The Community
Nestled in the scenic Okanagan Valley, on the unceded tm̓xʷúlaʔxʷ (land) of the squilx”/Syilx (Okanagan) peoples, Lake Country is ideally located just north of Kelowna and south of Vernon on the shores of three magnificent lakes. It is one of the fastest growing communities in British Columbia with an increase in population of 24% up to the 2021 census and 11% since.
People move to the area to experience one of the finest authentic experiences in the Okanagan; there is a rural community feel with an urban twist that adds unique charm to the area that embodies “Life. The Okanagan Way.” The community is a hub of growth and innovation for tourism, agriculture, technology, business, and the arts. Just under 50 per cent of the land in the community is within the Agricultural Land Reserve and major crops include cherries, grapes, apples, pears, and peaches.
Serene lakes, exquisite orchards and vineyards, miles of sun-drenched landscapes and exciting outdoor adventures: this is what makes Lake Country the perfect setting for work and play. To learn more please look at Lake Country, VisitLakeCountry and Okanagan First Nation.
The District
The District is a growing municipal government with an elected Mayor and six Councillors using a ward system. Led by the CAO, the 150-employee team provides a wide array of services with a combined annual budget of about $57 million and has a positive, fun, and supportive work culture. There are four distinct wards: Carr’s Landing, Okanagan Centre, Oyama and Winfield. Okanagan Lake is Lake Country’s western boundary and Wood Lake sits in the middle of the community with an isthmus separating Wood Lake and Kalamalka Lake, the southern part of which is within Lake Country’s boundaries.
Council is updating its 2022 Strategic Plan which currently prioritizes addressing climate change in all decisions, supporting quality development that respects public safety, as well as environment and community needs, while moving towards ‘finishing what we started’. Sustainability, Climate Change, and the Environment are the foundation for priorities in five key areas: Infrastructure, Economy, Governance, Environmental and Social.
The Opportunity
This is an opportunity for a top performing, dynamic and seasoned leader to become the Chief Administrative Officer responsible for managing the complex operations of one of British Columbia’s fastest growing and most attractive communities.
You understand and are willing to innovatively take on the challenges faced by Lake Country and many local governments in British Columbia including significant community growth, increased planning and development application activity, housing, and homelessness, post pandemic staff shortages and financial sustainability to name a few. Working with the District’s high performing and well-respected employee team you will help build an incredible community of the future.
You are personable and positive, an astute and authentic leader. A motivator of people with strategic, business and leadership skills to operate successfully in a complex local government environment. You inspire confidence in others and bring exceptional interpersonal, communication and strategic planning skills as well as a commitment to service, results, and the execution of strategy. You understand the impacts of growth and have the ability to effectively implement change to optimize efficiency with limited available resources.
You lead with integrity and are a consummate communicator with the ability to build consensus and collaborate effectively with elected officials, Indigenous communities, stakeholders, and residents. You are open and honest, flexible, and decisive. You are inclusive and can lead a management and unionized employee team that ensures Council initiatives, policies and programs are innovatively implemented and continuously improved. You are passionate about organizational well being and you enjoy and are effective at engaging and building respectful and trusting relationships with the squilx”/Syilx peoples, as well as local groups, businesses, and other governments.
You have a bachelor’s degree in business, public administration, or a related discipline and seven or more years of progressive senior leadership experience in complex multi-stakeholder local government environments. You demonstrate integrity, accountability, and empathy. You share and are guided by the values of the organization: Performance, Value for Money, Integration and Technology, while paying attention to climate change and environmental values. You are recognized for your positive local government contributions and are a catalyst for continuous positive corporate change.
If you are a seasoned local government leader with a passion for community building and a track record of success, we invite you to consider joining the District of Lake Country as our next Chief Administrative Officer. In return we offer competitive compensation, a commitment to ongoing professional development, a supportive and inclusive work environment, and the opportunity to make a positive community impact.
Interested candidates are invited to contact Paul Murray at brentwoodadvisory@proton.me
Applications will be accepted on-line at brentwoodadvisory@proton.me until November 17th, 2023.
