City Manager

The City of Moose Jaw is Canada’s most notorious city! Known for its rich underground history, it was established in 1882 when the CPR came through the valley. The community grew rapidly and was incorporated as a City in 1903. The City of Moose Jaw is known for its rich cultural heritage and strong sense of community and has a vibrant local economy that is driven by industries such as agriculture, manufacturing, and tourism.In Moose Jaw you get what you need to find the right balance between your family and career. Compared to other cities in the province, across Canada and around the world, in Moose Jaw you’ll get more time, more value for your money and more opportunity to get the most out of life.Moose Jaw is a progressive, modern City committed to enhancing the lives of all who live and work here. Its residents appreciate Moose Jaw’s exceptional quality of life, ideal for living, working, creating, raising a family, or retiring. Moose Jaw continues to be a very affordable and attractive community in which to own a home with the median price of $248,000 in July 2022- the lowest of the major cities in the province. It is proud of its diverse population and strong economic foundation. The community is safe, welcoming and blessed with an abundance of volunteer spirit and affordable activities. Residents enjoy the advantages of living in a mid-sized City with access to numerous recreational, cultural, and business opportunities while enjoying the friendliness and relaxed pace of life normally associated with smaller towns.Known as a significant tourist destination because of its historic downtown and its flagship tourist attractions- Tunnels of Moose Jaw, Temple Gardens Mineral Spa, and Casino Moose Jaw- its important historic buildings have been lovingly restored to house unique businesses such as the Yvette Moore Gallery and Café and the magnificent Grant Hall Hotel. The City’s beloved 28-acre Crescent Park and 500-acre Wakamow Valley Park, as well as three quality golf courses, provide endless opportunities for outdoor recreation. In addition to fine institutions such as the Moose Jaw Public Library, Museum and Art Gallery, and Saskatchewan Polytechnic, the City has an abundance of medical offices and a Tier 1 Regional Hospital. Moose Jaw is also home to the notoriously famous 431 Air Demonstration Squadron Snowbirds and 15 Wing’s NATO Flight Training Centre.Due to the retirement of its City Manager, the City of Moose Jaw is looking for its next great leader to build on the successes of those gone before. Finances are in place, minds are open, momentum is real, and conditions are ideal for the City to realize the benefits of its hard work and patience. Supporting this growth is the largest infrastructure investment in 100 years! A City on the cusp of an explosion of success and opportunity, City Council is “ready to go”!The Ideal CandidateThe ideal candidate is many things. First and foremost, they will be a leader. Not just on paper but in real form- a leader of initiatives, of people, and in the community. The City Manager will effectively communicate up to Council, and downwards throughout the organization providing a clear line of sight on how the tactical initiatives of staff tie into the strategic objectives of Council. They are an innovator with an open mind who brings a “yes, if…” approach to all things. Through that “yes, if…” approach, they will leverage the skills, abilities, and experiences of staff to bring new ideas to the organization and provide timely and fearless advice to Council as needed.The next City Manager will be part of a new generation of municipal leader that is visible to staff and the community. They will bring fresh perspectives, sophistication, and innovation to the organization. And they will act with the utmost integrity and put the best interests of the community and organization at the forefront of everything they do.Roles and ResponsibilitiesThe City Manager is the chief administrative officer of the City of Moose Jaw and oversees the operations of the municipality. The City Manager provides effective advice and support to the Mayor and Council in developing and implementing policies and strategies that address the unique needs of the City of Moose Jaw. They must understand and adhere to The Cities Act and the City Administration Bylaw and reports directly to City Council. In doing so, the City Manager is accountable for, and will provide, effective leadership to the management and staff of the City and will ensure that continued opportunities exist for public participation on civic issues.Key Responsibilities:Support the Mayor and Council on an annual basis in the formulation, review or updating of a Strategic Plan for the City.Periodically review the methods of transacting City business and from time-to-time, makes recommendations of ways to increase the efficiency of systems.Periodically work with City Council by organizing and conducting planning sessions on major issues related to City operations.Work collaboratively with City Council for the development of short-term and long-term strategies, the development of effective governance policies, and the delivery of up-to-date bylaws.Advice and Support:Attend all meetings of City Council and City Council Committees as required.Interpret and follow through on all decisions of Council for the purpose of assuring that policies determined by Council are properly implemented.Support the Mayor and Council in the determination of policy by providing advice, counsel, and presentation of information from staff recommendations, community groups and citizens.Formulate alternatives for consideration by the Mayor and Council to ensure that the City’s objectives are achieved through the most effective and realistic strategies.Apprise Council in a timely fashion, as to effects on City policies and procedures of proposed or enacted provincial or federal legislation.Perform the duties and exercise the powers which, from time-to-time, may lawfully be assigned by Council.Coordinate and broadly supervise the implementation of all programs and services approved by Council.Coordinate and direct the preparation of plans and programs to be submitted to Council for the development and improvement of City services, property, and facilities.Compile and present to Council recommendations arising from departmental operations which require Council approval and propose bylaws or resolutions arising from such recommendations.Financial and Administrative Management:Be responsible for the preparation and presentation to City Council for approval and monitoring of all budgets and management of all City financial affairs and assets, in all instances acting with due diligence and prudence.Administer all approved employment policies and bylaws, and in general, be responsible for wage and salary administration subject to normal grievance procedures.Administer the business affairs of the City in accordance with the policies, procedures and guidelines approved and established by Council.Obtain from any Department Heads such reports and information with respect to any aspect of department activities as may be considered advisable to Council.Manage in all fiscal environments and lead with a strong sense of service; and is efficient in budgeting, financial and information reporting.Public Relations/Communications:Demonstrate positive relationships with elected officials, staff and the community.Act as a liaison officer with other municipalities, consultants, boards, and government agencies.Develop effective relationships with all agencies, business associations, special interest groups and other associations with an interest in the City.Develop and maintain an effective relationship with the provincial government, other local municipal governments, and municipal association officials.Communicate effectively to ensure a broad understanding of City initiatives, directions, projects and so forth with Council members, all staff and the community at large, including local municipalities.Subject only to the limitations set forth in The Cities Act and the provisions of the City Administration Bylaw regarding the City Clerk, City Solicitor and the Director of Financial Services, the City Manager shall have authority to recruit, retain, employ, appoint, discipline, suspend and dismiss all employees of the City.Supervise preparation of all agendas, minutes, correspondence, directions, etc. related to Council decisions.Exercise general supervision over all departments, boards, and other bodies of the City.Provide effective direction to City staff and further develop and foster a culture of: Positivity, Responsibility, Teamwork, Entrepreneurship, Courage, and Urgency.Supervise operation and maintenance of all City facilities and properties.Education and ExperienceA degree in a related discipline.Minimum of five years’ experience in a senior executive level role.Demonstrated experience in successfully managing and leading employees in a large organization.Superior oral and written communication skills.Superior networking, negotiation, and relationship-building skills.Demonstrated experience with executive level critical thinking and strategic planning.Demonstrated leadership experience, effectively working with a Board of Directors.Commitment to delivering exceptional service and best practices in public administration.Knowledge of municipal legislation and relevant Provincial and Federal statutes is an asset.The City of Moose Jaw is committed to equity, diversity and inclusion and recognizes that a diverse staff benefits and enriches the work environment and contributes to organizational excellence. We welcome applications from all qualified individuals including candidates from diverse backgrounds and those with disabilities.CompensationCity Council is prepared to offer a very competitive compensation package.ConfidentialityIn compliance and consistent with the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (“PIPEDA”), HumanEdge shall respect the privacy and confidentiality of all personal information provided directly or indirectly verbally, electronically or in print throughout the process of candidate engagement in our search assignments.Resume and Cover Letter can be submitted in confidence to: #J-18808-Ljbffr