Chief Administrative Officer (CAO)

Athabasca County, AB

Chief Administrative Officer (CAO)

Located 90 minutes north of Edmonton, Athabasca County () is a thriving rural municipality consisting of boreal forest, valuable farmland, pristine lakes, rivers, and vibrant rural communities. The County is home to two urban municipalities (Town of Athabasca and the Village of Boyle), eight summer villages, and eleven hamlets. The population is approximately 7,280 residents and serves as the economic and service hub for over 11,000 people.

Forestry and agriculture remain key economic drivers, complemented by opportunities in energy, agricultural processing, manufacturing, resource extraction, aggregate development, industrial growth, recreation, and tourism, as well as a budding entrepreneurial business sector. With an abundance of lakes, rivers, and trails, the County offers outstanding year-round outdoor recreation, while modern municipal services, excellent schools, affordable housing, and safe and welcoming communities make Athabasca County an attractive place to live, work, invest, and raise a family.

Athabasca County is seeking an accomplished municipal executive to provide trusted leadership, disciplined administration, and visible public-service excellence. The CAO reports to nine elected Council members including an appointed Reeve and Deputy Reeve, oversees five direct reports including the Director of Finance, Director of Corporate Services, Director of Infrastructure, Director of Community & Protective Services, and an Executive Assistant. There are approximately 90 FTEs, and a total combined operating and capital budget of $70M.

The ideal candidate will bring the following education, experience, and executive leadership qualifications:

• A post-secondary degree in Public Administration, Business Administration, Commerce, Political Science, or a related field; an equivalent combination of education and progressively responsible municipal leadership experience will be considered.
• Certified Local Government Manager (CLGM) designation or a related professional designation is preferred.
• At least seven (7) years of progressively responsible senior leadership experience, preferably in a municipal or public-sector environment, including as a CAO or equivalent executive experience.
• Proven ability to collaborate with elected officials in politically sensitive governance environments.
• Overseeing capital infrastructure projects, municipal operations, and asset management initiatives.
• Knowledge of planning and development, engineering, infrastructure, and land development principles.
• Extensive experience in strategic planning, organizational development, leadership development, succession planning, and change management.
• Strong knowledge of municipal finance, budgeting, long-range financial planning, procurement, and financial reporting.
• Experience securing, administering, and reporting on provincial and federal grant funding.
• Working knowledge of the Alberta Municipal Government Act (MGA), municipal governance, and related legislation, or equivalent public-sector legislative experience.
• Demonstrated ability to build collaborative relationships with volunteer boards, regional organizations, government agencies, and community stakeholders to advance shared priorities.

A competitive overall compensation and pension package will be provided to the successful candidate. Specifics will be discussed in a personal interview.

For further information please visit our website, or contact:

James Davies, Managing Director

DCG Executive Search Services Ltd.

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