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City of West Kelowna
Chief Administrative Officer
THE CITY: CITY OF WEST KELOWNA
Located on the central, western hillsides of Okanagan Lake in British Columbia's beautiful Central Okanagan Region, the City of West Kelowna is a visually stunning community in all seasons. Vineyards, orchards, and farms operate throughout the community, and the municipality is also home to commercial businesses, light industry, and a diverse economy made up of agriculture, construction, finance, food and retail services, light industry, lumber manufacturing, technology, tourism, and wineries.
West Kelowna is a thriving city with a rural sophistication appeal and a haven for outdoor recreation. Sun-soaked lakeshores, agricultural charm, and access to urban jobs and living have made West Kelowna an ideal location to live, work, and recreate. It is no surprise that West Kelowna is one of the fastest growing cities in BC, with a current population of over 40,000, making it the third largest city by population in the Okanagan.
The City of West Kelowna is gathered on the traditional territory of the syilx/Okanagan people.
THE ORGANIZATION:
The City of West Kelowna prides itself on serving its constituents and ensuring the continued prosperity of the community. The City has 350 employees, including 256 members of the ALGEU union and 47 members of the IAFF union.
Governed by a mayor and council, the City's leadership is committed to fostering transparency, accountability, and innovation in their decision-making processes. With a focus on sustainable development, infrastructure maintenance, and community engagement, the City of West Kelowna works tirelessly to address the needs and aspirations of residents while promoting economic growth and environmental stewardship. The City was awarded the 2021 Community Excellence Award in Governance from UBCM for its Community Vision and in 2023, the City of West Kelowna received an award for Organizational Safety Excellence.
Through collaborative partnerships with stakeholders and proactive initiatives, the City of West Kelowna strives to create an inclusive and vibrant city where residents can thrive and enjoy an exceptional quality of life.
To learn more, please visit City of West Kelowna's website.
Council’s Strategic Priorities:
Council's 2022-2026 Strategic Priorities establish the framework to move forward with short-term and long-term key objectives. By establishing and implementing Council’s priorities, the City positions itself for future community success as the region grows and evolves.
Council’s priorities position West Kelowna for success with ongoing and new initiatives aligned with continued fiscal responsibility. Council’s direction to staff reflects increasing infrastructure investments (including roads, sidewalks, and bike lanes), advocating for greater social housing investments and health care services, advancing the Official Community Plan and other community development initiatives, and strengthening partnerships with Westbank First Nation and others who contribute to a vibrant community.
Council’s current strategic priorities speak to a continued shared vision of West Kelowna as a vibrant and resilient community:
- Invest in Infrastructure: Investing in building, improving, and maintaining quality infrastructure to meet the needs of, and to provide a high quality of life for, current and future generations.
- Pursue Economic Growth and Prosperity: Working with stakeholders throughout the region to advocate for and support efforts aimed at helping West Kelowna businesses prosper. With a focus on the future, the City of West Kelowna will advance opportunities to expand the economy, increase employment, and develop the community in ways that contribute towards prosperity for all.
- Strengthen our Community: Providing opportunities for the residents of West Kelowna to build connections, celebrate successes, embrace the community's strengths and diversity, address shared needs, and contribute to shaping the community's future.
- Foster Safety and Well-Being: Pursuing through direct action, advocacy, and collaboration with local and regional service providers, investments in community health, needs-based housing, emergency preparedness, policing, fire, and other services that foster safety and well-being in West Kelowna.
THE OPPORTUNITY: CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER
This top executive position within the City of West Kelowna works with the Council to develop and implement the strategic vision for the City and oversees the staff in delivering that vision. Acting as the primary policy advisor to Council, the Chief Administrative Officer performs a wide range of complex administrative activities related to the effective operations of the City of West Kelowna. The Chief Administrative Officer carries out all Legislated requirements of the appointment bylaw/contract.
Currently, the City of West Kelowna is embarking on a period of significant infrastructure development and renewal. While the list of projects is lengthy, a few key high-profile initiatives are the following:
- Opening the City’s first purpose-built City Hall and Public Library
- Replacing a key Fire Hall and Community Centre
- Establishing a new Operations Yard
With the vast number of massive infrastructure projects in progress and on the horizon, the next CAO for the City of West Kelowna must have the experience, energy, and ambition to oversee the effective completion of the associated projects and plans.
Key Responsibilities:
- Provides leadership in the development, implementation, and administration of all policies and programs established and approved by Council,
- Fosters City of West Kelowna’s commitment to outstanding customer service while building capacity within the organization to address the new and emerging issues that face modern local governments,
- Ensures the leadership team continues to work as a cohesive unit to make resource, service and program decisions that benefit the organization and the municipality as it continues to develop and grow,
- Provides advice to Council about municipal organizational and operating procedures,
- Recruits, coaches, supervises, and evaluates direct reporting staff within personnel policies and any employment agreements,
- Ensures, as far as it reasonably practicable, that safety procedures and standards are followed by personnel throughout the organization,
- Works closely with Westbank First Nation, the Regional District of Central Okanagan, and colleagues throughout the region to address issues that affect the area,
- Oversees the execution of documentation, agreements and contracts approved by Council,
- Prepares resolutions for Council’s consideration and provide comments to Council on resolutions under consideration by regional associations, the UBCM and FCM,
- Provides information to the Mayor and Council and the general public on matters of interest to the City,
- Ensures a comprehensive, inclusive, and transparent business planning and budgeting process is executed and measured in compliance with statutory regulation,
- Ensures appropriate financial controls are utilized. Advises Council on the status of any changes required,
- Ensures Council and staff stakeholders are informed of the budget status during the fiscal year and accurate, comprehensive advice is provided,
- Ensures the City has current and appropriate tendering and procurement policies and practices.
THE PERSON:
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Strong interpersonal skills and a genuine belief in the value of public participation, a respectful workplace and accountability,
- Strong written and verbal communication skills,
- Proven ability to manage multiple priorities and interests,
- Demonstrated ability to work with elected officials in the planning and execution of a strategic vision for a community,
- Demonstrated ability to move an organization to the next level in its development,
- Demonstrated strategic planning abilities,
- A proven track record in working effectively with boards, committees, and elected officials.
Education & Experience
- University degree in public administration, business, planning, engineering, or a related field. A combination of other post-secondary education and relevant experience may be considered in lieu of a university degree,
- Experienced local government executive who has had responsibility for providing effective leadership to a high performing, multi-disciplinary team in a mid to large municipality.
Competencies and Personal Characteristics:
Leadership – Achieves desired organizational results by encouraging and supporting the contribution of others. A proactive and positive team player who inspires trust and respect by exuding clarity and certainty in their vision, actions, and decisions.
Accountable – Holds self and others accountable for responsibilities; focuses on results and measuring attainment of outcomes in a business focus.
Strategic – Develops a plan in support of organizational strategic direction. Demonstrates an understanding of the link between one’s position responsibilities and overall organizational goals.
Integrity and Honesty – Demonstrates a resolute commitment to and respect for the spirit behind the rules and core values of the organization, setting an example of professionalism and ethical propriety.
Influential and Collaborative – Has an open and consistent approach to working with others and possesses strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to build relationships and develop/maintain partnerships, obtaining stakeholder agreement.
Creativity and Innovation – Develops new insights into situations; questions conventional approaches; encourages new ideas; designs and implements new or cutting-edge programs/processes.
Effective Working Relationships – Treats colleagues, and stakeholders with respect; resolves conflicts in a timely manner, negotiates effectively, and provides effective feedback to colleagues/employees.
Communication – Clearly presents written and verbal information; writes with clarity and purpose; communicates effectively in both positive and challenging circumstances; listens well.
People Development – Fosters learning and development of others through coaching, managing performance and mentoring; has a genuine desire to develop others and help them succeed; formally and informally recognizes staff and colleagues.
Stakeholder Focused – Anticipates and attends to the needs of internal and external stakeholders of the organization; keeps stakeholder interests in the forefront.
COMPENSATION:
A competitive compensation package will be provided including an attractive base salary of $213,200 - $250,820 and excellent benefits. Further details will be discussed in a personal interview.
To apply, please visit our website.
FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Julian Manchon or Greg Longster
LEADERS INTERNATIONAL EXECUTIVE SEARCH
#880—609 Granville Street
Vancouver, BC V7Y 1G5
Phone: (604) 688-8422
Email: [email protected]
Employment Length: Permanent
Education Requirement: Bachelor’s degree
Job Experience: Experience an asset
Rate: $213,200.00 to $250,820.00 Year
