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Opportunities

Chief Commissioner

Strathcona County

Status: Open Location: Strathcona County, AB

The Organization

Strathcona County is a diverse specialized municipality in central Alberta, comprising both rural and urban areas. It is a forward-looking leader in both the agricultural and petroleum industries striving for ecological integrity. 

Strathcona County was listed as one of the best employers in Canada by Forbes Magazine in 2024 and takes continual, proactive steps to ensure its culture remains strong, positive, and supportive. As one of Alberta’s largest municipalities, they are a leader in innovation and community development.        

Strathcona County is driven by the mission of becoming Canada’s most livable community. That mission underpins every action made by the County and its representatives.

To find out more about Strathcona County, please visit their website.

The Opportunity

Reports to:Strathcona County Council
Direct Reports:7: Associate Commissioner, Corporate Services; Associate Commissioner, Infrastructure and Planning Services; Associate Commissioner, Community Services; Director, Legislative, Legal, and Procurement; Manager, Intergovernmental Affairs; Chief of Staff, Office of the Mayor; Executive Assistant.
Location:Strathcona County, AB

Mandate

The Chief Commissioner for Strathcona County is appointed by and reports to the Mayor and County Council. This pivotal role involves providing strategic leadership, fostering strong relationships, ensuring efficient operational oversight, nurturing a positive organizational culture, and spearheading economic development. The Chief Commissioner is responsible for translating Council’s strategic priorities into actionable plans, maintaining organizational accountability, and ensuring the County’s long-term prosperity and performance.

The Chief Commissioner will work with Council to facilitate and lead the development of a dynamic and visionary Strategic Plan that provides clear direction for administration and all stakeholders, as to Strathcona’s objectives for the foreseeable future. They will ensure that Strathcona County takes a leadership role within the municipal sector, befitting the 3rd largest municipality in Alberta with a significant resource base within its boundaries. They will further ensure that County administration is organized and well positioned to continue to deliver high quality services to its residents and demonstrate a model for good governance in managing its affairs during a period of immense potential and significant growth for the County.

Key Accountabilities

As Chief Commissioner, you will:

Provide Strategic Leadership

  • Lead the implementation of Council’s strategic priorities, ensuring all policies, programs, and initiatives align with the County’s long-term vision.
  • Guide multi-year corporate and financial planning, balancing innovation with fiscal responsibility.
  • Regularly review and refine the County’s strategic plan to remain adaptive in a dynamic environment.

Foster Relationships

  • Build and maintain strong working relationships with elected officials, staff, and community stakeholders.
  • Advocate for the County’s interests with provincial and municipal partners, ensuring productive collaboration and alignment.
  • Represent Strathcona County in external forums, negotiations, and regional initiatives.

Oversee Operations

  • Ensure efficient and effective delivery of programs and services while maintaining operational excellence.
  • Monitor and manage the County’s financial health, overseeing large-scale budgets and risk management strategies.
  • Establish accountability frameworks and performance metrics to measure success.

Develop People and Culture

  • Champion an organizational culture of inclusion, innovation, and collaboration.
  • Empower employees through professional development, recognition, and opportunities to contribute to the County’s success.
  • Position the County as an employer of choice, fostering a motivated and engaged workforce.

Drive Economic Development

  • Enhance the County’s economic competitiveness by fostering business retention, expansion, and investment.
  • Leverage partnerships to support regional economic initiatives and explore innovative funding models.
  • Promote tourism, culture, and community events to enhance Strathcona County’s profile.

Ensure Governance and Accountability

  • Provide Council with accurate, timely information and expert advice for informed decision-making.
  • Lead the development and implementation of governance policies and performance monitoring systems.
  • Ensure compliance with legislative requirements, policies, and procedures.

First-Year Deliverables / Measures of Success

Success in the first year will be determined by the candidate’s ability to:

  • Become a trusted partner to Council and the leadership team, known for their collaborative and transparent approach.
  • Maintain and enhance staff engagement and morale, building on the County’s positive organizational culture.
  • Demonstrate strategic leadership in key projects, balancing operational demands with long-term goals.
  • Sustain exceptional relationships with provincial partners and neighboring municipalities, ensuring regional leadership and advocacy.
  • Remain focused on collaborative fiscal planning and ensure alignment with strategic priorities.
  • Keep up with and continue driving Strathcona County’s asset management program forward.
  • Support a smooth election and effectively onboard the newly elected Council.

Candidate Profile

The successful candidate will have the following:

Education:

  • A relevant post-secondary education is required.
  • A Master’s degree is welcomed.
  • A demonstrated, clear pattern of ongoing professional development.

Experience:

  • Proven success in senior management roles within complex organizations, ideally within a government environment, but a combination of public and private sector experience is welcomed.
  • Strong financial acumen with experience overseeing large-scale budgets and driving fiscal sustainability.
  • Expertise in strategic planning, organizational development, and leading diverse teams.
  • A track record of building strong relationships with elected officials, staff, and other interested parties.
  • Successful leadership experience in managing and expanding a complex, multi-service enterprise, with a focus on sustainable growth and strategic vision.
  • Experience ensuring employee engagement, public satisfaction, and good physical management when leading an organization.
  • Strong track record of delivering creative and innovative solutions, especially in situations where traditional approaches have been insufficient.
  • Knowledge of Alberta’s political, economic, and social landscape is an asset.

Competencies and Attributes:

  • Strategic Vision and Decision-Making: A critical and creative thinker capable of seeing the big picture and making decisions that balance innovation with fiscal responsibility.
  • Collaborative Leadership: Someone who inspires trust, builds strong relationships across all levels, and leads by example in fostering a supportive and team-oriented environment.
  • Transparent and Inspiring Communication: A leader who communicates frequently, openly, and authentically, fostering trust and engagement across all levels of the organization and community. Demonstrates the ability to convey complex ideas clearly, inspire confidence, and build meaningful connections through active listening and thoughtful dialogue.
  • Political Acumen: Understanding the dynamics of working with nine elected officials, managing political implications, and navigating public communication effectively.
  • Complex Problem-Solving: Experience with multifaceted issues requiring cross-departmental collaboration and innovative approaches.
  • Provincial and Regional Relations: A leader who can navigate provincial government structures, leveraging connections to advance the County’s interests.
  • Understanding the Complexity of Leadership: Proven ability to adapt leadership styles to varied organizational, cultural, and political contexts. Demonstrates agility in managing competing priorities, balancing immediate needs with long-term vision, and fostering collaboration across diverse stakeholders.

Commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

Strathcona County is committed to attracting a diverse, engaged, and talented workforce through hiring strategies that are competitive, inclusive, and provide equitable opportunities for participation.  Strathcona County recognizes that a diverse team benefits and is essential to service excellence and welcomes applications from all qualified individuals.  Accommodation will be provided by Mullen and Strathcona County throughout the recruitment, selection and/or assessment process, upon request, to applicants who request it. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply.

Application Instructions

If this leadership opportunity inspires you, please apply by submitting a cover letter and resume to connect@mullenleadership.com with Strathcona County in the subject line of your email.  We recommend that applications be submitted before the end of day on January 10, 2025. 

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