Join our Team!

The City of Saskatoon is looking for our new Permanent Full-Time Chief Strategy and Transformation Officer.

The Work You'll Be Involved In:

The Chief Strategy and Transformation Officer (CSTO) is a senior leadership role responsible for overseeing the City’s Strategy and Transformation Division. This role is instrumental in aligning the organization’s strategies with long-term goals, ensuring effective and innovative decision-making, and fostering collaboration across departments. The CSTO will report directly to the City Manager and work closely with City Council, administration, and external stakeholders to identify and implement transformative opportunities that enhance business and  customer value while driving community-centered outcomes. Responsibilities will include:

• Manages all facets of the Division. Leads the work of professional and technical staff in all aspects of the City’s Strategy and Transformation Division, overseeing Business Transformation, Communications, Public Engagement, Organizational Strategy Execution, Indigenous Initiatives, Information Technology, and Reconciliation, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion functions. 
• Coaches, mentors, supports, staff directly and indirectly accountable to the CSTO and indirectly to other departments.
• Assists the City Manager and executive team in administrative governance and oversight to ensure that the City delivers excellent services to the public and is achieving the objectives and Council priorities in the City’s Strategic plan.
• Drives organizational alignment and accountability to ensure the achievement of corporate vision and long-term strategic objectives. Ensures the organizational supports are in place to foster continuous improvement efforts to generate business and customer value and an to ensure an inclusive and equitable ecosystem both within the organization and in community. 
• Ensures the organizational strategy and business planning processes results in alignment with the City’s vision, purpose, values and long-term strategic objectives considering the context of local, regional, and national trends, issues and demands.
• Drives development of business capabilities that support evidence-based decision-making,. 
• Maintains a broad social and business perspective of the community and provides leadership related to the functions of the Division.
• Maintains relationships with social, community-based organizations, and agencies to foster partnerships, joint ventures, and collaboration.
• Engages with Federal, Provincial governments, private businesses, other municipalities, and the public about matters related City to advance departmental activities, and best practices in local government.
• Directs and prepares reports for City Council, Council Committees, and Senior Administration.
• Ensures responsible coordination of capital allocation for divisional and departmental costs and benefits related to projects and initiatives.
• Assumes the responsibilities of the City Manager when required.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Who we are looking for:

Core Competencies:
Accountability - Takes ownership of divisional success, ensuring goals are met with integrity and alignment to City guidelines. Sets clear expectations and consistently evaluates performance to achieve high-quality results. 
Adaptability - Navigates changing conditions and priorities with agility. Anticipates shifts in the municipal environment and leads the division through transitions by embracing new technologies and strategies.
Collaboration - Builds a cooperative environment by working cross-functionally with departments, external partners, and stakeholders. Fosters teamwork and open dialogue to deliver more holistic, innovative solutions.
Embraces Diversity - Promotes an inclusive culture, ensuring equity and diversity are reflected in policies and services. Actively engages diverse perspectives to enhance decision-making and community impact.
Effective Communication - Clearly and confidently conveys strategies across all audiences. Translates complex issues into accessible language, ensuring alignment and transparency within the organization and with the public.
Service Orientation - Prioritizes the needs of citizens and stakeholders by delivering timely, high-quality services. Proactively identifies ways to improve services, ensuring a citizen-first approach.

Leadership Competencies:
Visioning and Strategic Thinking - Develops and communicates long-term strategies that position the City for growth. Analyzes trends to create forward-looking initiatives, driving innovation and alignment with City values.
Building Organizational Effectiveness - Establishes systems and processes that empower teams to succeed. Promotes a high-performance culture through continuous improvement, accountability, and collaborative work environments.
Financial Leadership - Oversees the City's financial health by ensuring transparent, responsible management of resources. Aligns financial decisions with strategic priorities and drives efficiency within budgetary constraints.
Team Leadership - Engages and inspires teams, fostering a culture of trust and collaboration. Supports employee development and ensures alignment of team efforts with organizational goals.
Political Astuteness - Navigates the political landscape by building relationships with City Council, stakeholders, and community groups. Ensures decisions balance community needs with organizational capacity.
Foster Change & Innovation - Leads transformative initiatives that drive operational efficiency and innovation. Encourages continuous improvement and empowers teams to challenge the status quo for better service delivery.

What we are looking for:

• Degree in business or public administration, preferably with a Master’s or equivalent education or training.
• Professional designation such as Certified Local Government Manager (CLGM), management or business planning, or a certificate in Local Government Administration (LGA).
• Ten years of administration and management experience with at least five years at a senior level, including supervision of multiple disciplines.
• Membership in relevant professional organizations such as Canadian Association of Municipal Administrators (CAMA), International City/County Management Association (ICMA), etc.

Express Your Enthusiasm for This Role!

Email a convincing cover letter and tailored resume (PDF or Word) to John Dugdale at 
calgary@leadersinternational.com indicating the job title in the subject line of the email.

Leaders Web Site:
Chief Strategy and Transformation Officer
 Leaders LinkedIn