Town of Iqaluit searches for new SAO

MICHAELA RODRIGUE
Nunatsiaq News

IQALUIT — John Raycroft hasn’t officially resigned his post as senior administration officer for the municipality of Iqaluit, but the Town has already begun a search to replace him.

Iqaluit Mayor Jimmy Kilabuk told Nunatsiaq News that he does not yet have a letter of resignation from Raycroft, but he said “there was a verbal indication it was coming.”

“Council gave staff special direction to be prepared to advertise,” Kilabuk said through an interpreter.

Iqaluit Town Council made the decision to advertise for Raycroft’s replacement at a special council meeting on Sept. 24.

Advertisements for the position are now posted at Iqaluit’s post office and in the town hall.

“The Municipality of Iqaluit, Nunavut, is searching for a dynamic leader in the position of Senior Administration Officer, to lead the fast growing community of 5,000 into the year 2000 and beyond,” the notice states.

Candidates are told to apply in confidence by 5 p.m., Oct. 25 to Iqaluit’s human resources manager.

Last month the Town instructed its lawyer, Larry Reynolds of Reynolds and Crowley “to represent the Town to deal with the termination of Senior Administrative Officer.”

Raycroft is on medical leave and has not attended a council meeting since June. Other Town staff have filled in as acting SAO during his absences. Councillors said they need someone with Raycroft’s expertise and experience to advise them.

The Town is looking for someone with a university degree or diploma in municipal administration, commerce or business administration, the advertisement states. As well, the “ideal candidate will have seven to 10 years as a senior municipal administrator.”

The ability to communicate in Inuktitut and English are definite assets.

The salary range is $83,833.90 to $98,628.98 a year, plus an “excellent benefits package,” according to the posting.

A new SAO will have to guide Iqaluit through a massive growth spurt. Iqaluit is on track to expand by 20 per cent this year.

The Town of Iqaluit is now updating its general plan and zoning bylaw to deal with the growth, and has also started a number of high-profile capital projects, such as a new $7-million sewage treatment facility.

The SAO must also manage a staff of more than 80 people and a budget of about $25 million, the advertisement says.