Chief Administrative Officer and Corporate Officer

**Village of Sayward**
***Chief Administrative Officer and Corporate Officer***:
**The Opportunity**
Appointed by Council and reporting to Council under the authority of the _Community Charter_, the Chief Administrative Officer and Corporate Officer (“CAO”), is the most senior executive, principal advisor to Council and responsible for enacting Council’s vision and direction.

In addition, the CAO is accountable for the overall leadership, planning, reporting, budgeting, management, and administration of municipal operations as guided by the objectives, plans and policies approved by Council and in accordance with the Local Government Act (“LGA”).

It is preferred that the Chief Administrative Officer will reside within the municipality or immediate area and therefore be willing to relocate if required.

**Direct Reports**:

- Chief Financial Officer
- Manager Recreation, Events & Culture
- Emergency Programs Coordinator
- Economic Development Coordinator
- Manager Public Works
- Human Resource Services
- (Contractors and Consultants)

The CAO leads the management team, provides sound financial and organizational oversight, and acts as the primary liaison between Council, staff, other levels of government, and the public. The role requires a strong commitment to good governance, community service, transparency, and strategic leadership.

In addition to the duties of the Chief Administrative Officer, the incumbent will also serve as the Corporate Officer. The Corporate Officer is a statutory officer appointed by Council under Section 148 of the Community Charter. This position is responsible for managing the legislative and administrative functions of the municipality and ensuring compliance with all applicable legislation related to municipal governance, records, and public process. The Corporate Officer also provides leadership in managing agendas and minutes, overseeing records management, administering municipal bylaws and policies, and coordinating Council’s legislative process.

**Key areas of focus for the CAO will include**:

- Develop a long-term strategic plan
- Asset management revitalization
- Modernize municipal operations
- Continue supporting the restoration of good governance.
- Development of staff

**Primary Roles and Responsibilities**
**Governance and Council Support**
- Serve as the principal policy advisor to Council, providing professional guidance and recommendations on local government matters.
- Attend all Council and Committee meetings unless excused, ensuring accurate communication between Council and staff.
- Prepare Council and Committee meeting agendas, record meeting minutes, and ensure decisions are documented accurately and implemented.
- Maintain and safeguard the official records of the municipality, including minutes, bylaws, agreements, and policies.
- Administer oaths and affidavits and certify copies of municipal documents when required.
- Maintain custody of the corporate seal and ensure proper execution of bylaws and documents.
- Provide procedural guidance and interpretation of applicable legislation, Council procedure bylaws, and parliamentary rules (e.g., Robert’s Rules of Order).
- Support the orientation and training of newly elected officials and ensure ongoing compliance with legislative requirements (e.g., declarations of disqualification, conflict of interest, financial disclosure).

**Strategic Leadership, Human Resources and Administration**
- Lead the development and implementation of corporate plans, strategic priorities, and long-term objectives in alignment with Council’s vision.
- Oversee the performance of all departments and senior staff, fostering a culture of accountability, innovation, and continuous improvement.
- Develop and maintain organizational structures, personnel policies, and administrative procedures to support effective service delivery.
- Oversee the recruitment, supervision, performance management including discipline, and professional development of all municipal staff.
- Act as the chief spokesperson for the administration, where applicable.
- Promote a respectful, safe, and inclusive workplace.

**Risk Management**
- Ensure all municipal activities comply with applicable legislation, including the Community Charter, Local Government Act, Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, and WorkSafeBC regulations.
- Subject to policy, act as the Village’s Head of the Public Body under the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, ensuring privacy compliance and timely response to information requests.
- Develop and implement records retention and disposition schedules and related procedures.
- Manage organizational risk, emergency preparedness, insurance, and legal matters, advising Council on potential liabilities or legislative changes.
- Identify and evaluate risks to the Village both internal and external and proactively present opportunities to remedy identified risks accordingly.
- Manage all legal documents