About the role
Position Overview:
Lead a City with Deep Roots and Bold Ambitions
Nestled on the Bay of Fundy and beside the vast and picturesque Saint John River, the City of Saint John is a vibrant, historic, and forward-looking municipality. As Canada’s first incorporated city, Saint John blends rich heritage with modern momentum. With a population energized by diversity, a thriving port, and a growing economy, Saint John is growing and poised for continued growth and innovation.
The City is now seeking its next Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), a visionary and strategic leader who will work closely with the Mayor and Common Council to shape the future of this dynamic city.
Key Responsibilities
Reporting to the Mayor and Common Council, the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) is responsible for providing strategic leadership and oversight of all municipal operations, services, and projects. The CAO advises the Mayor and Council on policy development, strategic planning, and operational matters, while leading the City’s executive and senior leadership teams to foster a culture of service excellence, innovation, and accountability. With a deep commitment to public service and transparency, the CAO also ensures fiscal responsibility of the municipality and accountability to taxpayers through effective budget preparation, financial monitoring, and cost-effective operations.
The CAO champions community and economic development initiatives that support sustainable growth and represents the City in regional and provincial forums, building partnerships and advocating for Saint John’s interests. Additionally, the CAO promotes transparency, inclusivity, and responsiveness in municipal governance and service delivery, while developing and implementing strategic and operational plans aligned with Council’s priorities. The role also includes oversight of over 570 city staff, ensuring compliance with legislation and municipal by-laws, leading organizational change, and serving as the public face of the City’s administration to foster trust and engagement with residents and key municipal partners.
Essential Qualifications:
As an ideal candidate, you are a visionary and strategic leader with a proven track record of success in senior executive roles within complex, multi-partner environments. You bring expertise in public administration, municipal governance, or economic and community development, and have demonstrated success in overseeing high-performing teams, managing significant budgets, and delivering services within publicly accountable organizations. You approach challenges with clarity and confidence and bring sound judgment in evaluating policies and legislation that impact municipal operations. Known for your collaborative approach, you build consensus and foster effective working relationships across the organization, with union bargaining agents, and with external partners. You lead with integrity and agility, cultivating inclusive, respectful, and productive work environments. Above all, you are deeply committed to advancing Council’s vision of fostering growth, inclusion, and diversity, while strengthening the delivery of quality, accountable services for all citizens. Through your leadership, you will help shape the future of the City of Saint John with strategic innovation, operational excellence, and a steadfast dedication to public service.
How to Apply
If you are interested in pursuing this exciting opportunity, please apply online at https://www.kbrs.ca/Career/17617467889890000008qvm
For more information or to ask any questions, please contact Daniella Sam at dsam@kbrs.ca, Katherine Risley at krisley@kbrs.ca, or Erin MacDonald at emacdonald@kbrs.ca.
Diversity and Accessibility Statement
The City of Saint John is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to building a workforce that reflects the diversity of the communities in which we live and which we serve. We encourage and support applications from Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, and members of visible minority groups. Candidates who belong to such groups, and who are qualified, will be given preference at the time of selection.
KBRS will provide support in its recruitment processes to applicants with disabilities, including accommodation that considers an applicant’s accessibility needs. If you require accommodation to participate as a candidate in the recruitment process, please contact accommodate@kbrs.ca or communicate your needs to our team.
About City of Saint John
Nestled on the powerful Bay of Fundy, Saint John is a beautiful, historic, and vibrantly urban city—surrounded by breathtaking and rejuvenating nature experiences. You can have it all. Whether you live in or visit Canada’s first incorporated city, you’re sure to be caught up in its gorgeous historic architecture, eclectic shops and restaurants, and rich arts and culture experiences. You’ll also be swept away by its natural attractions. The tides of the Bay of Fundy, the nature trails of Rockwood Park, and the relaxing pockets of historic urban parks all invite you to breathe deeply and enjoy a pause from the city’s energy. Saint John is a true city. Truly inspired by the nature that defines it.
About the role
Position Overview:
Lead a City with Deep Roots and Bold Ambitions
Nestled on the Bay of Fundy and beside the vast and picturesque Saint John River, the City of Saint John is a vibrant, historic, and forward-looking municipality. As Canada’s first incorporated city, Saint John blends rich heritage with modern momentum. With a population energized by diversity, a thriving port, and a growing economy, Saint John is growing and poised for continued growth and innovation.
The City is now seeking its next Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), a visionary and strategic leader who will work closely with the Mayor and Common Council to shape the future of this dynamic city.
Key Responsibilities
Reporting to the Mayor and Common Council, the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) is responsible for providing strategic leadership and oversight of all municipal operations, services, and projects. The CAO advises the Mayor and Council on policy development, strategic planning, and operational matters, while leading the City’s executive and senior leadership teams to foster a culture of service excellence, innovation, and accountability. With a deep commitment to public service and transparency, the CAO also ensures fiscal responsibility of the municipality and accountability to taxpayers through effective budget preparation, financial monitoring, and cost-effective operations.
The CAO champions community and economic development initiatives that support sustainable growth and represents the City in regional and provincial forums, building partnerships and advocating for Saint John’s interests. Additionally, the CAO promotes transparency, inclusivity, and responsiveness in municipal governance and service delivery, while developing and implementing strategic and operational plans aligned with Council’s priorities. The role also includes oversight of over 570 city staff, ensuring compliance with legislation and municipal by-laws, leading organizational change, and serving as the public face of the City’s administration to foster trust and engagement with residents and key municipal partners.
Essential Qualifications:
As an ideal candidate, you are a visionary and strategic leader with a proven track record of success in senior executive roles within complex, multi-partner environments. You bring expertise in public administration, municipal governance, or economic and community development, and have demonstrated success in overseeing high-performing teams, managing significant budgets, and delivering services within publicly accountable organizations. You approach challenges with clarity and confidence and bring sound judgment in evaluating policies and legislation that impact municipal operations. Known for your collaborative approach, you build consensus and foster effective working relationships across the organization, with union bargaining agents, and with external partners. You lead with integrity and agility, cultivating inclusive, respectful, and productive work environments. Above all, you are deeply committed to advancing Council’s vision of fostering growth, inclusion, and diversity, while strengthening the delivery of quality, accountable services for all citizens. Through your leadership, you will help shape the future of the City of Saint John with strategic innovation, operational excellence, and a steadfast dedication to public service.
How to Apply
If you are interested in pursuing this exciting opportunity, please apply online at https://www.kbrs.ca/Career/17617467889890000008qvm
For more information or to ask any questions, please contact Daniella Sam at dsam@kbrs.ca, Katherine Risley at krisley@kbrs.ca, or Erin MacDonald at emacdonald@kbrs.ca.
Diversity and Accessibility Statement
The City of Saint John is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to building a workforce that reflects the diversity of the communities in which we live and which we serve. We encourage and support applications from Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, and members of visible minority groups. Candidates who belong to such groups, and who are qualified, will be given preference at the time of selection.
KBRS will provide support in its recruitment processes to applicants with disabilities, including accommodation that considers an applicant’s accessibility needs. If you require accommodation to participate as a candidate in the recruitment process, please contact accommodate@kbrs.ca or communicate your needs to our team.
About City of Saint John
Nestled on the powerful Bay of Fundy, Saint John is a beautiful, historic, and vibrantly urban city—surrounded by breathtaking and rejuvenating nature experiences. You can have it all. Whether you live in or visit Canada’s first incorporated city, you’re sure to be caught up in its gorgeous historic architecture, eclectic shops and restaurants, and rich arts and culture experiences. You’ll also be swept away by its natural attractions. The tides of the Bay of Fundy, the nature trails of Rockwood Park, and the relaxing pockets of historic urban parks all invite you to breathe deeply and enjoy a pause from the city’s energy. Saint John is a true city. Truly inspired by the nature that defines it.