Executive Assistant, Department Head

JOB SUMMARY

You are responsible for providing a wide variety of confidential administrative support services in support of a department head/General Manager.

You serve as a point of contact for client departments, senior managers, senior external contacts and members of City Council, providing an initial response to standard inquiries and directing non-standard inquiries as appropriate. Duties and responsibilities also include conducting research and compiling documentation and data in support of branch projects or departmental inquiries, generating and making revisions to reports, creating and updating databases and project files, and coordinating the administrative processes.

Note: This is a generic job description that describes the typical duties of this job. Individual positions may not require the performance of all of these responsibilities, or additional related duties, within the scope of the job, may be assigned.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Completion of 2 year community college diploma in Business/Office Administration or related field

Minimum of 4 years of clerical/administrative experience

KNOWLEDGE

• Relevant dispositions of regulations and legislation pertaining to the branch
• Branch goals, objectives, policies and procedures
• The City of Ottawa’s departments and internal operational and administrative procedures and relevant contacts
• General knowledge of MFIPPA regulations
• Principles and practices of office management
• Record keeping, filing and general office procedures
• Database and records management practices
• Information verification and basic statistical analysis techniques
• Computer applications, including Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, SAP, Electronic Records Management System and other corporate standard software as required
• Knowledge of applicable health and safety legislation, including the rights and duties of workers General knowledge of City of Ottawa payroll and financial systems and branch policies, practices, functions, systems and procedures is an asset

COMPETENCIES, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Work independently and as a flexible and co-operative member of a team
• Excellent organization and time management skills and techniques: ability to work under pressure to meet tight time schedules and deadlines, prioritizing work and handling significant problems and tasks which come up simultaneously or unexpectedly
• Strict attention to detail and accuracy in the maintenance of records: ability to balance spreadsheets and produce statistical reports
• Conduct background research to investigate and solve problems in support of management and staff information needs, as well as project implementation
• Client service oriented: ability to use effective and tactful oral and written communication skills with clients at all levels of the organization
• Compile, organize and summarize data and information accurately and efficiently, applying policies and procedures
• High level of competence in dealing with sensitive issues
• Exercise independent initiative and establish priorities for own workload
• Exercise sound judgment, discretion and a high degree of confidentiality
• Interpret and explain rules, regulations and policies
• Discretion and confidentiality
• Make decisions on both routine and non-routine problems Integrity, tact and good judgment

Core Behaviours 

Core behaviours define the City's expectations of the behaviours employees should demonstrate in performing their work.  They are reflective of the City's culture and values and guide all our present and future activities.  Every employee is encouraged to learn, embody, and demonstrate these core behaviours. 

Review the Core Behaviours. 

Leadership Competencies 

The City has defined key competencies that leaders are expected to embody and demonstrate to successfully move the organization towards achieving its strategic objectives and create an organizational culture that supports and empowers employees to excel, grow and reach their full potential. These leadership competencies and associated behaviours are expected to be demonstrated by leaders at all levels of the organization.  

Review the Leadership Competencies.