Chief Administrative Officer

Region of Waterloo; Kitchener; Hybrid; CAD 264,403 - 352,538; Full time

Job summary

A progressive municipal government in the Region of Waterloo seeks a visionary Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) to guide its public service. The CAO will lead the Corporate Leadership Team, ensuring the delivery of high-quality services while aligning with the Region’s Strategic Plan priorities like affordable housing and climate-aligned growth. The ideal candidate should have extensive senior leadership experience, knowledge of municipal governance, and a passion for public service. This hybrid role requires onsite presence a minimum of three days a week.

Qualifications

• Extensive senior leadership experience managing multidisciplinary teams.
• In-depth knowledge of municipal governance and public administration principles.
• Demonstrated success in strategic planning and financial management.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic direction to the Corporate Leadership Team.
• Oversee approximately 4,000 employees delivering essential services.
• Champion partnerships to expand affordable housing.

Skills

Strategic planning

Financial management

Organizational leadership

Partnership building

Effective communication

Education

University degree in public administration

Postgraduate education (asset)

Job description

This range is provided by Region of Waterloo. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more.

Base pay range

CA$264,403.78/yr - CA$352,538.37/yr

About the Region of Waterloo

The Region of Waterloo is one of Canada’s most innovative communities, where creativity, collaboration, and compassion drive progress. Home to 650,000 residents, it boasts a diverse economy rooted in technology, advanced manufacturing, education, agriculture, and health sciences. With both vibrant urban centers and rich rural communities, the Region offers opportunities for all. A thriving start-up ecosystem and commitment to sustainability and inclusion make it a hub for ideas shaping Canada’s future. Guided by the 2023–2027 Strategic Plan, Growing with Care, we’re focused on sustainable, fair, and inclusive growth.

About the Role

The Region of Waterloo is seeking an inspiring and strategic Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) to lead its public service at a pivotal moment in the Region’s evolution. Reporting directly to Regional Council, the CAO provides visionary leadership and direction to the Corporate Leadership Team, ensuring that high-quality, cost-effective services meet the needs of residents and reflect Council’s strategic priorities and the pillars of the Region’s Strategic Plan. As the Region’s most senior administrative leader, the CAO will bring the Growing with Care vision to life, translating Council’s goals into meaningful action that advances the four priorities of the Strategic Plan: Homes for All, Equitable Services and Opportunities, Climate‑Aligned Growth, and a Resilient and Future‑Ready Organization. A critical component of this role is fostering economic development to support sustainable growth and prosperity across the Region. The CAO will champion strategies that attract generational investment, advance economic prosperity, and support the development of critical infrastructure, while delivering on long‑term planning objectives as set by Council. The Region of Waterloo is searching for a collaborative and forward‑thinking leader who is passionate about public service, committed to meaningful community outcomes, and eager to guide one of Canada’s most dynamic regions into its next chapter.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Provide strategic direction to the Corporate Leadership Team, ensuring alignment with the Growing with Care vision and priorities.
• Work closely with the Regional Chair and Council to shape and implement policies that advance long‑term goals.
• Offer objective, evidence‑based advice that integrates social, environmental, and economic perspectives.

Operational Oversight

• Oversee approximately 4,000 full‑and part‑time employees delivering essential services across the Region.
• Foster an innovative, high‑performing, and psychologically safe workplace that attracts, develops, and retains top talent.
• Represent the Region with professionalism and integrity, maintaining open and trusted communication with residents, media, and partners.

Advancing Strategic Priorities

• Homes for All: champion partnerships and policies to expand affordable housing, eliminate chronic homelessness, and unlock Region‑owned land for inclusive communities.
• Equitable Services and Opportunities: ensure services are accessible, culturally safe, inclusive, and co‑designed with the community.
• Climate‑Aligned Growth: promote growth that protects the environment, reduces emissions, and expands active and public transportation.
• Resilient and Future‑Ready Organization: build a people‑centred culture valuing diversity, inclusion, and reconciliation, while embracing innovation and fiscal responsibility.

Partnerships and Collaboration

• Strengthen relationships with area municipalities, Indigenous communities, provincial and federal governments, post‑secondary institutions, and community organizations.

Qualifications

• University degree in public administration, management, or a related discipline; postgraduate education is an asset.
• Extensive senior leadership experience managing multidisciplinary teams in complex organizations.
• In‑depth knowledge of municipal governance, legislation, and public administration principles.
• Demonstrated success in strategic planning, financial management, and organizational leadership.

*This position is hybrid; however, given the nature of the role, the successful candidate will be required to be on site a minimum of three days per week, and potentially more depending on operational needs and emerging priorities.

To apply for this key role, submit your application to Phelps by clicking: https://rebrand.ly/bismo6u

Application deadline: Monday, January 5, 2026

To learn more information, visit the Phelps Group website at https://phelpsgroup.ca/

Seniority level

• Seniority level

  Executive

Employment type

• Employment type

  Full-time

Job function

• Job function

  Management

• Industries

  Government Administration