Chief Administrative Officer

Job Description:

CAREER OPPORTUNITY – CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER (CAO)

The Town of Stratford is one of Prince Edward Island’s fastest growing municipalities and a highly desirable, family-oriented community recognized for its exceptional quality of life, strong community values, and balanced approach to growth and development. With a population of more than 12,000 residents and continued residential and commercial growth, Stratford is committed to Building the Best Community Possible through responsible governance, environmental and financial sustainability, community engagement, innovation, and service excellence.

Stratford has adopted a long-term vision of the future based on the social, environmental, economic, cultural, and governance dimensions of sustainability. We envision a future where:

• residents’ social, physical and spiritual needs are met
• our culture is rich and diverse and our heritage is protected and celebrated
• our natural environment is protected and respected
• there is a thriving local economy
• there is an open, accountable and collaborative governance system

The Town of Stratford is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and respectful workplace. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment regardless of race, colour, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, nationality, age, disability, or any other status protected by applicable law.

The salary range for this position is $152,080 – $175,422 per annum, depending on qualifications and experience, plus a comprehensive benefits package.

JOB SUMMARY

Reporting directly to Town Council, the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) serves as the senior administrative executive for the Town and is responsible for the overall leadership, direction, and management of municipal operations in accordance with the PEI Municipal Government Act, Town bylaws, policies, and Council’s strategic priorities.

The CAO provides strategic advice and support to Mayor and Council, oversees the implementation of Council decisions, and ensures the efficient and effective delivery of municipal programs and services. The successful candidate will be a collaborative and respected leader with demonstrated experience managing complex organizations, leading high-performing teams, and navigating growth and organizational change within a municipal or public-sector environment, or other demonstrated similarly operated organization.

The Town is seeking a people-focused leader who fosters accountability, professionalism, innovation, and a culture of collaboration across the organization. The CAO will also play a key role in advancing the Town’s vision while building and maintaining positive relationships with residents, staff, businesses, community organizations, stakeholders, and other levels of government.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Act as the administrative executive officer for the Town with responsibility for the overall daily administration and operation of municipal services.
• Provide strategic leadership and policy advice to Mayor and Council.
• Ensure the effective implementation of Council decisions, strategic priorities, bylaws, and policies.
• Lead, mentor, and support the Town’s senior leadership team while fostering a high-performance, collaborative, accountable, and service-oriented organizational culture.
• Demonstrate visible, engaged, and proactive leadership throughout the organization while promoting employee development, operational excellence, and continuous improvement.
• Oversee the preparation and administration of annual operating and capital budgets and ensure sound financial management practices.
• Oversee the establishment and maintenance of effective financial, administrative, statistical, and information management systems.
• Ensure the Town operates in compliance with applicable legislation, regulations, bylaws, and policies.
• Lead organizational planning, performance management, risk management, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Oversee human resource functions including workforce planning, recruitment, labour relations, policy development, and organizational development.
• Support community engagement initiatives and maintain positive relationships with residents, stakeholders, and partner organizations.
• Represent the Town in meetings with municipal, provincial and federal governments, external agencies, industry organizations, and community groups.
• Act as media spokesperson when requested by the Mayor or Council.
• Promote and support the Town’s commitment to environmental, financial, and organizational sustainability, innovation, accessibility, and meaningful public engagement.

QUALIFICATIONS, EXPERIENCE & LEADERSHIP COMPETENCIES

The preferred candidate will possess:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Political Science, Engineering, Accounting, Planning, or another relevant discipline; a master’s degree or other advanced professional designation is considered an asset.
• Five or more years of progressive senior leadership experience, preferably within a municipal or public-sector environment, or another organization with comparable operational complexity and governance structures.
• Demonstrated experience in strategic planning, financial management, organizational development, and operational leadership.
• Strong understanding of municipal governance and the PEI Municipal Government Act.
• Experience working effectively with elected officials, stakeholders, and multiple levels of government.
• National Advanced Certificate in Local Authority Administration or related certification considered an asset.
• Membership or eligibility for membership in the Canadian Association of Municipal Administrators (CAMA) considered an asset.
• Legally entitled to work in Canada.
• The ideal candidate will also demonstrate:
• Proven ability to lead complex organizations, build high-performing teams, and foster a collaborative, accountable, and results-oriented culture.
• Strategic and forward-thinking leadership with the ability to guide organizational change and continuous improvement.
• Strong financial acumen, sound judgment, and the ability to balance operational priorities with long-term strategic objectives.
• Political acuity, integrity, and the ability to navigate complex stakeholder and governance environments.
• Proven ability to partner with the other organizations.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills with the ability to engage effectively with Council, staff, residents, and external partners.

HOW TO APPLY

The Town of Stratford has partnered with Carvo Group to assist with the screening and selection process for this position. Qualified candidates are invited to submit a confidential cover letter, detailed résumé, and references outlining their experience and leadership philosophy.  Applications must be received no later than 12:00 p.m. (noon) on July 27, 2026.  Late submissions will not be considered. All applications will be treated in strict confidence. Only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

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