Director of Corporate Administration

Are you an experienced Corporate Officer looking for a new challenge with a growing organization? Do you have a passion for delivering exceptional and progressive services to a diverse organization? If so, we invite you to join our District of Squamish community as the Director of Corporate Administration!

• A unique opportunity to utilize your leadership skills and management experience in one of BC's fastest-growing municipalities
• Lead a team dedicated to providing exceptional public service and enhancing the livability and sustainability of our community
• Enjoy a highly attractive annual salary plus top-notch benefits

The District of Squamish is located in the unceded traditional territory of the Skwxwú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation). We offer gratitude to the Skwxwú7mesh People who have lived on these lands since time immemorial.

About the District of Squamish

The District of Squamish is a progressive and growing community with a palpable positive energy and a strong focus on the great outdoors. Our friendly, small-town setting, spectacular natural environment, and world-class recreational opportunities offer an incredible live-work-play lifestyle that few places can beat. Bike, ski, sail, run, climb, hike, and explore our thriving arts, culture, and heritage scene – in your own backyard. Use some of that time you will save on the commute for work-life balance!

Our primary objective is to ensure the health, safety, and well-being of our people. When possible, we promote from within, making the District a great place to grow and further your career. Having fun at work is one of our top priorities and key to having an amazing team culture. We strive to be a diverse and inclusive workplace, as well as a learning-focused organization. The opportunity to contribute to the success of our beautiful community is something we are all privileged to experience every day. We are a team of fun-loving yet highly dedicated and hardworking professionals who are committed to continuous learning, improvement, and excellence in service to our citizens.

For more information, please visit our website.

About the Opportunity

This is a new position in a growing organization. Reporting to the General Manager of Corporate Services, you will be responsible for the statutory duties of the Corporate Officer under s.148 of the Community Charter.  You will oversee the delivery of a wide range of services, including Records Management, Council support, Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy, Election Administration, and general customer service. Your expertise in these areas will be vital in upholding the highest standards of integrity, adhering to all relevant statutes, bylaws, and policies. You will also be responsible for fostering a positive and inclusive work environment that supports the growth and development of all team members.

Key accountabilities include, but are not limited to:

• Developing and updating of departmental strategic projects/action plans involving District statutory and legislative functions
• Assisting with the development and updating of strategic projects/action plans from other internal departments involving corporate administration
• Prioritizing and directing all Corporate Administration departmental activities to ensure alignment with the District’s Strategic Plan, Annual Departmental Objectives, and relevant legislation
• Participating and collaborating with leaders across the organization to ensure legislative considerations are reflected in organizational strategy, inter-departmental collaboration, policy development, and long-term financial planning
• Leading the development and enhancement of standards, policies, and procedures to position the Corporate Administration Department as a leader in the organization
• Ensuring that legislated requirements, corporate policies, procedures, priorities, and exceptional customer service are conducted and carried out by the Corporate Administration Department within the organization’s and Council’s vision for the community
• Developing annual department budgets for consideration in the Annual Five-Year Financial Plan, monitoring annual departmental spending, and providing variance reporting to Council and senior leadership
• Managing (prioritizing, directing, and monitoring) Corporate Administration staff work plans on a weekly, monthly and annual basis
• Providing daily leadership and guidance to Corporate Administration staff for Council engagement, records management, FOIPPA request response, consultant engagement, and complaint resolution
• Overseeing hiring, ongoing staff growth and development, and employee development reviews of department staff
• Maximizing employee engagement through recognition, team building, and effective communication
• Acting in the absence of the General Manager as required
• Providing procedural support to Council during all Council and Committee meeting formats

About You

To qualify you will need a degree in Law, Public Administration, Business Administration, or a related field; and a postgraduate degree in management and leadership (MBA). You will also have 5 years of experience as a Corporate Officer or municipal lawyer, 3 years of experience as a Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Head and a Certified or Master Municipal Clerk designation. A minimum of 7 years of progressive experience as a Corporate Officer and an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience will also be considered.

The following skills are essential to success in this role:

• A strong understanding of all legislation governing local governments, including the Local Government Act, Community Charter, Freedom of Information and Privacy Act, and other acts, regulations, and bylaws that relate to local and district government affairs
• Demonstrated ability to handle confidential information with discretion
• Experience in building and maintaining effective relationships with internal and external contacts
• Leadership, motivation, and staff management skills to meet organizational objectives and work within the company's core values
• Ability to prepare and administer budgets efficiently and effectively
• Expertise in advising, writing and presenting reports that conform to Council and senior leadership guidelines
• Analytical and problem-solving skills as well as conflict-management skills
• Exceptional organizational skills and the ability to handle multiple tasks with constant deadlines
• Knowledge of desktop publishing, computer-spread sheet, database and graphics software, as well as advanced computer word processing skills using MS Word, desktop publishing, geographic information systems (GIS), BC Online
• Courses and experience in Parliamentary Procedures
• Experience administering at least two local elections, preferably using electronic voting machines

Lastly, you are an experienced, dynamic leader with excellent interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to engage and build connections with people respectfully and professionally.

What We Offer 

As a valued member of our team, you will be rewarded with a highly attractive annual salary, as well as comprehensive benefits, including:

• Excellent health and paramedical benefits package
• Generous pension plan
• 70-hour, 9-day bi-weekly work schedule (3-day weekend every second week)
• Live and work in one of the most stunning places in the province
• And many more!

If you tick all of these boxes and believe you will thrive in this role, we encourage you to apply today!

As an equitable and inclusive employer, we value diversity of people to best represent the community we serve and provide excellent services to our citizens. We strive to attract and retain passionate and talented individuals of all backgrounds, demographics, and life experiences. If you require any adjustments to enable participation at any stage of the recruitment process, please contact in confidence AccessibilityHR@squamish.ca. We thank all applicants for applying.