Councillors want a risk-taking, social media-savvy CAO

If city council gets its way, the Sault's next chief administrative officer will be a silo-busting inspirational leader who can find answers to all our social, affordable housing, homelessness, mental health, community safety and downtown development problems.

The city's current CAO, Malcolm White is retiring on Jan. 31. 

After consulting with each member of city council and other stakeholders, headhunter Feldman Daxon has drafted a job posting that will go live on Wednesday with an application deadline of Nov. 8.

The following are excerpts:

CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER (CAO) CITY OF SAULT STE. MARIE, ONTARIO

About the City of Sault Ste. Marie

Situated in the heart of the upper Great Lakes, Sault Ste. Marie is the historic meeting place of Indigenous communities from far afield. Historically known as Bawaating, it is situated in the traditional territory of the Anishinaabe people and continues to be a vital link between east, west, north and south.

Located on the shores of both Lake Superior and Lake Huron, bordering the United States, with great highway links and short flights to major Canadian and American cities, Sault Ste. Marie is Ontario's 'Adventure Town,' a vibrant, tightly knit, friendly community of 75,000 close to rugged Great Lakes coastlines, ancient Canadian Shield mountains, countless rivers and lakes, pristine beaches and exceptionally snowy winters.

Sault Ste. Marie provides an adventurous and exciting lifestyle with access to world-class mountain biking, hiking, fishing, sports, food, arts and culture, and entertainment, with reasonable housing costs and the
shortest commute possible. For more information see www.saulttourism.com.

About the role

Reporting to a city council consisting of the mayor and 10 councillors, the CAO will provide strategic advice and support, implementing direction efficiently, and recognizing their priorities, strategic plan, and legislative requirements. The CAO will provide energetic, creative leadership to nine department heads, over 600 full-time employees under five collective agreements, with a $200+ million operating budget.

For more information on the initiatives, and strategic plans, see www.saultstemarie.ca.

Knowledge, qualifications, skills and abilities

• university degree in business or public administration or the equivalent with 10+ years experience in senior leadership with a large multi-service broader public sector organization. An MBA or MPA would be an asset. Dynamic, decisive, accomplished, transparent, strategic leadership style with the ability to inspire and motivate teams, communicate effectively, and build positive, mutually beneficial relationships with the mayor, council, leadership team, staff, community and business leaders, postsecondary institutions, healthcare organizations, social services agencies, Indigenous leaders, and provincial and federal government ministries.
• sensitivity to and understanding of current social and housing obstacles facing municipalities, to facilitate community partnerships, access funding and find sustainable solutions to social, affordable housing, homelessness, mental health, community safety and downtown development issues and challenges.
• collaborative, energetic, engaging style with a track record of formulating a vision and working with councils/boards to successfully manage positive change and achieve results in a complex, multi-service organization.
• confident, innovative, entrepreneurial, results-oriented, experienced in leading initiatives, and exploring innovative solutions. Able to take risks when there are significant potential rewards to the community. Track record of structuring effective leadership teams, breaking down silos to deliver cost-effective programs and services and attract, reward, develop, inspire, and retain employees.
• political acuity and social-media savvy, with an understanding of provincial and federal government policies and trends that affect Ontario municipalities. The ability to initiate relationships and influence decision-making to benefit the City of Sault Ste. Marie and its community partners and stakeholders
• an understanding of the economy, geography and culture of northern Ontario would be an asset, as well as an attraction to unique lifestyle advantages, a passion for community engagement and an interest in becoming an active, involved community leader
• strong financial/business management, analytical, creative problem solving and decision-making skills a willingness to step outside the box and work with energy on new ideas, navigate obstacles and work with limited resources to achieve results
• exceptional communication, networking, and presentation skills, able to relate to any audience and use strengths in negotiation, persuasion, and conflict resolution to advance council's direction facilitate Sault Ste. Marie's growth and progress. A progressive advocate for equity, diversity, and inclusion.

How to apply

To express interest in this exciting opportunity, email your cover letter and resume by November 8, 2023, to: Patrick Rowan, partner, Feldman Daxon Partners

Tel: 416-515-3302 | Email: [email protected]

Personal information is collected under the authority of the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act and is used to determine eligibility for potential employment.

Diversity and accomodation

The City of Sault Ste. Marie offers diverse, challenging work while maintaining a healthy, safe, and productive work environment for its employees. They value diversity in their workforce and focus on attracting and retaining employees who can work together effectively to meet the needs of their community.

We are pleased to accommodate individual needs in accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), within our recruitment process. If you require accommodation at any time throughout the recruitment process, please contact us.