The Corporation of the Town of Cochrane, recognized as one of the top 50 small towns in Canada to visit in 2017 and the #1 in snowmobile trails in the world, is looking for a new Chief Administrative Officer/Economic Development to replace the current CAO, who is retiring.

If you are looking for a change of pace, the Town of Cochrane, a culturally diverse and vibrant community including a large francophone and aboriginal population, has the largest gold mine in North America nearby, two world class forestry mills poised for prosperity, and some of the leading green energy initiatives in the region. The Town of Cochrane is home to the Polar Bear Habitat and the Tim Horton Event Centre which boasts the Cochrane Crunch. Cochrane boasts a very diversified economy in mining, forestry, government, tourism and agriculture.

The ideal CAO candidate will champion accountable, responsive customer service, innovative and results based leadership to strengthen the Town’s operations by aligning vision and strategy with operational and financial excellence.  You will focus on helping to establish and implement Municipal strategic long range directions and key infrastructure planning to achieve Council’s vision and priorities and provide business, policy and technical advice to Council. With a solid background in economic development you will provide the expertise and leadership to successfully implement proactive Economic Development strategies.

You bring successful executive management experience to achieving results through others, are an excellent communicator who is comfortable in the community, at the council table, working with our federal and provincial partners and interacting with all levels of staff and volunteers. You are a superb coach and mentor, drive strategic direction, build collaborative relationships, value partnerships, embrace new ideas and exemplify accountability.

Education, Skills and Experience

• Degree in Business/Public Administration, Economics, Planning or related discipline with applicable professional designation or a combination of related equivalent education, training and experience.

• Five (5) years Senior executive leadership experience running a multifaceted public sector organization and/or a business.

• AMCTO Professional Accreditation or CMO is considered an asset.

• Successful in implementing major community economic development project(s)
• Strong working knowledge of strategic planning, business planning, municipal finance, governance, human resource management and a proven consensus builder.

• Able to demonstrate understanding of working in a provincial and regional context(s) in which the Municipality functions.

• Understands the importance of intergovernmental relations and working effectively with diverse communities including the francophone and indigenous communities.

• Bilingualism would be an asset

Applications will be received until the position is filled.  The selection process begins on June 20, 2019. To receive more information about Cochrane, please contact https://www.cochraneontario.com.

To get more information about this position or to submit your resume, please contact Evelyn Dean at www.edeanassociates.com or leave a message at 519-538-4391. We look forward to your inquiries. Please feel free to forward this opportunity to those that may be interested.

Position Status: Full Time
Facility: Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership
City: Sarnia, Ontario, Canada
Hours of Work: Monday to Friday, 8:00am to 4:30pm
Wage Rate: $36.84 – $43.86/Hour

The Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership is a one-stop shop for economic development services whose mission is to promote the distinctive advantages that Sarnia-Lambton has to offer to companies and residents. By coordinating community-based economic development initiatives and working to maintain a commercially attractive environment, we foster new business creation as well as help ensure that established firms remain and grow here in our region. 

Position Overview

The Economic Development Officer’s key role is the promotion, development and growth of one or more targeted community sectors. These targeted community sectors may include, but are not limited to:

• Bio/Petrochemical
• Food
• Manufacturing
• Information Technology
• Professional Services
• Workforce & Entrepreneurship

**Please Note: We are currently recruiting for multiple Economic Development Officer positions. Each will focus on one or more of the targeted community sectors listed above. Applications must include a cover letter and resume. In the cover letter, please highlight your experience as it relates to the sectors and your preferred sector(s) (if any).**

Duties and Responsibilities
Market Development:

• Plan and propose an annual business program specific to assigned sectors.

• Research and provide site selection data and information to industrial and commercial clients and site selectors and liaise with local industries to arrange site visits.
• Identify and analyze geographic markets, sectors and individual companies for business attraction to Sarnia-Lambton
• Conduct business outreach and prepare studies/reports for prospective business clients regarding new or expanded businesses in order to facilitate their decisions on locating new investment in Sarnia-Lambton 
• Undertake initiatives to support business growth and population growth.
• Work with existing and identify new business sectors promoting growth opportunities. 
• Support the growth of current businesses through business strategies and maintain a pro-active outreach program to targeted sectors.
• Initiate and maintain a contact program with identified prospect firms, industry associations, government representatives and other intermediaries to promote Sarnia-Lambton.
• Maintain a detailed record system of prospect activity as per SLEP practices and play a lead role with ongoing Customer Relations Management (CRM) software implementation and activities.
• Organize and implement specific business strategies through SLEP and in support of local municipal efforts.
• Initiate and co-ordinate meetings with appropriate groups/municipalities to identify operational projects.
• Serve as a catalyst for the creation of economic development policies and projects within the County.
• Communicate awareness of trends, techniques and opportunities for growth to staff, local and external partners and community groups.
• Provide education to local businesses on market development and associated topics
• Keep abreast of government legislation and funding programs and prepare grant and project applications if required.
• Maintain effective communications and networks with agencies, organizations, government bodies and individuals capable of identifying, influencing or directing new economic development and investment opportunities to Sarnia-Lambton.
•  Provide advice and support to the CEO and other staff when requested with respect to their areas of activity.
• Conduct on-site visits with business clients and provide assistance in support of their business investment inquiries and activities.
• Arrange sector-specific tours of Sarnia-Lambton for clients and prospective clients.

General:

• Incumbents must keep up-to-date on all relevant legislation, collective bargaining agreements, County Policies and Procedures, etc. ensuring that these are implemented as prescribed
• Incumbents must possess the physical ability to meet the duties and responsibilities of the job description and/or the requirements identified within the position’s Physical Demands Analysis

These describe the general nature and level of work being performed by incumbents in this classification. They are not an exhaustive list of all job duties in the classification. Other duties may be assigned.

Supervision Requirements

Direct Supervision: None
Indirect Supervision: None
Functional Authority: Effectively communicates and collaborates with industry, government and the community.

Qualifications

Minimum Formal Education:

• A degree from a recognized university in marketing, business administration/commerce, economics, diploma/degree in economic development 

Experience:

• Five years of experience in a business development role.

• Experience in sales, marketing and developing business and marketing plans.

• Experienced in Microsoft office suite.
• Possess excellent oral and written communications, strong presentation skills and successful client relationship management skills.
• Proven understanding and working knowledge of new media/social media marketing tools, knowledge and experience in working with government funding programs as well as the ability to work independently and in a team environment.

A valid Ontario driver’s license and use of a vehicle.

How to Apply

Please send applications to reception@sarnialambton.on.ca.