary Range - $157,910 - $184,732 [2018] per year, depending on expertise and experience, in accordance with the Town s salary grid. Comprehensive benefits package including vacation and sick leave allowance. Pension Plan Enrolment in OMERS. This is a non-union position and is subject to an Employment Contract. 5