Chief Administrative Officer

City of Miramichi; City of Miramichi; On-site; CAD 100,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A municipal organization in New Brunswick seeks a Chief Administrative Officer to lead its functions and guide the Council. The ideal candidate will ensure effective governance and represent the city with various stakeholders, fostering community engagement and operational excellence. Candidates should possess a university degree and demonstrated leadership in public sector contexts. This role offers the opportunity to shape municipal services in a vibrant community.

Qualifications

• Dynamic leader with broad public sector experience.
• Ability to navigate political and administrative dimensions.
• Experience in community relations and advocacy.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership and accountability for achieving Council goals.
• Act as the Chief Advisor to the Mayor and Council.
• Lead the budget process and oversee management targets.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic planning

Performance management

Relationship management

Community engagement

Education

University degree or equivalent

Job description

Executive Brief

The City of Miramichi, with a population of 19,000, is located on the east coast of New Brunswick on the shores of the Miramichi River. The river offers opportunities for canoeing and kayaking, and angling for Atlantic Salmon and Striped Bass. Miramichi Bay provides sailing and winter activities such as cross-country skiing and snowmobiling on extensive trails. The city offers a low cost of living, minimal commute times, a regional hospital, and a community college.

The City of Miramichi’s 2025 Strategic Plan outlines 12 strategic goals guided by five pillars: Growing, supporting, building, sustaining, and working together for Miramichi. The Vision is to be a healthy, progressive, diverse, and economically vibrant community that is financially sustainable and environmentally responsible. For more information, see the links below.

• City of Miramichi
• City of Miramichi Master Plan

City Departments

Administration — Overall leadership and management of the City’s operations. City Hall, Office of the Clerk, and Chief Administrative Officer’s Office are included in this category.

Finance — Handles all financial affairs under the direction of the Chief Administrative Officer and on behalf of Council. They monitor financial inflows and outflows, ensuring budgets are balanced and aligned with organizational goals.

Human Resources — Recruitment, pension and benefits, payroll, occupational health and safety, training and development, labour relations, and policy compliance.

Police Department — Leads crime prevention, investigations, law enforcement, and public education, in collaboration with the RCMP.

Fire Department — Fire suppression, medical aid, rescue, prevention, and public education.

Community Wellness & Recreation — Maintains parks, trails, arenas, and sport facilities, and delivers programs.

Engineering & Public Works — Public infrastructure services; zoning, design review, permits, and the City’s official plan.

Information Technology — Technology services, cybersecurity, data management, and infrastructure support.

Economic Development & Tourism — Supports business growth, investment, job creation, and tourism strategies.

Members of Council

• Mayor Adam Lordon
• Deputy Mayor Paddy Quinn
• Veronique Arsenault, City Councillor
• Peggy Doyle, City Councillor
• Chad Duplessie, City Councillor
• Brian King, City Councillor
• Jason Harris, City Councillor
• Guy Richard, City Councillor
• Ryan Somerrs, City Councillor

Position Profile

Reporting to the Council for the City of Miramichi, the Chief Administrative Officer is accountable for leadership and direction of all City functions and activities within policies and plans established by Council and applicable legislation. The CAO supports Mayor and Council with information, options, and recommendations to support sound decision-making and coordinates policy assessment, definition, and review.

As the most senior administrative leader, the CAO provides leadership to the senior management team and represents the City with all levels of government, the business community, and the public. The CAO enables Council to translate its vision into the delivery of quality municipal services and infrastructure.

As the sole employee of the City Council, the CAO bridges legislative functions with administrative operations, ensuring governance and service delivery. The CAO oversees resources, sets priorities, and aligns departmental strategies with Council’s goals. The CAO develops a strategic framework that fosters innovation and delivers service excellence, guiding bylaws, policies, and strategies addressing the City’s needs.

The CAO collaborates with community partners and government entities to advance priorities and promote sustainable growth for the broader community.

Key Responsibilities

• Act as the Chief Advisor to the Mayor and Council, providing information and reports for effective governance decisions.
• Provide leadership and accountability for achieving Council goals; supervise strategic plans, policies, and programs.
• Establish service standards, performance expectations, and KPIs in consultation with Council and departmental leaders.
• Demonstrate high performance and stewardship, reporting on management targets and service quality.
• Provide direction, training, and performance evaluations for staff.
• Foster an open, collaborative, and respectful working environment supporting continuous improvement.
• Support effective communication with Directors and foster collaborative relationships with citizen interests in mind.
• Maintain high visibility across the organization through regular communication and engagement.
• Recommend changes to improve efficiency and public service delivery.
• Promote a culture of public service, stability, and trust in municipal administration.
• Maintain dialogue with the Mayor, Committees, and Council on major issues, threats, opportunities, and actions.
• Lead the budget process as directed by Finance.
• Attend all Council meetings unless excused.
• Ensure positive public relations by communicating Council actions to the public and stakeholders.
• Provide oversight for collective bargaining with employee unions.
• Monitor and report on performance of contracts and ensure terms are fulfilled.
• Address inquiries and complaints to maintain positive public relations.
• Represent the Council’s interests with municipal, provincial, and federal entities and external stakeholders.
• Ensure bylaws are enforced and departmental strategies align with the City’s vision.
• Ensure Council decisions and regulations are implemented and publicized.
• Promote and communicate Council’s vision and priorities to department leaders and staff.

Key Priorities

• Leadership — Support the City’s vision with Council and leaders; foster teamwork and staff development.
• Operational Management — Develop operational plans; ensure satisfaction of Council, staff, and partners; oversee day-to-day operations; protect confidentiality.
• Relationship Management — Cultivate relationships with Council, officials, policymakers, and community members.
• Community Relations and Advocacy — Represent the organization in the community and build collaborative agreements.

Ideal Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate is a dynamic, seasoned leader with broad experience in a diverse, multi-stakeholder environment. You navigate political and administrative dimensions, uphold integrity, ensure transparency, and balance political considerations with operational priorities. You are adaptable, foster respect and collaboration, drive innovation, and communicate effectively to align stakeholders with the City’s objectives. A university degree or equivalent education and progressively responsible leadership in a public sector or complex organization (municipal experience preferred) are expected.

Competencies and Personal Attributes

• Strategic Leader — Drive complexity, articulate a compelling vision, and foster collaboration for long-term goals.
• Inspirational Team Leader — Build high-performing teams; hold others accountable and take responsibility for outcomes.
• Effective Decision Making — Make timely, well-considered decisions under risk and ambiguity.
• Relationship Building — Foster internal and external relationships and engage diverse stakeholders.
• Championing Diversity & Inclusion — Promote equity, accessibility, and cultural competence.

Living in New Brunswick

New Brunswick is Canada’s only constitutionally bilingual province, offering a diverse cultural experience with urban and rural communities, Indigenous heritage, and a mix of industries. The province combines traditional and innovative environments and borders Maine and Quebec, making it an attractive place to live and work.

Becoming a Candidate

As applications are received, candidates are evaluated against key criteria. The process may include interviews with the Search Committee, KBRS, and City Council, and may involve a Predictive Index Assessment. Terms of employment are established if an offer is made, subject to background checks and approvals.

Resume Accuracy/Background Checks — If advancing, you will undergo background checks, including education and designation verification; consent is required to proceed.

Reference Checks — Provide 4–6 references representing diverse working relationships.

Privacy and Confidentiality — Personal information will be handled in accordance with privacy laws. A copy of the Privacy Policy is available on the KBRS website.

Contact Us in Confidence

Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion — KBRS and the City promote diversity and inclusion; accommodations are available during the recruitment process. Contact [e-mail] for accessibility needs.

Contact — Mark Gillis, Partner, [e-mail]
Kimberly Chan- Fee, Executive Search Coordinator, [e-mail]