Chief Administrative Officer Save job Remove saved job

Permanent, Full-Time Position, Non-Union
Department: Corporate Services

The Municipality of Middlesex Centre is a thriving, progressive, and welcoming community. Located just west of the City of London, Middlesex Centre’s rural charm and vibrant small towns make it a great place to live, work, and play.

What makes us special? Our team!

We are supportive, inclusive, and collaborative workplace. We take pride in delivering the highest standard of municipal services to our community. We embrace our values of respect, cooperation, innovation, and integrity.

If you are a team player who is passionate about your work and are always looking for ways to improve and grow, then we want to hear from you.

We can offer you:

• Competitive compensation.
• Participation in OMERS, one of the best defined-benefit pension plans in Canada.
• Comprehensive health and dental benefits with a health care spending account.
• An employee and family assistance program.
• A culture that supports ongoing training and professional development.

Position Summary

Reporting to Council, the Chief Administrative Officer is responsible for providing vision and leadership to the Municipality through planning, organizing, and directing the operation of all municipal services in accordance with legislation, by-laws and policies established by Council; the CAO serves as the organization’s representative to the community and community organizations, media, other levels of government, and professional associations. The CAO advises Council and recommends actions to address current emerging issues and trends to ensure that Council policies and programs result in the attainment of Council’s vision mission and embody its values.

Strategic Leadership

• Provides leadership for the development of the strategic plan and accompanying service plans embracing the changing responsibilities of municipal operations and service delivery.
• Reports regularly on the progress made toward realizing the strategic plan initiatives; implements, monitors, and evaluates effectiveness of annual operating plans in support of the strategic plan and Council policies and directives.
• Analyzes the strategic and legislative initiatives of senior governments, conservation authorities, school boards and other regulatory and neighbouring municipal governments related to their directions and potential impacts on the Municipality’s directions and future.

Council Administrative Support

• Establishes and maintains positive working relations with Council; communicates effectively with Council and individual members of Council.
• Ensures that all legal and reporting requirements are met.
• Assists Council in articulating its governance model and facilitates the planning, development, implementation, review, and evaluation of Council policies.
• Assists with confidential administrative matters as required, including those typically handled by the Clerk’s office as needed.

Community Leadership

• Sets the tone for municipal relations with the public by prioritizing responsiveness and fostering a service-oriented approach among staff.
• Maintains a positive and visible presence in the community, including active involvement during emergencies, at major municipal events, and in meetings with other administrative leaders.
• Ensures that the Mayor and Council are regularly informed about significant community events and issues, supporting effective communication and governance.

• Works collaboratively with County officials and departments to strengthen inter-municipal relationships, coordinate county initiatives, and address shared concerns for the benefit of residents.

• Champions economic development initiatives by engaging with local businesses, industry leaders, and relevant stakeholders to foster growth, attract investment, and support sustainable prosperity within the municipality.

Operational Planning

• Ensures that the municipal administration and operations are in compliance with all legal and Council mandates and timelines.
• Ensures the Municipality’s full compliance with all statutory, regulatory, and other laws and requirements, either directly and/or through direct reports, including oversight of Health and Safety functions.
• Ensures that all Municipal assets and resources are well maintained, effectively utilized, are appropriately replaced, and serviced and are available as per Council directions and policies.
• Ensures development of up-to-date risk management and emergency response policies, procedures, and resources, also ensuring at minimum, annual reviews with reports to Council.
• Performs liaison functions between Council and citizens on administrative matters pertaining to by-laws, policies, or programs, investigates and handles public complaints and concerns, reports to Council as necessary.

People Leadership

• Provides leadership in the planning, development, implementation, review and evaluation of administrative policies, procedures and service delivery promoting teamwork within and across service units.
• Demonstrates positive and proactive leadership that has the support of the management team using effective communication and relationship management strategies.
• Provides leadership, motivation, and guidance; creates an environment which enables staff to meet organizational and personal development goals.
• Ensures appropriate staffing structure and levels to deliver on plans; develops human resource strategies for the municipality including ongoing training, development, and succession plans.
• Ensures effective systems are in place for the selection, supervision, development, and performance of all staff.
• Develops and maintains positive and effective employee relations to ensure the municipal staff functions as an effective and cohesive group.
• Ensures senior management team and Council members are fully apprised of proposed and actual changes in the external environment that may impact municipal services.
• Develops and maintains positive and effective relations with staff at the provincial and local government levels.

Other Responsibilities

• Acts as a member of the Emergency Control Group.
• Undertakes special projects and performs other duties as required in accordance with corporate objectives.

Qualifications & Experience

Education

• University degree from an accredited post-secondary institution in political science, planning, business, public administration, or related discipline.
• Professional designation or master’s degree from an accredited university in a specialized or relevant occupational field, or an equivalent combination of advanced education and specialized training.

Experience

• Over 15 years of progressive experience in a municipal or related setting with a minimum of 10 years in a senior level role.

Skills & Abilities

• Proven success collaborating effectively with Council or a policy-making Board and working collaboratively with government agencies and others.
• Demonstrated knowledge of the Municipal Act and other relevant Acts and regulations that impact municipalities.
• Proven success developing and implementing strategic and operational business plans; demonstrated ability to prioritize, multi-task, and manage projects, translating vision and strategy into tangible results and outcomes.
• Strategic and innovative thinker; a proven ability to champion and successfully implement change.
• Demonstrated leadership skills and a team-oriented management style.
• Ability to lead and consistently demonstrate excellence in customer service across the organization.
• Demonstrated experience in budgeting, fiscal responsibility, record keeping, report writing, and project/time management.
• Strong analytical and communication (both oral and written) skills, with strong proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
• Excellent verbal/written and people skills; can resolve conflicts and deal with sensitive or political issues in an effective and timely manner.
• Demonstrated level of professionalism and confidentiality, with strong ethics.

Other Requirements

• Minimum of a valid Ontario class G driver’s license in good standing.
• Criminal Records Check.

Hours & Conditions of Work

Normal work hours are 37.5 per week, Monday to Friday, with regular extra time required including evening meetings. Regularly responds to emails and phone calls after hours from members of Council, local media, staff for the purpose of issues management and as a member of the EOCG for Emergency situations.

This position primarily works at the main Municipal office.

Compensation