The City of Edmonton is seeking an exceptional and politically astute Chief of Staff to serve as the lead political and strategic advisor to the Mayor. In this pivotal role, you will be instrumental in advancing priorities, driving their execution and ensuring the Mayor's Office operates with maximum efficiency and impact. Your work will contribute to shaping City policy, government relations, and the Mayor's public engagement. This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of our vibrant city and make a significant contribution to municipal, provincial, and federal policy discussions.
This role requires a unique blend of strategic leadership, political savvy, and executive management. You will be responsible for providing timely advice on policy and strategy. You will manage all office functions, including the oversight of the Mayor's Office staff, the Mayor's schedule, and the development and implementation of key policy initiatives. A crucial component of this role involves leading government relations and acting as the primary negotiator on key files to secure vital support and investment for the City.
What will you do?
Serve as the primary advisor to the Mayor, providing strategic counsel on municipal, provincial, and federal policy issues
Lead and oversee all operations of the Mayor's Office, including managing a team, to ensure seamless support for the Mayor's mandate
Lead complex negotiations and manage high-level government relations on significant files on behalf of the Mayor and Council
Directly manage the Mayor's office budget, including staff structure, wages, benefits, and travel
Approve and manage the Mayor's daily schedule, including making crucial decisions about which activities and invitations the Mayor will participate in
Delegate work and provide public policy direction to office staff and communications on the Mayor's behalf, often with public and media consequences
Anticipate and proactively manage political risks and opportunities for the Mayor, particularly concerning media and public remarks
Provide advice to the Mayor on procedural approaches for Council meetings and how to manage relationships with fellow Councillors
Knowledge, training, or education in policy, government relations, political organization, staff management, and communications and media relations
Assets:
Experience in a Chief of Staff or a similar executive leadership role within a political office or large public sector organization
Proven success as a lead negotiator for major funding or policy agreements
Skills required for success:
Demonstrated leadership qualities and proven management skills, including the ability to oversee an office and directly supervise a team
Exceptional political acumen
Proven negotiation skills and a background in high-stakes government relations
The ability to effectively represent another person's viewpoints and advise the Mayor on public policy direction
A track record of effective decision-making, including managing complex office budgets and delegating work across a diverse team
Excellent ability to listen, a willingness to be coached, and a high degree of empathy
Ability to manage complex problem-solving
Alignment to our Cultural Commitments and Leadership Competencies (https://bit.ly/4brRrXm)
Embracing a culture of equity, diversity, reconciliation, and inclusion
Conditions of Employment:
Hire is dependent on a Criminal Records Check (CRC) that is satisfactory to the City of Edmonton, and there may be a cost associated with this requirement.
Candidates will be required to arrange their own transportation and, where appropriate, will be reimbursed in accordance with City of Edmonton policy. This may require the candidate to obtain business-use auto insurance.
Applicants may be tested
Work Environment:
Note: This position may be eligible for a hybrid work arrangement with the flexibility to work from both home and the worksite.
Flexibility to work evenings and weekends to attend events and Council meetings is required.
The City of Edmonton values applicants with a diverse range of skills, experiences and competencies, and encourages you to apply. We strive to provide reasonable access and accommodations throughout the recruitment process. To request an accommodation, please contact employment@edmonton.ca. Learn more about our benefits https://bit.ly/COEbenefits
Up to 1 contract full-time position
Talent sourced through this process may be considered for similar opportunities within the City of Edmonton.
Hours of Work: 36.9 hours per week
Salary Range: $142,206.08 - $177,758.62 (Annually)
Talent Acquisition Consultant: SM/SB
Edmonton rests in the heart of Treaty Six territory in Alberta and the homelands of the Metis Nation.
