The Town of High Prairie is a vibrant, close-knit community located in northern Alberta. Known as the “Gateway to the Peace Country,” it offers a scenic setting near Lesser Slave Lake, making it a destination for outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy fishing, hiking, and camping. High Prairie prides itself on its welcoming atmosphere, strong sense of community, and access to modern amenities while preserving its small-town charm.

THE ROLE

The Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) is responsible for the overall management and administration of the Town of High Prairie’s municipal operations, in accordance with the policies and direction provided by the Town Council. The CAO acts as a liaison between Town Council, the community, and town staff to ensure the effective delivery of municipal services and to drive strategic growth and development.

THE CANDIDATE

Core Competencies:

• An undergraduate degree in business or a relevant field. A combination of alternative education and experience will be considered.
• A proven track record of organizational leadership (preferably within a municipality).
• A strong understanding of, and commitment to, public service (preferably within a municipality).
• Strong financial and business acumen.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Strategy:

• Lead and direct the overall administrative functions of the town, ensuring operational efficiency.
• Develop and implement long-term strategic plans to achieve the goals set by Town Council.

Financial Management:

• Prepare and manage the town’s annual budget, ensuring fiscal responsibility and effective allocation of resources.
• Oversee financial reporting, audits, and long-term financial planning to maintain financial health.
• Ensure compliance with municipal financial policies and regulations.

Council Liaison:

• Act as a key advisor to the Mayor and Town Council, offering recommendations for policy, legislative, and operational matters.
• Ensure that all directives and policies from Town Council are effectively implemented by staff.

Human Resources Management:

• Oversee all staffing, including hiring, training, and performance management of municipal employees.
• Foster a collaborative environment that aligns staff efforts with the Town’s goals and objectives.

Operations & Service Delivery:

• Supervise all departments to ensure the effective delivery of municipal services (public works, planning, recreation, infrastructure, etc.).
• Lead initiatives to enhance service quality, efficiency, and sustainability in all town operations.

Community Engagement & Relations:

• Act as a representative of the Town, maintaining positive relationships with residents, businesses, and community stakeholders.
• Collaborate with regional, provincial, and federal governments to secure funding and partnerships for community projects.

Governance & Compliance:

• Ensure all municipal activities are conducted in compliance with provincial and federal laws and regulations, as well as municipal bylaws and policies.
• Oversee risk management efforts and ensure the Town is prepared for emergency situations.

We understand and appreciate our clients’ ever-increasing desire for candidates to reflect the communities in which they work and live. The Vogel Group is committed to inclusivity and diversity as we search for outstanding leadership talent for our clients.

We encourage candidates of all ethnicities, cultural backgrounds, physical challenges, sexual orientations, and identifications to feel confident in exploring and declaring candidacy for any of our search assignments.

For a full profile or to apply, please contact:

Rick Vogel, ICD.D                       

Founding Principal                       

780.665.4965 ext. 101     rick@thevogelgroup.ca