Manager, Elections

The City of Markham is proud to be recognized for the 5th consecutive year as one of Canada’s Best Employers by Forbes and Statista Inc. In 2025, the City of Markham is ranked 2nd among municipalities in Canada and 12th overall for Government Services. The recipient of multiple environmental awards, we are recognized for our innovative sustainability and urban planning initiatives as well as our fiscal accountability. More than 366,000 residents call Markham home and benefit from our rich heritage, culturally diverse environment, vibrant local economy and focus on quality of life.

**Join us and make a lasting difference**

**JOB SUMMARY**

Reporting to the City Clerk, the Manager of Elections and Business Transformation provides strategic leadership in the planning, administration, and delivery of municipal and school board elections, by-elections, ballot questions, and recounts in accordance with the Municipal Elections Act, 1996 and its guiding principles. In addition to overseeing electoral processes, this role is responsible for advancing key Departmental priorities through the management of strategic projects that promote service excellence. These initiatives include business process modernization, policy development and analysis, and the implementation of innovative technology solutions that enhance operational efficiency and Legislative Services delivery.

**KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES**
- Provides high-level leadership in the coordination, development, and implementation of policies, programs, and strategic initiatives that support the effective operation of the Legislative Services Department.
- Ensures all divisional activities align with corporate priorities and strategic objectives, contributing to a high-performing and innovative service environment.
- Provides confidential advice, updates, and recommendations to the City Clerk on departmental priorities and strategic initiatives. Operates as a key member of the City Clerk’s Office Management Team, contributing to the overall governance and success of the division.
- Oversees all aspects of election operations, including policy development, procedural planning, performance management, and the recruitment and coordination of election staff and volunteers.
- Ensures compliance with statutory requirements while safeguarding the integrity and transparency of the electoral process.
- Serve as a key advisor to the City Clerk in evaluating and implementing innovative solutions to enhance operational efficiency, governance practices, and digital service delivery.
- Implements strategies to monitor and evaluate divisional performance through data collection, analysis, and reporting of key performance indicators.
- Identifies potential risks and impacts associated with proposed changes and advises the City Clerk accordingly.
- Recommends and establishes internal controls to mitigate risk and ensure legislative, regulatory, and operational compliance.
- Leads the development, review, and ongoing modernization of departmental and corporate policies led by the City Clerk’s Office.
- Ensures policies are aligned with legislative requirements, best practices, and organizational priorities, and are applied consistently across the corporation.
- Acts as the lead contact for external benchmarking and engages with professional networks to inform policy innovation.
- Directs the delivery of services and programs related to elections, legislative modernization, and departmental business transformation.
- Serve as the Department’s liaison for internal strategic planning metrics, ensuring departmental activities are measurable, results-driven, and reflective of corporate goals.
- Identifies and integrates emerging meeting management tools and technologies to modernize legislative operations and support the transition to digital-first service delivery models.
- Prepares comprehensive administrative reports for Council, Standing Committees, and Advisory Committees. Attends meetings as required, representing the Legislative Services Department and supporting informed decision-making by elected officials.
- Performs statutory and administrative duties as Deputy Division Registrar of Vital Statistics, Deputy Issuer of Marriage Licenses, Marriage Officiant, Commissioner of Oaths, and Assistant Returning Officer, supporting the City Clerk in fulfilling legislative obligations.

**REQUIRED SKILLS & COMPETENCIES**
- University Degree in Public Administration or related field is required.
- Minimum of 5 years of direct election experience, preferably at a municipal level.
- Minimum of 3 years of proven experience in a supervisory or team lead role.
- Thorough knowledge of the Municipal Elections Act, 1996 and related legislation is required.
- Familiarity with relevant privacy, accessibility, and municipal governance legislation is also essential.
- Thorough knowledge of change management frameworks and how to lead organizations through cultural and operational transform