Chief Administrative Officer

Institute of Public Administration of Canada; Annapolis Royal; On-site; CAD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension plan

Benefits after 3 months

Job summary

The Town of Annapolis Royal invites applications for Chief Administrative Officer (CAO). You will provide strategic leadership, advising Council and guiding the administration to deliver on the council's strategic plan.

We seek a seasoned public sector leader with strong financial, governance and community relations skills. This is a permanent full-time role with competitive pension benefits and a 12-month probation, located in Annapolis Royal, NS.

Qualifications

• University degree in public administration, business administration or related field. The highest qualifications are preferred, and commensurate experience will be considered.
• Seven years of progressive experience in municipal government, the public or private sector, including several years as a senior manager responsible for budgets, staff and results.
• Experience reporting to a council or governing board.
• Thorough knowledge of the Municipal Government Act and how municipalities operate.
• Sound financial and asset management skills.
• High level of initiative, fluency in oral and written English, with excellent communication skills, tact and good judgment under pressure.
• A valid NS driver's license and a reliable vehicle.
• Experience in a unionized environment.
• Experience supporting a police governance board or law enforcement organization.
• ICS certification or willingness to obtain certification.
• Asset management training or certification.
• Fluency in both English and French.

Responsibilities

• Give Council clear, impartial advice and carry out its decisions.
• Lead a dedicated leadership team, setting direction and priorities and ensuring its members work together.
• Turn the Strategic Plan into work plans, budgets and results that Council and residents can see, and deliver its major projects.
• Make every effort to grow the Town's residential and commercial base.
• Lead financial planning and annual budgets in close partnership with the Director of Finance, and prepare funding and grant applications with other Town staff.
• Strengthen staff retention and lead labour relations.
• Act as the administrative link between Council, the Board of Police Commissioners and the Police Service, serving as the Board's secretary or designating someone to do so.
• Build strong partnerships with the province, neighbouring municipalities, and community groups.
• Engage residents openly and champion an inclusive, accessible community.

Skills

Public leadership

Budgeting

Strategic planning

Council reporting

Communication

Education

University degree in public administration or related field

Job description

Lead a historic seaside town with a clear plan for its future

Annapolis Royal is a seaside town rich in heritage, culture and community spirit. Council is looking for its next Chief Administrative Officer (CAO): a steady, collaborative leader who turns Council's decisions and strategic plan into action.

Located on the shores of the Annapolis Basin, Annapolis Royal is recognized for its rich heritage, thriving cultural sector, natural beauty, and engaged residents. Council has established a clear strategic direction focused on sustainable growth, infrastructure renewal, organizational excellence, and community wellbeing. We are seeking a leader who can turn that vision into measurable results.

Reporting to Town Council as a whole, the CAO is Council's only employee, leads the Town's administration and is its principal adviser. You will:

• Give Council clear, impartial advice and carry out its decisions.
• Lead a dedicated leadership team, setting direction and priorities and ensuring its members work together.
• Turn the Strategic Plan into work plans, budgets and results that Council and residents can see, and deliver its major projects.
• Make every effort to grow the Town's residential and commercial base.
• Lead financial planning and annual budgets in close partnership with the Director of Finance, and prepare funding and grant applications with other Town staff.
• Strengthen staff retention and lead labour relations.
• Act as the administrative link between Council, the Board of Police Commissioners and the Police Service, serving as the Board's secretary or designating someone to do so.
• Build strong partnerships with the province, neighbouring municipalities, and community groups.
• Engage residents openly and champion an inclusive, accessible community.

What you bring

• A university degree in public administration, business administration or related field. The highest qualifications are preferred, and commensurate experience will be considered.
• Seven years of progressive experience in municipal government, the public or private sector, including several years as a senior manager responsible for budgets, staff and results.
• Experience reporting to a council or governing board.
• Thorough knowledge of the Municipal Government Act and how municipalities operate.
• Sound financial and asset management skills.
• High level of initiative, fluency in oral and written English, with excellent communication skills, tact and good judgment under pressure.
• A valid NS driver's license and a reliable vehicle.

Assets

• Experience in a unionized environment.
• Experience supporting a police governance board or law enforcement organization.
• Incident Command System (ICS) certification or willingness to obtain certification.
• Asset management training or certification.
• Fluency in both English and French.

This position is permanent full-time, five (5) days a week, including evenings, possible weekends, with flex hours. Benefits are available after three (3) months, and the pension plan effective immediately. A twelve (12) month probationary period.

Applications will be accepted and reviewed by Friday, November 27, 2026 at 4:00 p.m.