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.
Administrative Systems
The CAO is responsible for establishing effective administrative systems that support efficient municipal operations.
Governance and Council Support
The CAO serves as Council's principal advisor and ensures effective governance practices are maintained.
Financial Oversight and Budgeting
The CAO ensures responsible financial management and long-term fiscal sustainability.
Community, Stakeholder and Intergovernmental Relations
The CAO represents the municipality while building collaborative relationships that strengthen the community.
Risk Management
The CAO ensures municipal risks are proactively identified, managed, and mitigated.
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.
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.
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.
Work Location: In person
