Elected Officials Assistant

Are you an experienced administrative professional who thrives in a fast-paced, highly visible environment where sound judgement, political acumen and discretion are essential?

As the Elected Officials Assistant, you will provide confidential, senior-level administrative support to four Strathcona County Councillors and contribute to the effective operation of the Office of the Elected Officials. You will serve as a key point of contact for residents, County departments, senior leaders, government representatives and community partners, ensuring inquiries and sensitive matters are managed professionally, accurately and promptly.

This position requires someone who can anticipate needs, navigate competing priorities and exercise sound judgement when responding to complex or politically sensitive situations. You will conduct research, prepare correspondence and briefing materials, coordinate resident inquiries, support financial and records management processes, and assist with Council communications, events and meetings. Through strong relationships and effective communication, you will help advance Council’s vision and provide responsive service to the community.  

This posting is for up to 2 permanent, full-time positions

Key Responsibilities

• Provide confidential executive administrative support to four Councillors, including coordinating day-to-day priorities, resolving administrative issues and anticipating emerging needs or concerns
• Act as a key point of contact between Councillors, residents, the Executive Team, County departments, other levels of government, external organizations and community partners
• Receive, assess, and coordinate responses to resident inquiries, ensuring matters are directed to the appropriate department and followed through to resolution within established service expectations
• Conduct non-routine research and analysis and prepare reports, briefing notes, correspondence, memos, emails, and other materials on behalf of Councillors
• Manage politically sensitive and urgent matters with sound judgement, discretion, professionalism, and diplomacy
• Coordinate the flow of information among Council members and ensure relevant information is communicated accurately and promptly
• Prepare, edit, and proofread Councillor communications including correspondence, articles, congratulatory letters and monthly electronic newsletters
• Coordinate Council packages and logistical requirements for Council and Priorities Committee meetings
• Maintain Council-related website content in accordance with corporate standards and style requirements
• Monitor Councillor budgets and expenditures, process invoices and expense claims, and coordinate Community Benefit Funding requests and related agreements
• Maintain electronic corporate records in SharePoint, provide records classification and retention guidance, and support access to information requests
• Plan and coordinate community, business and special events, including venue, vendor, catering, audiovisual, registration, and on-site requirements
• Support Council orientation and transition activities following municipal elections
• Provide backup support for scheduling, invitations, conferences, travel arrangements, meetings, and community events
   

Qualifications and Skills

• Post-secondary training or certificate with a minimum of five years of related experience, including experience supporting senior-level staff and/or elected officials
• A degree in public administration, public policy, public engagement, governance or a related discipline is considered an asset
• Experience working in a municipal government, public-sector or politically sensitive environment is considered an asset
• Strong political acumen with the ability to exercise discretion, diplomacy and sound judgement when handling confidential, sensitive or controversial matters
• Demonstrated ability to assess complex or urgent situations, establish priorities and recommend appropriate solutions
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including experience researching information and preparing correspondence, reports, briefings and other professional materials
• Strong proofreading and editing skills with exceptional attention to accuracy, completeness and presentation
• Excellent organizational and time-management skills with the ability to manage frequent interruptions, changing priorities and multiple deadlines
• Strong interpersonal and collaborative skills with the ability to build effective working relationships with elected officials, senior leaders, employees, residents, government representatives and external partners
• Demonstrated conflict management and customer service skills, including the ability to respond professionally to individuals who may be distressed, frustrated or hostile
• Experience with event planning, budget monitoring, financial administration and records management
• Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, Outlook, mail merges, web searches and website content-management tools
• Knowledge of County Connect, eScribe, SharePoint and Django is considered an asset
• Working knowledge of government systems, municipal processes, legislation, corporate policies and administrative protocols
• Training or experience related to Alberta’s access to information and protection of privacy legislation is considered an asset
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision while recognizing when consultation or escalation is required

Conditions of Employment:

• Submission of a satisfactory Criminal Record Check
• Ability to work additional hours and occasional weekends to support Council meetings, community events and operational requirements

Who We Are:

Strathcona County is a specialized municipality located in the heart of Alberta.  Our vision is to become Canada’s most livable community, where our workplace culture and identity are supported by our people plan and values of integrity, respect, safety, collaboration, and accountability.  

Why Join Strathcona County: (depending on position)

• Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package, which includes:
  • Extended health and dental coverage    
  • Health and wellness spending account    
  • Life and disability insurance
  • Retirement and pension programs  
  • Earned day off program
  • Employee and family assistance program
• Commitment to employee development, through internal and external training and development opportunities
• Well-being programs and a safety culture focused on physical and psychological health in the workplace

Equivalencies of education and experience may be considered.  

This competition may be used to fill future vacancies for similar positions within the next 6 months.  

Strathcona County is committed to an inclusive, respectful, and equitable workplace that represents the community we serve. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds who can contribute diverse perspectives and experiences.
We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.