Chief Administrative Officer (CAO)

Institute of Public Administration of Canada; Whistler; On-site; CAD 250,000 - 282,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government organization in Whistler is seeking a Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) to manage municipal affairs and provide leadership in strategy development. The ideal candidate has a degree in business or public administration with 10-15 years of senior management experience. Responsibilities include advising Council, overseeing a senior management team, and promoting organizational innovation. A comprehensive benefits package and competitive salary from $250,000 to $282,000 are offered. Interested candidates should apply by February 5, 2026.

Benefits

Comprehensive benefit package

Nine-day fortnight schedule

Eligibility for recreation and transit pass program

Hybrid work program

Qualifications

• 10-15 years of experience in strategic senior leader capacity.
• Credibility in leading multi-function teams.
• Commitment to diversity and equity in the workplace.

Responsibilities

• Manage overall planning and coordination of municipality affairs.
• Provide advice and guidance to Council and leadership to staff.
• Oversee and implement strategies, policies, and programs.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic planning

Diversity promotion

Customer service

Education

Bachelor’s degree in business administration or Public Administration

Job description

Resort Municipality of Whistler (RMOW), Whistler

• Closing Date: February 5, 2026
• Location: Whistler
• Job ID:001-26
• Salary Range: $250,000 to $282,000

Job Description

(Squamish People), the Resort Municipality of Whistler (RMOW) is a vibrant destination resort community, local government organization and leader in providing municipal programs, services, progressive planning and infrastructure. The RMOW is a high performance municipal organization and significant tourism economy serving a community of 15,000 permanent residents and over three million annual visitors. The RMOW spends more than $100 million annually on operations, and another $40–50 million per year on capital projects. Reporting and regulatory requirements are significant, and appropriate fiscal management is important to the success of the organization and the community. Whistler’s vision is to be a place where our community thrives, nature is protected, and guests are inspired.

The CAO, under the direction of Council, is responsible for managing, directing and the overall planning and coordination of the affairs of the municipality in accordance with the Province of British Columbia’s Community Charter, Local Government Act and policies and programs approved by Council. This position is responsible for providing advice and guidance to Council and leadership to staff in the development and implementation of strategies, policies and programs that meet the needs of the organization and resort community. The CAO role is instrumental in overseeing our Vision and Official Community Plan | Resort Municipality of Whistler that will guide the community’s next chapter.

The CAO is responsible for leading a senior management team comprised of General Managers across four divisions: Infrastructure Services; Community Services and Engagement; Corporate Services and Public Safety; and Climate Action, Planning and Development Services; as well as three Directors for their corresponding departments: Director of Human Resources, Director of Planning, and Chief Financial Officer. The CAO also heads the CAO Office, with direct reports from Human Resources, Corporate Projects, and Economic Development, as well as an Executive Assistant and the Committee of Council and Engagement Lead. The CAO leads a large and diverse team of inspiring and engaged RMOW employees.

As the ideal candidate, you have a bachelor’s degree in business administration, Public Administration or a related discipline and ten to fifteen years of related work experience gained in a strategic senior leader capacity. You are a highly credible senior leader who has had responsibility for providing leadership to high performing, multi-function teams. You have a deep commitment to promoting a diverse and equitable workplace, are inspiring, engaging, and have a proven ability to effectively lead.

The successful candidate will bring a strong commitment to customer service, an interest in organizational innovation, and skills applicable to our dynamic tourism environment. This role requires a forward-thinking, service-oriented individual motivated to support sustainable growth while enhancing both visitor and resident experiences. We are seeking someone excited to serve this terrific community and contribute to Whistler’s continued success as a world-class, year-round destination.

You may already be the CAO of a municipality or working in a provincial government or private sector role with significant exposure to municipal management. You know the lifestyle Whistler offers, and as an innovative employer committed to work life balance, we have programs that allow you to enjoy Whistler fully.

We offer a comprehensive benefit package, a nine-day fortnight schedule, and eligibility to participate in the organization’s recreation and transit pass program, as well as our hybrid work program. The annual salary range is $250,000 to $282,000. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer who embraces and respects diversity. As a requirement of the position, the successful applicant must hold a valid class 5 BC driver’s license and must provide a satisfactory driver’s abstract and a satisfactory Police Information Check prior to beginning employment.

How to Apply

A full position profile is available by contacting [e-mail] . Candidates are invited to submit a resume and cover letter online at Careers | Resort Municipality of Whistler by February 5, 2026. Only those candidates selected for further consideration will be contacted. Thank you to all who express interest.