Chief Administrative Officer (CAO)

Town of Innisfail, AB

Chief Administrative Officer

The Town of Innisfail resides on Treaty 7 territory, the ancestral and traditional territory of the Blackfoot Confederacy: Kainai, Piikani and Siksika, as well as the Tsuu T’ina First Nation and Stoney Nakada First Nation. This territory is home to the Metis Nation of Alberta, Region #3 within the historical Northwest Metis Homeland.

ABOUT THE MUNICIPALITY    

The Town of Innisfail is a thriving and progressive municipality located in central Alberta, approximately 120 kilometres south of Edmonton and 110 kilometres north of Calgary along the Queen Elizabeth II (QE II) Highway (Highway 2), one of Western Canada’s most significant transportation corridors. Situated within Red Deer County, Innisfail serves as an important commercial, agricultural, industrial, and service hub for the surrounding rural region. The Town is located approximately 20 kilometres south of the City of Red Deer, providing residents and businesses with convenient access to a broader regional market while maintaining the advantages of a close-knit community.

With a population of approximately 8,500 residents, Innisfail offers the amenities and services expected of a larger urban centre while preserving its small-town character and strong sense of community. The municipality encompasses approximately 19 square kilometres and has experienced steady residential, commercial, and industrial growth due to its strategic location between Alberta’s two largest metropolitan centres.

The local economy is diverse and resilient, supported by manufacturing, agri-business, transportation and logistics, construction, retail trade, professional services, and tourism. While agriculture is a strong contributor to the economy with productive farmland and agricultural enterprises throughout the region, local manufacturing has progressively increased its positive contribution to the local economy. Innisfail’s location along the QEII corridor has also attracted industrial and commercial investment, making it an ideal location for businesses seeking efficient access to provincial and national markets. The Town actively supports economic development initiatives and works collaboratively with regional partners to encourage investment, business expansion, and employment growth.

Innisfail residents enjoy high quality of life, quality community amenities, and access to a comprehensive range of municipal services including water, wastewater, stormwater management, transportation infrastructure, parks maintenance, planning and development services, emergency management, bylaw enforcement, and protective services. Fire protection is provided through the Innisfail Fire Department, while policing services are delivered by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) detachment.

The municipality maintains an extensive network of recreational facilities, parks, pathways, sports fields, and community gathering spaces. The award winning 27-hole Innisfail Golf Course, Aquatic Centre, Innisfail Arena, baseball diamonds, soccer fields, and numerous playgrounds support active lifestyles for residents of all ages. The community’s trail system connects neighbourhoods and recreational areas, promoting walking, cycling, and outdoor recreation. Innisfail is also home to the renowned Discovery Wildlife Park, one of Alberta’s leading zoological attractions, which draws visitors from across the province and contributes to the local tourism economy.

Health and education services are important components of the community. Residents have access to primary healthcare services through local medical clinics and the Innisfail Health Centre. Educational opportunities are provided through Chinook’s Edge School Division, Red Deer Catholic School Division and several faith-based educational institutions serving students from kindergarten through high school. Post-secondary education and training opportunities are readily accessible through institutions located in Red Deer, Calgary, and Edmonton.

The Town supports a vibrant cultural and social environment through its public library, community and volunteer organizations, arts and cultural programming, annual festivals, competitive golf tournaments, agricultural celebrations (e.g. rodeo), other sports tournaments, and community gatherings.

The Town is governed under Alberta’s Municipal Government Act (MGA) and is led by an elected Council consisting of a Mayor and six (6) Councillors.

Vision – Pride in our community’s diversity, beauty, and economic prosperity.
Mission – Creating an inclusive, entrepreneurial, sustainable, and safe community with a connection to the region and each other.
Values – Belonging, Integrity, Progress, Spirit, and Sustainability.

THE OPPORTUNITY

Reporting to Council, the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), is the most senior executive responsible enacting Council’s vision and direction. In addition, the CAO is accountable for the overall leadership, planning, reporting, budgeting, management, and administration of municipal operations as guided by the objectives, plans and policies approved by Council and in accordance with the Municipal Governance Act (MGA).

It is expected that the Chief Administrative Officer will reside within the municipality or immediate area and therefore be willing to relocate if required.

Direct Reports:

• Director of Operational Services
• Director of Protective Services
• Director of Corporate Services
• Director of Community Services
• Executive Assistant to the Chief Administrative Officer

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE

The ideal candidate for Chief Administrative Officer for the Town of Innisfail is an accomplished municipal executive who combines strategic vision with practical leadership and a strong understanding of Alberta municipal governance. They possess exceptional people and communication skill combined with an ability to balance Council’s strategic priorities with the operational realities of municipal administration. The CAO will be a collaborative and inclusive leader that inspires trust, accountability, and high performance. They have a proven ability to build productive relationships with elected officials while respecting the distinct governance and administrative roles established under Alberta’s Municipal Government Act. They are a strategic thinker, excellent judgement, and capable of anticipating opportunities, risks and challenges. They have strong financial and business acumen with experience managing significant municipal budgets and capital projects.

They will have demonstrated experience leading organizational change and continuous improvement within an organization of similar scale and complexity. The ability to build and maintain a positive organizational culture focused on employee engagement, customer service, innovation, and accountability. The CAO will have high ethical standards, integrity, transparency, and sound decision-making. They will have a visible leadership presence within the community and committed to respectful relationships with Indigenous and other diverse stakeholder groups.

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

As performed directly and in consort and collaboration with Municipal Directors.

Strategic and Operational Leadership

The CAO provides overall leadership for municipal operations while ensuring the effective implementation of Council’s strategic direction.

• Provide strategic leadership in terms of translating Council’s strategic goals and direction into measurable operational plans and departmental objectives.
• Facilitate the development, implementation, and monitoring of municipal strategic plans and corporate business plans.
• Provide executive leadership and any change management to all departments through the SLT.
• Foster a high-performance culture emphasizing accountability, innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Establish organizational performance measures and monitor service delivery outcomes.
• Promote operational excellence through process improvement, technology adoption, and efficient service delivery.
• Ensure municipal services meet the needs and expectations of residents and businesses.
• Promote workplace safety, employee development, succession planning, and leadership capacity throughout the organization.
• Ensure compliance with Alberta legislation, regulations, municipal bylaws, and Council policies.
• Champion organizational values focused on integrity, respect, transparency, and service excellence.

Administrative Systems

The CAO is responsible for establishing effective administrative systems that support efficient municipal operations.

• Develop and maintain effective organizational structures aligned with municipal priorities.
• Ensure municipal policies, procedures, and administrative practices support efficient operations.
• Oversee records management, information governance, and legislative compliance.
• Promote continuous improvement of administrative systems and business processes.
• Ensure effective technology planning and digital initiatives.
• Oversee procurement practices and contract administration.
• Establish organizational performance reporting systems.
• Ensure appropriate internal controls are maintained throughout the organization.
• Promote cybersecurity awareness and information security practices.
• Support organizational workforce succession planning.
• Monitor service standards and implement performance improvement initiatives where required.

Governance and Council Support

The CAO serves as Council’s principal advisor and ensures effective governance practices are maintained.

• rovide professional, objective, and timely advice to Council on strategic, legislative, financial, and operational matters.
• Ensure Council decisions are implemented effectively and efficiently.
• Maintain a productive and respectful working relationship with the Mayor and Council.
• Prepare recommendations, reports, and strategic options to assist Council decision-making.
• Ensure Council agendas, reports, bylaws, and policies are prepared to a high professional standard.
• Advise Council regarding municipal governance best practices and legislative obligations.
• Ensure compliance with the Alberta Municipal Government Act and other applicable legislation.
• Coordinate organizational responses to Council inquiries and direction.
• Support Council strategic planning and governance development.
• Foster transparency, accountability, and public confidence in municipal government.

 

Financial Oversight and Budgeting

The CAO ensures responsible financial management and long-term fiscal sustainability.

• Provide executive oversight of all municipal financial operations.
• Lead the preparation of annual operating and capital budgets (and other term financial plans).
• Monitor municipal financial performance and recommend corrective action where required.
• Support long-term financial planning and asset management strategies.
• Ensure prudent stewardship of municipal assets and public resources.
• Oversee financial forecasting, reserve management, and debt planning.
• Ensure compliance with municipal financial legislation, accounting standards, and audit requirements.
• Support Council in establishing sustainable taxation and service delivery strategies.
• Identify opportunities for grants, partnerships, and alternative funding sources.
• Promote value-for-money service delivery and responsible expenditure management.
• Present financial information to Council in a clear and understandable manner.

Community, Stakeholder and Intergovernmental Relations

The CAO represents the municipality while building collaborative relationships that strengthen the community.

• Build and maintain positive relationships with residents, businesses, community organizations, and stakeholders.
• Represent the municipality with external agencies and organizations, and provincial and federal governments.
• Foster productive relationships with neighbouring municipalities and regional organizations.
• Support effective public engagement and community consultation initiatives.
• Promote open communication and transparency with the public.
• Respond professionally to community concerns and emerging issues.
• Support regional collaboration opportunities that enhance municipal services.
• Maintain strong relationships with emergency service providers, school divisions, healthcare organizations, and economic development partners.
• Act as an ambassador for the municipality at conferences, meetings, and public events.

Risk Management

The CAO ensures municipal risks are proactively identified, managed, and mitigated.

• Develop and maintain an enterprise risk management framework.
• Identify strategic, operational, legal, financial, environmental, and reputational risks.
• Ensure appropriate internal controls and governance practices are maintained.
• Oversee municipal emergency management planning and business continuity initiatives.
• Ensure compliance with Occupational Health and Safety legislation.
• Promote a culture of safety throughout the organization.
• Oversee insurance, claims management, and liability mitigation strategies.
• Monitor legislative changes affecting municipal operations.
• Support organizational resilience during emergencies and crisis situations.
• Ensure appropriate reporting of significant organizational risks to Council.

Economic Development, Recreation, Culture and Tourism

The CAO provides strategic leadership that fosters a vibrant, resilient, and sustainable community assessing initiatives that strengthen the local economy, enhance recreational and cultural opportunities, and promote the municipality as an attractive place to live, work, invest, and visit.

• Lead the implementation of Council’s strategic priorities related to economic development, recreation, culture, tourism, and community vitality.
• Build collaborative relationships with local businesses, Chambers of Commerce, regional economic development organizations, tourism associations, and industry partners.
• Identify opportunities to diversify and strengthen the local economy through strategic planning, infrastructure investment, innovation, and partnerships.
• Promote commercial, manufacturing, agricultural, residential, and mixed-use development that aligns with Council’s long-term vision.
• Provide executive oversight for municipal recreation, parks, cultural, heritage, and tourism services, ensuring they meet the evolving needs of residents and visitors.
• Support the planning, development, renewal, and stewardship of recreation facilities, parks, trails, open spaces, and community gathering places.
• Encourage partnerships with community organizations, volunteer groups, arts organizations, and recreation associations to expand programs and services.
• Promote tourism initiatives that showcase the municipality’s natural assets, cultural attractions, recreational amenities, festivals, and special events.
• Pursue provincial, federal, and private-sector funding opportunities that support economic development, recreation, cultural, tourism, and infrastructure initiatives.
• Monitor economic, demographic, tourism, and recreational trends and provide strategic advice to Council regarding emerging opportunities and challenges.
• Measure and report on the effectiveness of economic development, recreation, culture, and tourism initiatives using appropriate performance indicators and community outcomes.

Human Resources and Health and Safety

The CAO provides executive leadership for the municipality’s people strategy by fostering a safe, respectful, inclusive, and high-performing workplace while ensuring compliance with applicable employment and occupational health and safety legislation.

• Provide strategic leadership for all human resources functions, ensuring organizational practices align with Council’s strategic priorities and municipal values.
• Foster a positive workplace culture built on respect, accountability, collaboration, diversity, equity, inclusion, and employee engagement.
• Guide the development and implementation of human resources strategies, policies, and programs that support recruitment, retention, succession planning, leadership development, and workforce sustainability.
• Ensure compliance with the Alberta Employment Standards Code, Occupational Health and Safety Act, Alberta Human Rights Act, Local Authorities Pension Plan (LAPP) requirements, applicable privacy legislation, and other relevant employment legislation.
• Oversee employee relations matters, including workplace investigations, performance management, leadership development, succession planning, progressive discipline, accommodation, conflict resolution, and grievance management, ensuring fairness, consistency, and legal compliance.
• Ensure compensation, benefits, job evaluation, and performance management systems remain competitive, equitable, and aligned with organizational objectives.
• Provide executive oversight of the municipality’s Occupational Health and Safety Management System, ensuring a proactive and preventative approach to workplace safety.
• Maintain engagement with local and regional Emergency, Fire and Police Services.
• Monitor Workers’ Compensation Board (WCB) claims management, disability management, modified work programs, and return-to-work initiatives to support employees while minimizing risk and cost.
• Ensure emergency preparedness, business continuity, and workplace emergency response plans are developed, maintained, and regularly tested.

 

QUALIFICATIONS

Education, Experience and Competencies

• Undergraduate degree in Public Administration, Business Administration, Commerce, Political Science, Planning, Finance, Engineering, or a related discipline.
• A Master’s degree in Public Administration (MPA), Business Administration (MBA), or related discipline would be an asset.
• Professional municipal leadership education through organizations such as the Canadian Association of Municipal Administrators (CAMA) or CLGM (Certified Local Government Manager) designation as certified and issued by the Society of Local Government Managers of Alberta (SLGM), or equivalent is considered an asset.
• Minimum of 8+ years of progressively senior leadership experience within municipal government or other complex public sector organization.
• Demonstrated executive leadership reporting to an elected governing body or Board.
• Proven success leading multidisciplinary teams through organizational growth and change.
• Significant experience in municipal governance and Alberta’s Municipal Government Act.
• Experience overseeing municipal finance, budgeting, and long-term financial planning.
• Experience leading organizational level strategic planning and performance initiatives.
• Proven skills in staff relations, employee engagement, and organizational development.
• Superior relationship-building skills across diverse stakeholder groups, agencies and regional partners.
• High ethical standards, integrity, accountability, and professionalism.
• A demonstrated commitment to public service excellence and community engagement.
• Outstanding communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• High emotional intelligence and sound judgment.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
• Knowledge of enterprise risk management principles.

 

COMPLIANCE

Final candidates will be required to complete a Criminal Records Check and Credit Check and may be required to undertake an Education / Credential Check and submit a Driver’s Abstract.

 

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY

The Town of Innisfail is an equal opportunity employer committed to equity, diversity and inclusion and welcomes applications from all qualified individuals.

 

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

The compensation for the Chief Administrative Officer will be commensurate with experience and skills and within the general range between $190,000.00 to $220,000.00. Employees are eligible for extensive benefits, including extended health care, dental coverage, and Local Authorities Pension Plan (LAPP). Further details will be discussed with qualified candidates.

 

CONFIDENTIALITY

In compliance and consistency with the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (“PIPEDA”) and Personal Information Protection Act (PIPA), HumanEdge shall respect the privacy and confidentiality of all personal information provided directly or indirectly verbally, electronically or in print throughout the process of candidate engagement in our search assignments.