Boost your confidence and command the room with the Advanced Communication and Presentation Skills Workshop, a full-day, hands-on training delivered by the experts at Commanding Presence. Limited to just 20 participants, this workshop offers:
World-Class Coaching: Receive expert, personalized coaching and video feedback that builds on your unique speaking style and personality. Customized Assessments: Pre-workshop assessments ensure your coaching is tailored to your goals.
Transformational Video Feedback: Record and review your presentations, with valuable input from peers and the coach. You’ll leave with the skills to present confidently, think on your feet, and make memorable, persuasive connections. Join us for an empowering experience that’s both challenging and rewarding! |
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The next Aspiring CAO Connections Event will be held 11 April 2025 at the Residence Inn by Marriott Kingston Water’s Edge. This full day session is dedicated to those Aspiring CAOs thinking about the next steps on their journey to becoming a municipal CAO / City Manager. Join your peers for a jam-packed day filled with great advice, networking, and hands-on workshop segments. Participants should bring a laptop or tablet.
830-900 Registration
900-915 Welcome and Participant Introductions
915-1015 Pathways to Becoming a CAO: lessons learned from experienced CAOs.
1015-1045 Moving up the municipal ladder in an expediated fashion
1045-1100 Break
1100-1200 Things Councils look for in a new CAO and Recruiter Q&A
1200-1300 Networking Lunch
1300-1345 Positioning to Move Forward: Contracts, Mentoring, and Building your Brand
1345-1430 Participant work on Elevator Pitch (Headline and About)
1430-1445 Break
1445-1515 Elevator Pitch Delivery and Feedback
Registration is only $25 for members and $99 for non-members. |
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Mentorship Match-Up Now Available |
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Mentees can now book sessions with one or more of the fantastic mentors via the Mentorship Match-Up Program. This is a great opportunity for new CAOs, aspiring CAOs, or members in transition to get some free advice from seasoned and recently retired CAOs.
A mentorship session is typically 60 minutes in length. That hour is a unique and rare time in which the mentor’s undivided attention is focused on the mentee’s discussion topic(s). Sometimes, however, it can be hard to know how to start a conversation with someone you have never met. That's why we developed the Top 10 List of Questions for Mentees to Ask Mentors. We hope you can us with to kickstart a great discussion with the mentor of your choice.
When a mentoring session is booked by a mentee within our mentorship website, the system delivers a confirmation email to both the mentor and the mentee. Mentees are responsible for following up by directly contacting their selected mentors; ensuring the times and locations/methods for mentoring sessions are mutually established and that the meetings occur.
After booking sessions, each mentee can log in 24/7 on the mentorship website to view a personalized summary page called ‘My Sessions’. This page stores all the information from the mentee’s bookings: selected mentors, the meeting dates, and the mentors’ authorized contact information. All in one convenient place online, and available in seconds.
Note: some mentors are open to acting as Coaches taking on an active relationship with one or two mentees, whereas others are interested in being an Advisor that helps mentees solve a specific problem(s) or discuss a certain issue over 1 or 2 sessions. Registration Instructions
Click on ‘MENTEE REGISTRATION FORM’ at the top of the website. - The Login form will appear, enter your email address.
- Follow the prompts to register and set a password.
- A verification email will be sent to you (a security protocol). Please watch your spam folder, in case this email is directed there. It is very important to click the link in this verification email to finalize and establish your login for access to your registration form.
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Return to the mentorship site, click MENTEE REGISTRATION FORM again … log in with your email address
and password … then you will find your form ready for you to complete.
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The Town of Collingwood (12,000 households with 25,000 population) has been providing and operating an OPP Police Station for many years but it lacks an agreement with the OPP (or Infrastructure Ontario or CBRE) nor does it receive a rebate on OPP billings.
CAO Sonya Skinner is very interested in other municipalities’ arrangements for the provision of police stations. Any insights on your agreements, income, and/or other will be gratefully received and kept in confidence.
Email Sonya Skinner directly by clicking on the button below or contact by phone at 705 445 1030 ext. 3277. |
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Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) |
Municipality of Port Hope |
The Municipality of Port Hope is a remarkably picturesque community located on the shore of Lake Ontario and nestled in the Northumberland Hills. With a population of 16,500 and thriving business and tourism sectors, Port Hope is a unique, inclusive municipality dedicated to fostering an active, healthy, vibrant, and caring community, and offering a wonderful blend of rural and urban lifestyles. Port Hope’s most valuable resource is its highly skilled, qualified, and motivated employees who are committed to meeting the needs of residents and businesses by delivering efficient and effective services with an approach that is financially sustainable and environmentally responsible.
Reporting directly to Council, the CAO will provide effective advice and support to Council, implementing their direction efficiently, recognizing their priorities, strategic plan, and legislative requirements. The CAO will provide energetic, creative leadership to a senior team who lead the departments of Corporate Services; Finance; Parks, Recreation and Culture; Planning and Development; Protective Services; and Works and Engineering with over 120 full-time employees, a $24M operating budget, and an $18M capital budget.
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Chief Administrative Officer |
The City of Cornwall is a progressive community of 50,000, situated on the banks of the St. Lawrence River in Eastern Ontario. Rich in history and natural beauty, Cornwall offers world-class amenities as well as small town charm and hospitality. Cornwall is Ontario’s easternmost city, just over 400 kilometres east of Toronto, 100 kilometres southeast of Ottawa and 120 kilometres west of Montreal. Cornwall boasts a modern economy led by forward thinkers who have made the city an excellent place for a career and raising a family. For more information, visit www.cornwall.ca.
With a combined operating and capital budget of approximately $264M and over 1,000 permanent and part-time staff, the City of Cornwall is committed to meeting the needs of our residents and business community by delivering efficient and effective services.
Council recently adopted a new strategic plan for term of Council. The vision is to ensure that residents and partners feel safe, welcome, and enjoy a high quality of life where everyone is supported by financially responsible and sustainable municipal services and infrastructure. The mission is to foster a vibrant, inclusive and forward-thinking organization and community for current and future generations. The new strategic plan is based on four strategic pillars that include housing for all, community connections, net-zero by 2050 and future ready, supported by our values of accessibility, bilingualism, collaboration, inclusiveness, innovation, integrity, leadership, transparency and respect.
The ideal candidate will be an experienced, trusted and collaborative leader with a proven track record of results and accomplishments in municipal government. You have exceptional communication skills and the political acumen to interact with diverse interest holders to foster the development of partnerships, engage and inspire our employees while ensuring customer service excellence.
Reporting to the Mayor and Council, the Chief Administrative Officer is responsible for the strategic leadership and efficient delivery of all the municipality’s administrative and operational services. As the key advisor to Council, you will work closely with elected officials to develop and implement operational plans and ensure the coordination of services which align to and support our strategic priorities. You will recommend policies, plans, and programs that benefit our residents by being efficient, accountable and fiscally sound. You will work to enhance growth and development in the community as well as ensure the effective utilization of resources through the priorities and guiding principles in our strategic plan. Leading a talented staff team, and working in a complex unionized environment, this position guides and inspires a dedicated workforce and helps foster a workplace culture focused on service excellence, innovative thinking, and teamwork while positioning the City of Cornwall as an employer of choice.
The City offers a competitive total rewards package including generous benefits, a generous vacation schedule, and a work-life balance program with a salary range of $217,000.00 - $244,924.00.
Closes: 25 November 2024 |
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Chief Administrative Officer |
The Township of Manitouwadge is located in Northern Ontario in the heart of the Boreal forest with the Canadian Shield as our backdrop. Manitouwadge is 54 km north of the Trans-Canada Highway, and roughly 400 km east of Thunder Bay and 425 km west of Sault Ste. Marie.
The community is an ideal location for year-round outdoor adventure and is encompassed by the magnificent Boreal forest, surrounding lakes, and offers a wide range of summer and winter outdoor adventure opportunities. Hike the well-maintained Perry Lake Trail, paddle through one of the many canoe routes, visit the waterfront at Lion’s Beach or Prospector’s Park or take a swim in one of the many lakes and rivers surrounding the community. The 9-hole Municipal Golf Course offers a picturesque setting on a fun and varied course. From excellent summer and winter fishing, skiing on their 10-run ski hill, snowmobiling or ATVing, canoeing or kayaking there’s something for everyone in Manitouwadge.
Manitouwadge, a full-service community of 2,000 residents, has a long history in both the forestry and mining sectors with the availability of both well-paying jobs and affordable housing, offering some of the lowest housing and commercial property prices in Ontario. With a combined operational and capital budget of over $20M and over 30 full and part-time employees, the Township of Manitouwadge is committed to meeting the needs of residents and a thriving business community by delivering efficient and effective services.
As the ideal candidate you are an inspiring, principled, and collaborative leader with a proven track record of results and accomplishments with related experience from either a public sector or private sector organization in a unionized environment. You have exceptional communication skills and the political acumen to interact with an engaged council, diverse stakeholders, foster the development of partnerships, develop our workforce and inspire our employees, while ensuring customer service excellence. Lastly, you will have an exceptional understanding of forward-thinking strategies as it relates to ensuring effective municipal operations in a fiscally accountable fashion, guiding our organization into the future, while retaining our northern community roots and charm.
Reporting to the Mayor and Council, the Chief Administrative Officer is responsible for the strategic leadership and efficient delivery of all the municipality’s administrative and operational services. As the key advisor to Council, you have the vision to develop and implement operational plans and ensure the coordination of services align to and support our strategic priorities. You will recommend policies, plans, and programs that benefit our residents by being innovative, accountable and fiscally sound. You will work to enhance growth and development in the community, as well as ensure the effective utilization of resources through the priorities and guiding principles as identified by Council. Leading a talented team, you will inspire a dedicated workforce and help foster a workplace culture focused on service excellence, innovation and teamwork while positioning the Township of Manitouwadge as a top employer in the community.
Closes: 2 December 2024 |
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Chief Administrative Officer |
With a population of approximately 34,000, Orillia is a sustainable, progressive and creative city that leverages its core strengths: a lively and historic downtown, exciting growth, and vibrant waterfronts along two lakes. Orillia is located one hour north of the GTA and offers affordable living alongside major employers like Hydro One, Lakehead University, Georgian College, Orillia Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital, and the Ontario Provincial Police General Headquarters. Orillia offers an excellent quality of life with four-season recreation and cultural opportunities for every age, including an impressive parks and trail system, festivals, galleries, music and live theatre.
The CAO will provide Council with the necessary data and effective processes to set long-range policy direction for the City. Ensure Council is kept apprised of City finances and administrative activities and develop recommendations regarding such activities for Council’s consideration. Ensure Council decisions are implemented. Responsible to Council for management of the administration. Delegated staffing authority for all positions below General Manager level. Oversee the management of all City Departments: Corporate Services, Development Services and Engineering, Environment and Infrastructure Services, as well as the Fire Department and Corporate Communications. Facilitate strategic planning activities that include the development of multi-year goals, objectives, administrative policies and procedures. Facilitate status update meetings with Council as appropriate. Oversee, in conjunction with the General Manager of Corporate Services/City Solicitor, the preparation and administration of the annual City budget, including long-term planning, funding options, and capital improvement projects. Responsible for administration of such budget after adoption by Council. Discuss operational and administrative issues with the Deputy CAO and Strategic Leadership Team and provide advice. Prepare reports, make recommendations/presentations and attend Council/Committee/Council Committee in Closed Session, Strategic Leadership Team, community group, public and/or other meetings, as required. Evaluate the structure of the administrative organization, its positions and relationships in an effort to conduct City business in the most efficient, effective and economic way. Recommend to City Council changes in service levels and establishment of programs to achieve specific goals. Receive and investigate complaints concerning the administration of services provided by the City. Represent the City with various governmental agencies, community groups, and business, professional, and other organizations directly or through staff. Member of various specialized committees relating to current ongoing community projects that require participation by City staff. Responsible for the corporate salary structure, staff compensation and benefits package in consultation with Human Resources. Negotiate and enforce the provisions of contracts, leases and agreements. Make final interpretations of City regulations and applicable laws to ensure compliance. Evaluate the work of Strategic Leadership Team members through the annual performance evaluation program. Responsible for overseeing the Corporate Communications Division and liaison for media inquiries regarding Council decisions, and policies/actions relating to the corporation as a whole. Oversee and ensure the timely delivery of major capital infrastructure projects in conjunction with the assigned project team. Resolve organizational conflicts and participate in the collective bargaining process as required.
Compensation is $221,063 to $258,613, plus a comprehensive benefits package.
Closes: 11 November 2024 at noon. |
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Chief Administrative Officer |
Township of Adjala-Tosorontio |
The Township of Adjala-Tosorontio is predominantly a rural area that proudly boasts strong agricultural roots, in a picturesque countryside, which offers premier quality of life and properties with safe communities throughout. Adjala-Tosorontio is in the south-west gateway to Simcoe County and cottage country, a short drive west of Hwy 400, and then south to the GTA.
The Township is looking for an experienced administrative leader to steer it through an exciting growth phase. This position requires the CAO to be highly visible and engaged, both within the community and with Township staff, providing active leadership to support and shape the Township’s future.
Appointed by, and reporting, to Council, the Chief Administrative Officer is responsible for delivering the vision and strategic leadership to the Township through planning, organizing and directing the administration and operation of municipal services in accordance with applicable legislation, by-laws, and policies established by Council. The CAO provides effective advice, guidance and support to Council in addressing current and emerging issues as well as trends to ensure that Council’s priorities and polices are attained.
The ideal candidate will possess a post-secondary education in Public Administration, Business Administration or other relevant discipline. The candidate will have at least 8 years of experience, including 3 to 5 within a senior leadership role in the municipal sector. The ideal candidate will have exceptional leadership and management skills, including ability to direct, motivate, evaluate, engage, develop, and recognize staff, experience in all components of human resource management. The ideal candidate excels in change management and is capable of identifying and implementing organizational changes.
Closes: 23 November 2024
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Chief Administrative Officer |
The Township of The Archipelago (Parry Sound) |
Due to the coming retirement of the incumbent CAO, Council is seeking an experienced local government professional who can provide frank and comprehensive advice to Council as a strategic thinker, who is collaborative in their approach to interpersonal and inter-governmental relations, who shares Council’s passion for environmental preservation, and who can lead a talented team while championing human resources, fiscal and technological best practices, always mindful that the municipality exists to provide services as legislated and as Council directs.
The Township of The Archipelago is a water-based, seasonally oriented municipality consisting of a portion of the 30,000 islands in Georgian Bay and a number of inland freshwater lakes. The Township acknowledges that the community resides on traditional Anishinabek territory. Our team is made up of committed and passionate employees who, in partnership with its community, ensure the continued guardianship of the lakes and watershed areas within the Georgian Bay Mnidoo Gamii Biosphere.
The Archipelago is a unique municipality in a number of ways, providing a challenging and rewarding career for each of its staff members. Our Administration Office, located in the hub of Parry Sound, overlooks the Seguin River and is only steps away from the Rotary and Algonquin Fitness trail where you can immerse yourself in the beauty of the Georgian Bay shoreline.
Salary Range: $166,019 - $194, 216 + a Relocation Package Available. In addition to the beauty of the area, we offer a robust employee benefits program, an Employee and Family Assistance Program and are members of the Ontario Municipal Employees Retirement System (OMERS).
Closing Date: Noon on 15 November 2024 |
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As the Senior Administrative position for the Corporation reporting directly to City Council has the overall responsibility, through subordinates, for the general control of the operation of the City subject to legal requirements and City policy. Is responsible to coordinate advice to and from City Council, and boards and committees as required, regarding City policy, programs, and procedures and to act as the chief policy advisor to City Council. Is a member of the Corporate Senior Management Team and is required to participate in corporate initiatives not directly related to scope of responsibility.
MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND ACCOUNTABILITIES: Administration (45%)
Strategically co-ordinates, leads and directs the civic administration of the municipality in accordance with the policies and plans approved and established by Council. Attends all Council meetings and any Committee meetings, as required. Acts at the chief administrative advisor to Council on civic matters. Ensures the policy making process is effectively served with timely, practical suggestions with workable alternatives where applicable, responding to staff assessments and initiatives, Council initiatives and Federal and Provincial legislation and programs. Directs the review and evaluation of the municipality’s resources, assets and programs providing analysis of alternatives for those resources, assets and programs that can improve their efficiency and cost effectiveness. In conjunction with department heads, makes recommendations to Council in respect of alternate policies, programs, and procedures. Co-ordinates and directs department heads in the preparation of plans and programs to be submitted to the Council relating to the civic administration. Meets with department heads regularly, for discussion of matters of policy approved by the Council and for co-ordination of all departmental activities.
Operations / Quality (45%)
Directs and manages the administrative functions, including the supervision of staff and preparation of departmental budgets. Attends all Council meetings with the right to speak, subject to the consent of the presiding officer, but not to vote there at. Responsible for establishing and maintaining a bond of trust between elected and appointed officials for the successful operation of political and administrative activities; discusses areas of concern with Mayor and Council and proposes solutions. Without limiting the foregoing, exercises any other power from time to time lawfully granted to him by the Council.
Human Resources (10%)
Reviews the municipality's organization and departmental structure regularly and recommends any changes to Council that would improve the effectiveness or the efficiency of the structure. Recommends to the Council the appointment, employment, suspension, or dismissal of senior administration (department heads).Ensures effective utilization of staff employed by the municipality and provides for policies and procedures to maintain equitable employment practices including collective bargaining and employee relations, compensation and benefit policies, and staff development opportunities. Authority, in cooperation with the appropriate department head to appoint, employ, promote, transfer, suspend or dismiss employees not covered by collective bargaining agreements.
Closes: 11 November 2024 |
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Commissioner, Corporate Services |
Bordered to the south by Lake Ontario, the Town of Oakville has a rich history, a thriving cultural community, abundant green space and an active and engaged population of more than 233,600 residents. Economically, it is a location of choice for national and international corporate headquarters that have taken advantage of the Town's talented workforce, advanced training opportunities and premium land.
Reporting directly to the Chief Administrative Officer, the Commissioner, Corporate Services plays a key role in achieving Council’s strategic plan in collaboration with the Executive Leadership Team by embracing the spirit of excellence and innovative thinking while providing proactive leadership to help Oakville achieve its vision to be a vibrant and liveable community for all. As the Commissioner you will provide oversight and guidance to a diverse team of directors who deliver and manage financial, human resources, information technology solutions, legal, communications & service excellence, and clerk & council services. With this broad portfolio of services you will lead, develop, and facilitate initiatives to support and address the needs of both internal clients and the community by delivering high quality services and programs delivered through interdisciplinary collaboration that supports responsive customer service. Applying evidence-based decision-making to make optimum use of resources, you will strategically lead the organization to meet current and future needs with an emphasis on continuous improvement and long-term financial sustainability. Strategically, you will have the opportunity to help shape the future of one of Canada’s most affluent communities as it plans for growth while seeking to maintain its unique town character.
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Chief Administrative Officer |
The Township of Lake of Bays is in the northeast corner of Ontario's "Cottage Country", adjacent to world renowned Algonquin Park. Lake of Bays, being a part of Muskoka has traditionally been one of Ontario's premier destinations for family vacations and summer cottages. The Township encompasses four unique and inviting communities of Baysville, Dorset, Dwight, and Hillside with a permanent population of 3,759 residents increasing to an estimated 11,720 with the seasonal population.
The Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) serves as the organization’s representative to the community, community organizations, media, other levels of government, and professional associations. The CAO advises Council and recommends actions to address current and emerging issues as well as trends to ensure that Council policies and programs result in the attainment of Council’s vision and objectives. Reporting directly to Mayor and Council the CAO oversees the administration and operations of the Township and its budget by providing strategic leadership and direction to the Senior Management Team in developing and delivering programs and services.
Closes: 22 November 2024
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In times of chaos, it’s easy to feel unmoored, like a leaf carried downstream in a churning river. CAOs know that it makes no difference if it’s a tyrant or a philosopher who takes the helm, whether you’re handed power or stripped of it—what’s asked of you remains. You are still bound to hold true to virtue.
Marcus Aurelius wrote in his Meditations, “Whatever anyone does or says, for my part I’m bound to the good.” It’s much like an emerald or gold might say, “Come what may, I must be what I am, and I must shine true.” No matter what shifts in the world or in politics, our task remains. Our duty remains. How can any outcome, Marcus asks, prevent us from acting with courage, with justice, with wisdom? It’s possible that this very moment have carved a space, an urgent space, for us to act with those very virtues.
Epictetus once said, “First say to yourself what you would be; and then do what you have to do.” In an era of upheaval, when much is out of our control, we find strength in focusing on our own path. We may not be able to change the wind, but we can choose how we stand against it. Performing our duty reminds us of who we are and what we value.
In an age of chaos, doing what must be done is a quiet, steadfast act of courage. Today or tomorrow, our charge is the same—to hold to good, to seek wisdom, to stand against wrongs, to uphold what’s right. By grounding ourselves in our duty, we serve as a stable force in a chaotic world, and perhaps, in doing so, we inspire others to do the same. |
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Canada faces a severe housing crisis. The federal government has unveiled two major housing initiatives in recent years, but neither has adequately targeted the “deeply affordable housing” that is required to end homelessness and inadequate housing among very-low- and low-income households.
In a paper titled Homeward Bound: How to Create Deeply Affordable Housing, Carolyn Whitzman argues that the best way to achieve this is a co-ordinated approach that combines mechanisms available to all levels of government. In addition, Whitzman calls on governments to adopt clear and consistent income-based definitions of “affordable” and “deeply affordable” housing across programs. This would allow governments to set clear priorities and would permit a stacking of government grants while enabling the monitoring of results against set targets.
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Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Local Government Survey
ICMA surveyed local government practitioners in April and May 2024 to gauge their perspectives on AI and its use in local government service delivery and operations. The survey received 637 responses, the vast majority (83%) of which were provided by the CAO/ACAO of their respective local governments. 40% of respondents represented communities with populations between 5,000 and 24,999 residents, with just under 10% of respondents representing communities with less than 2,500 residents.
Key Findings
- 48% say that AI utilization is a low priority for their local government, less than 6% placed a high priority on utilizing AI.
- 10% indicated that they have delegated personnel to oversee their organization’s AI efforts
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The top area identified for AI potential is resident engagement (55%), including streamlined service interfaces and AI chatbots for FAQs. Local policy applications, such as budget modeling and policy analysis, are seen as having significant potential by 38% of respondents.
- 77% cited a lack of AI awareness and understanding as the most significant barrier to adoption.
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The top concern is the use of AI-generated disinformation/misinformation to illegitimately impact public policy, cited by 69% of respondents.
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