Chief Administrative Officer

Rural Municipalities of Alberta; Lethbridge; On-site; CAD 100,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A regional planning organization in Lethbridge is seeking a Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) to lead its multidisciplinary team and foster collaboration with municipal partners. The ideal candidate will possess strong operational management experience, inspire others, and advocate for regional partnerships. Key responsibilities include strategic oversight, financial planning, and ensuring compliance with legislation.

Benefits

Professional development opportunities

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years in a senior leadership role within municipal government.
• Proven experience in HR management and financial planning.
• Understanding of municipal planning and GIS services.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership and oversight of all ORRSC operations.
• Collaborate with Board of Directors to implement organizational goals.
• Maintain open relationships with municipal partners and stakeholders.

Skills

Public speaking

Facilitation

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Public Administration or related field

Tools

MS Office

Adobe

Job description

Posted by: Oldman River Regional Services Commission

Summary

About Us

Located and founded in Lethbridge, Alberta, the Oldman River Regional Services Commission (ORRSC) is a respected regional planning organization supporting municipalities across southern Alberta. For the past 70 years, the Oldman River Regional Services Commission (ORRSC) has provided a mix of professional municipal planning, mapping, geographical information system (GIS) and regional assessment review board services and advice to our 40 municipal members across Southern Alberta. We are proud to foster collaboration between municipalities, government partners, and institutions. ORRSC is a:

“Successful example of a shared not-for-profit municipal service.”

Alberta Municipal Affairs

Lethbridge is a flourishing city of just over 100,000 residents, whose economy has been largely tied to the agricultural industry, and has expanded into a thriving industrial, commercial, research, and technology hub in Southern Alberta. The Cities’ cultural vibrancy is enhanced by the University of Lethbridge and Lethbridge Polytechnic and numerous recreation opportunities including over 200 km of trails, three major museums and art galleries, and a variety of annual festivals and events for both sports and cultural fanatics. Being situated at the intersection of Highway 3, 4 and 5 we are perfectly located to explore the Canadian Rocky Mountains and the Canadian Badlands.

The Opportunity

We are seeking a highly motivated Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) to lead our multi-disciplinary team and continue building strong relationships with our Board of Directors, member municipalities, and external stakeholders. This is a rare opportunity for a forward-thinking and personable leader to shape the future of a well-established organization in an evolving regional landscape.

Ideal Candidate

You are an approachable, confident leader who brings both strong operational management experience and the ability to inspire others. You balance decisiveness with collaboration, and you value accountability, transparency, and continuous improvement while respecting the long-standing history of the organization. You exemplify the following core qualities:

• Ambitious and proactive
• Personable and tactful communicator
• Strong delegator, with a strong awareness of current operations and projects
• Strategic and logical thinker
• Motivating and empowering team builder
• Committed advocate for ORRSC and regional partnerships.
• Salary & Benefits: We offer a competitive salary and benefits package based on experience and qualifications
• Hours: 8:00 am to 4:30 pm (7.5 hours) Monday to Friday; Attendance at evening meetings as required based on assigned responsibilities and duties.
• Reporting: This position reports to the Executive Committee and the Board of Directors but works closely with all positions within the organization.
• Professional Development: This position provides ongoing opportunities for professional development.

How to Apply

Qualified candidates should submit their cover letter and resume to Christopher Northcott, Chair at [e-mail] . We sincerely thank all candidates for their interest, but only those applicants who are selected for an interview will be contacted. This Position will remain open until Friday, August 15, 2025 at 4:00 pm or until a suitable candidate is selected. Resumes received will remain in confidence.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership and oversight of all ORRSC operations, services, and staff.
• Collaborate closely with a diverse staff, Executive Committee, and Board of Directors to develop and implement organizational goals and policies.
• Foster an engaged and high-performing workplace culture through empowerment, mentorship, and support.
• Maintain open, proactive relationships with municipal partners, government agencies, post-secondary institutions, and industry stakeholders.
• Lead and support financial planning, budget management, and long-term asset stewardship.
• Champion strategic planning initiatives and oversee the ongoing modernization of internal policies and procedures.
• Represent ORRSC with professionalism and integrity at conferences, public events, and official functions.
• Promote innovation and excellence in Planning and GIS services.
• Ensure compliance with relevant legislation and municipal/regional regulations.

Requirements

Education & Certifications

• A Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Public Administration, Management, Human Resources, Economics, or a related field. Planning knowledge is an asset but not required.
• Certifications such as Project Management or Certified Local Government Manager (CLGM) are assets.

Experience

• Minimum 5 years in a senior leadership role within municipal government, a government agency, or a comparable organization (e.g. CAO, CEO, Executive Director).
• Demonstrated experience in HR management, financial planning, and policy administration.
• Proven experience working with a Board of Directors and leading cross-functional teams would be considered an asset.

Technical & Interpersonal Skills

• Excellent public speaking, facilitation, and communication skills.
• Understanding or interest in municipal planning, GIS services, and applicable legislation.
• Effective in managing complex stakeholder relationships and third-party partnerships.
• Skilled in navigating strategic and organizational change.
• Proficient in grant investigation and applications.
• Experience with workload management and resolving internal/external personnel challenges.
• Proficient computer skills, including MS Office and Adobe.

Other Qualifications

• Only candidates who are authorized to work in Canada will be considered.