About the Township of Springwater
The Township of Springwater is a progressive, mixed urban-rural municipality located in the heart of Simcoe County, approximately 100 kilometres north of Toronto and neighbouring the City of Barrie. Home to a population of 22,700 and growing.
Springwater features a blend of thriving urban settlements and a prosperous agricultural sector.
The Township includes eight settlement areas: Midhurst, Elmvale, Snow Valley, Centre Vespra, Minesing, Anten Mills, Phelpston, and Hillsdale.
Amalgamated in 1994, it is one of sixteen lower-tier municipalities within the greater County of Simcoe.
Known for its scenic hiking trails, rich agricultural amenities, vibrant urban centres and the purest groundwater in Canada, Springwater offers residents a healthy lifestyle, a strong sense of community and one of Ontario’s largest municipally owned forest networks, with a wealth of outdoor recreation opportunities.
The Township is committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace where employee wellness, learning, and collaboration are prioritized.
With flexible work options and a supportive environment, Springwater is a place where you can find balance and grow your career.
About the Role
Reporting to the Mayor, the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) is responsible for the strategic leadership and administration of the affairs of the Township in accordance with the objectives approved by the Mayor and acts as the key advisor and liaison to the Mayor and Council.
As the most senior appointed official, the CAO delivers on the Strategic Plan and is responsible for all human, physical and financial resources of the Township, attending Council/Committee meetings, and formulating and implementing policy, service level.
The CAO leads and directs the Township’s Executive Team to ensure effective and efficient service delivery that is aligned with Springwater Council’s strategic priorities and assumes full responsibility for implementing Township policies, decisions, and programs.
The ideal candidate is a motivational, values-driven, and team-oriented leader with a strong history of success in municipal government or a comparable business setting.
Bringing outstanding communication skills, political insight, and a talent for building partnerships with a wide range of stakeholders, all while motivating staff and upholding the highest standards of customer service.
The ideal candidate will lead a skilled team, within a unionized and non-unionized environment, inspiring a committed workforce and cultivating a workplace culture centred on service excellence, innovation, collaboration, inclusion and diversity.
Key Responsibilities
- Leads the administration of municipal departments, including direct supervision of the Deputy CAO and 5 Directors, with 98 indirect reports (with an additional 100 volunteer firefighters and 30 seasonal part-time staff) and a $28 million operating budget.
- Advises and makes recommendations to the Mayor and Council on policy/program plans, service levels, legislative, corporate and general governance matters, and sensitive or controversial issues.
- Attends Council/Committee and other related meetings; communicates, champions and coordinates/directs the implementation of Council decisions/directives; provides day-to-day advice/support to the Mayor and Council in their governance roles.
- Chairs strategic and operational planning meetings with the Executive Leadership team, leading the group in considering ideas and receiving input on interdepartmental/corporate planning and strategic initiatives, items for Council/Committee consideration, sensitive/controversial issues, business/work plans, major policies, service levels/standards, and other corporate matters. Facilitates consensus and initiates corporate project teams where beneficial and appropriate.
- Facilitates the creation of strategic, cross-functional teams internally and with external partners.
- Fosters a positive working environment by clarifying goals and treating employees with respect. Encourages staff to formulate and achieve team goals, supports team processes, and promotes harmony among all staff, leading staff development, performance management/review, coaching/mentoring, and health and safety within the parameters established by Council. Motivates and engages others through mentoring, coaching and leading colleagues.
- Responds to inquiries from/liaises with elected officials, internal departments, the development and business communities, other governments/agencies, residents, citizens and special interest groups and the media on corporate initiatives, business/development proposals, Council activities/decisions, and other business, while monitoring and following up on complaints received and taking remedial action where necessary.
- Maintains effective and co-operative liaison and information exchange with staff, other municipalities, government agencies, and members of the public, dealing with all in a courteous, friendly, and efficient manner to promote a high standard of public relations.
- Proactively assesses the need for change and seeks new and innovative approaches to service delivery. Evaluates administrative and service delivery processes to ensure practices are coordinated between departments, appropriate stakeholder consultation occurs, and that practices are contemporary, meet the needs of the Township and reflect customer service excellence.
- Prepares and approves reports to Council on service delivery changes and enhancements; regularly reviews the Township’s performance and takes action to enhance performance.
- Undertakes representative duties as CAO with the Province, the County, business/developers, community/special interest groups, the media, professional associations, and other governmental agencies; attending meetings/events on behalf of Mayor and/or Council; and acting as “ambassador” for the Township to support and champion corporate goals and decisions and facilitate public education/relations within the community.
- Recommends the hiring of external resources to assist with/undertake major corporate projects/studies and undertakes special projects and performs other duties as assigned in accordance with corporate objectives and Mayor’s direction. Exercises the statutory duties and powers of the CAO as set out in the Municipal Act, 2001, as may be amended.
Desired Qualifications and Skills
- University degree with post-graduate studies in Business and/or Public Administration, a minimum of 7-10 years of senior leadership experience in a municipal environment and extensive experience working with elected officials.
- Strong business and financial acumen as well as excellent conceptual, interpersonal, general/project management, analytical, communication, presentation, problem-solving, facilitation, staff leadership and supervisory skills.
- Ability to think and act strategically and appropriately in a political and community service environment; build strong staff teams and external alliances/partnerships; align departmental programs/services with corporate goals/objectives; and foster a positive, productive, healthy/safe work environment.
- Thorough working knowledge of Municipal Act, 2001 and Employer-related legislation/regulations and contemporary issues, municipal government organizations and structures, municipal operations, municipal financial and reporting processes, employee/labour relations principles, contract administration, and contemporary leadership and management practices.
- Ability to create strong and effective relationships based on trust and respect.
- Experience and understanding of both rural and urban municipal environments.
- Creative and solutions-oriented; balanced by a high degree of logic and practicality.
- Excellent communicator and active listener
- Able to listen and engage with diverse audiences with excellent political acuity, a high degree of diplomacy and sound judgment.
- Open, team-oriented, inclusive, empathetic, empowering, and supportive leader and relationship builder who can foster a high functioning and cohesive team.
- Coach and mentor who is passionate about developing and nurturing staff.
- Versatile, adaptable, resilient, and comfortable with ambiguity.
- Responsive and available to attend evening and/or weekend meetings or other events as required.
Accessible Accommodations
The Township of Springwater is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from all qualified individuals.
As an inclusive employer, the Township is committed to providing a fully accessible recruitment process.
Please contact us anytime during the recruitment process and let us know what accessible supports you may need.
How to Apply
To express interest in this exciting opportunity, email your cover letter and resume to:
Patrick Rowan, Partner
Email: prowan@feldmandaxon.com