The Senior Risk Management Advisor develops and leads the County's Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) program, ensuring risk is embedded into strategic planning, budgeting, and operational decision-making. This role designs and maintains the ERM framework, develops governance tools, and maintains the enterprise risk register. They establish and oversee a cross-functional ERM Working Group to identify, assess, and manage risks across all portfolios.
The Advisor delivers clear, actionable reporting through Key Risk Indicators (KRIs), dashboards, and cyclical updates for Executive Leadership and Council. Additional duties include promoting a risk-aware culture through training, conducting annual risk maturity assessments, and aligning ERM with resilience and continuity planning.
This is a new position where success depends on strong leadership, influence, and change management skills to gain buy-in from senior leadership, Council, and departments. It will require an ability to be adaptable to Strathcona County needs and objectives that may differ from established ERM programs.
Key Responsibilities:
Design, implement, and maintain an ERM framework aligned with ISO 31000 and/or COSO ERM that provides value to operations and meets organizational objectives
Develop and maintain ERM policies, procedures, templates, and governance tools to embed risk into corporate and Council-level decision-making
Review and update business processes, organizational directives, and Council policy to ensure transparency and alignment with ERM principles
Facilitate workshops and sessions to identify strategic, operational, capital, project, compliance, and emerging risks
Guide the Working Group in comprehensive risk assessments: likelihood, impact, and control effectiveness; define mitigation measures and assign owners
Work closely with specific areas of interest such as legal, insurance and internal controls to identify risks and opportunities to collaborate
Integrate risk outcomes into strategic plans, budgets, service plans, capital projects, and Council submissions
Maintain and update the Enterprise Risk Register with interdependencies, trends, and mitigation progress
Work with Executive Leadership and Council to define and update risk appetite and tolerance
Monitor risk thresholds, flagging and escalating issues from the risk register and mitigation progress
Publish dashboards for Executive Leadership and Council, and an annual "Top Risks" report featuring heat maps and executive commentary
Lead training and coaching on risk management for the ERM working group, Directors, staff, and project teams
Support scenario planning and stress tests for major risks (e.g., cyber threats, extreme weather, service interruptions)
Qualifications and Skills
Bachelor's degree in Public Administration, Business, Finance, Risk Management, or a related field, combined with a minimum of five years of progressive experience working directly with senior leadership to influence decisions and lead enterprise-level initiatives
Canadian Risk Management (CRM) designation strongly preferred, supported by at least five years of demonstrated success in risk management within a municipal or complex multi-divisional environment, including experience implementing frameworks and driving organizational change
Exceptional facilitation and relationship-building skills to engage Directors, Managers, Executive Leadership, and Council, and to drive consensus on risk priorities
Strong understanding of ERM frameworks (e.g., ISO 31000, COSO ERM) and demonstrated ability to apply risk governance and analytical principles in a municipal context
Knowledge of relevant legislation (e.g., Alberta Municipal Government Act), Council policies, and municipal governance as they relate to ERM
Strong analytical, critical-thinking, and problem-solving skills; experience with risk assessment, data analysis, trend reporting, and proactive risk mitigation
Proven ability to manage multiple priorities and projects, including integration of strategic planning and budgeting inputs
Conditions of Employment:
Submission of a Satisfactory Criminal Record Check
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, fairness, and cooperation.
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 role may be eligible to participate in our hybrid work program.
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.
Strathcona County employees strive for excellence in delivering quality of life to our residents to support our vision of becoming Canada’s most livable community. Employees play a pivotal role in delivering essential services, managing programs, and overseeing facilities to support a thriving community of over 100,000 residents. If you're dedicated to public service, enjoy collaborative work environments, and value continuous learning and growth, consider joining our team of over 2,000 dedicated professionals. You can make a difference by supporting a growing and diverse community!
Strathcona County has been recognized as one of Canada’s Best Employers 2026 by Forbes.com and one of Alberta’s Top 85 Employers 2026. We provide competitive wages, comprehensive health benefits and insurance, a defined benefit pension plan, work-life balance, flexible work options, health spending account, learning and development opportunities, wellness programs, and more.
Strathcona County is committed to working collaboratively, efficiently and effectively to provide quality service delivery to citizens, business and industry alike. Our corporate values of integrity, respect, safety, fairne...ss and cooperation define our culture and guide our daily work.
If you're dedicated to public service, enjoy collaborative work environments and value continuous learning and growth, consider joining our team! Apply today at www.strathcona.ca/careers