Chief Administrative Officer/Clerk

Position Title: Chief Administrative Officer / Clerk
Position Type: Permanent, Full-time Non-Unionized 35 hours/week
Reports To: Municipal Council
Position Summary
The Chief Administrative Officer / Clerk (CAO/Clerk) is the senior administrative official of the Township and serves as the principal advisor to Council. This role provides strategic
leadership, oversees the administration of municipal operations, and ensures the effective
implementation of Council’s directives. The CAO/Clerk is responsible for guiding the
organization toward operational excellence, fiscal responsibility, and responsive service
delivery, while fostering a culture of transparency, collaboration, and innovation.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
1) Governance & Council Support
- Serve as chief policy advisor to Council, offering professional guidance and comprehensive information to support informed decision-making.
- Prepare and manage Council and Committee agendas, minutes, by-laws, and reports.
- Champion and communicate Council decisions, ensuring timely and effective
implementation. - Provide ongoing support to the Mayor and Council members in their governance roles.
2) Strategic Leadership & Corporate Administration
- Lead the development and execution of strategic plans, corporate initiatives, and service delivery improvements.
- Exercise general control and management of municipal affairs in accordance with the Municipal Act, by-laws, and approved policies.
- Direct the Senior Management Team in corporate planning, policy development, and service level optimization.
- Monitor and enhance municipal services to ensure they are coordinated, contemporary, and responsive to community needs.
- Provide leadership in fostering economic development initiatives, including business retention and expansion, investment attraction, and partnerships that support sustainable community growth.
3) Financial Management
- Lead the preparation of annual operating and capital budgets, including long-range financial forecasting.
- Monitor financial performance and ensure fiscal responsibility and cost-effective operations.
- Authorize expenditures and enter into contracts in accordance with the Procurement Policy and Council’s delegation of authority.
4) Human Resources & Organizational Development
- Oversee all aspects of human resource management including recruitment, performance evaluation, compensation, training, labour relations, and succession planning.
- Promote a respectful, inclusive, and productive workplace culture.
- Ensure compliance with provincial and federal employment legislation.
5) Legislative & Statutory Duties
- Perform statutory duties under the Municipal Act and other relevant legislation including the Planning Act, Drainage Act, Safe Drinking Water Act, and Municipal Elections Act.
- Administer municipal elections in accordance with legislative requirements.
- Ensure compliance with policies related to health and safety, emergency management, and accessibility.
6) Stakeholder Relations & Communications
- Act as a liaison with elected officials, internal departments, other governments, residents, community organizations, and the media.
- Respond to inquiries, monitor sensitive issues, and take corrective action where necessary.
- Represent the Township in public forums and foster civic engagement.
- Oversee legal matters and keep Council apprised of status and progress.
- Act as a signing officer for the Corporation and manage the purchase and sale of municipal land in collaboration with legal counsel and the Clerk.
7) Clerk Responsibilities & Legislative Services
- Perform Clerk duties under the Municipal Act and other statutes.
- Maintain official records and manage Council documentation.
- Administer elections, records management, and access to information.
- Advise on procedural and legislative matters; support Council’s statutory functions.
WORK RELATIONSHIPS
- Provides executive oversight and strategic direction for all municipal departments
- Liaises regularly with Council, staff, provincial/federal representatives, local municipalities, and the public.
WORKING CONDITIONS
- Office-based environment with exposure to public and media interactions.
- High-pressure setting with competing priorities and continuous deadlines.
- Attendance at evening meetings, weekend events, and availability for emergency response is required.
- Requires discretion, adaptability, and the ability to transition quickly between diverse issues.
QUALIFICATIONS
- University degree in Public Administration, Commerce, or a related discipline.
- Minimum ten (10) years of progressive municipal experience, including five (5) years in a senior management role.
- Completion of the Certified Local Government Management Program or equivalent; CMO designation through AMCTO is considered an asset.
- Demonstrated experience building effective relationships with diverse stakeholders.
- Highly developed leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
- Strong political and business acumen with a deep understanding of municipal governance, finance, and operations.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills in English; bilingualism in French is
considered an asset.
COMPENSATION
Level A (2025 rate), $126,989 to $165,692 annually, full benefit package and enrollment in the OMERS pension plan.
The Township of North Stormont is committed to accommodate all applicants in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code for all employment activities including the recruitment process. Please let us know if you require any accommodations.