Chief Administrative Officer (CAO)

at  Donnelly

JOB DESCRIPTION

Are you ready to take the next big step in your career and make a meaningful impact in a small, close-knit community? The Village of Donnelly is looking for a dynamic, decisive, and community-focused Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) to lead our village of 338 residents into a future of growth and sustainability.
As the CAO, you will be the primary executive responsible for turning Council’s vision into reality. With a lean team of two dedicated staff and a budget reflective of a small-town municipality, you will have the opportunity to wear many hats, make key decisions, and drive meaningful change for the community.

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE

The Village of Donnelly is seeking a self-starter and go-getter who thrives in an environment where resourcefulness, creativity, and decisive leadership are critical. The ideal CAO is:

• Ambitious: Ready to step into a senior leadership role with the drive to take on significant responsibility.
• Adaptable and Hands-On: Comfortable managing a wide range of responsibilities in a small team setting, from operational tasks to high-level strategic planning.
• Decisive and Accountable: Confident in making informed decisions that impact the village, with the ability to back them up with knowledge and clarity.
• Community-Oriented: Passionate about small-community living, with a focus on building strong relationships with Council, residents, and regional partners.
• Visionary: Able to balance today’s needs with long-term planning and sustainability, making the most of limited resources.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience in leadership or management roles, ideally within a municipal or small organization setting.
• Knowledge of budgeting, financial planning, and municipal governance.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with a knack for building trust and collaboration.
• A post-secondary degree or certification in local government administration, public administration, or a related field is an asset but not required.
• Knowledge of Alberta’s Municipal Government Act (MGA) is an asset.
• Legally qualified to work in Canada.
• Bilingual Speakers is a bonus

• Leadership and Decision-Making: Provide hands-on leadership to a small but dedicated team, making strategic decisions to enhance operations and achieve Council’s goals.
• Council Relations: Work closely with Council to develop and implement policies, provide timely updates, and offer recommendations to guide the village’s future.
• Administration: Oversee all municipal operations, ensuring efficiency and compliance with the Municipal Government Act (MGA).
• Budget and Finance: Manage the village’s modest budget, prioritize spending, and identify grant and funding opportunities to maximize resources.
• Economic Development: Identify and pursue opportunities to enhance the local economy and attract investment to the village.