THE OPPORTUNITY
We have an amazing opportunity for a Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) to join a community-oriented municipality. Reporting directly to Council, the CAO is the most senior administrative leader and is responsible for the overall administration of the Town in accordance with the Municipal Government Act (MGA). The CAO provides leadership to the organization and supports Council in achieving its strategic priorities through effective planning, financial stewardship, and accountable municipal operations.
THE IDEAL CANDIDATE
The municipality is seeking an energetic and passionate municipal leader with direct CAO experience, or a senior professional ready to confidently step into the CAO role. The ideal candidate will bring a strong foundation in municipal administration, experience working in small-to-mid-size communities, and a hands-on leadership style. Given the municipality’s numerous development priorities, candidates with a strong background in planning and development would be particularly advantageous. For a municipal professional passionate about leading and shaping the community, this position presents a unique and compelling opportunity.
THE ORGANIZATION
The Town of Bowden is a welcoming community of approximately 1,300 residents, nestled in central Alberta along the Queen Elizabeth II corridor between Calgary and Red Deer. Rich in local history and community spirit, the Town values strong relationships, stable governance, and service excellence.
Vision
Bowden. Aims. High.
Mission
Bowden is a friendly, caring, family-oriented community that capitalizes on its strategic location to combine small town charm with big city access.
For more information, please visit their website: www.bowden.ca
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Provide effective administrative leadership to all departments.
- Support Council by providing expert, unbiased advice.
- Lead HR, finance, utilities, public works, and corporate services operations.
- Ensure compliance with legislation including MGA, OH&S, FOIP, and financial standards.
- Maintain strong relationships with residents, businesses, regional partners, and stakeholders.
- Manage capital projects, budgets, grants, and service delivery.
- Foster a respectful, healthy workplace culture.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Senior municipal leadership experience (CAO or Director-level preferred), or an equivalent combination from another sector(s).
- Strong understanding of the Municipal Government Act (MGA) and municipal governance, and Council–Administration relationships.
- Experience working in a rural municipality would be an asset.
- A versatile professional able to wear many hats across the organization.
- Post-secondary education in public administration, business, or a related field.
- Completion of or enrollment in a local government management or public administrative program such as CLGM, NACLAA, LGA would be an asset.
- Demonstrated management experience with financial and budgeting processes, strategic planning, government and people relations, negotiations, communications, conflict resolution, and capital works and infrastructure.
- Experience in strategic, capital and operational planning.
- Functional computer literacy and Microsoft Office skills.
- Proven and mature interpersonal and communication skills.
KEY COMPETENCIES
- Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills.
- Demonstrated ability to build respectful, engaged, and high-performing teams.
- Collaborative and approachable leadership style that fosters trust.
- Strong organizational skills with a commitment to accountability and follow-through.
- Calm, steady leadership capable of guiding teams through change and transition.
FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT
SANDY JACOBSON | T: 780.944.1327| E: [email protected] | www.richardsonsearch.ca
