Chief Administrative Officer

Cowichan Valley Regional District

Are you interested in one of the best CAO positions in Canada? The Cowichan Valley Regional District is seeking a new Chief Administrative Officer to lead a great organization into the future. A strong and thoughtful Board, fantastic staff, and one of the most beautiful locations in the world makes this role appealing for anyone.
 
Majestic mountains, the rugged West Coast Trail, serene lakes and one of the world’s tallest freestanding timber rail trestles all lie within the picturesque Cowichan Valley Regional District. Located on southern Vancouver Island, the CVRD provides a wide range of local government services to a population of just over 80,000 who reside within 9 electoral areas and the municipalities of Duncan, Ladysmith, Lake Cowichan and North Cowichan.
 
The Cowichan Valley Regional District sits on the traditional, unceded territories of several distinct First Nations. In the spirit of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s 94 Calls to Action, the United Nations Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) and the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act in BC (DRIPA), the CAO will guide focused consultations with the ten First Nations communities with reserve land that are within the CVRD’s electoral areas. These include: Cowichan Tribes, Ditidaht First Nation, Halalt First Nation, Lyackson First Nation, Malahat Nation, Penelakut Tribe, Stz’uminus First Nation,
Ts’uubaa-asatx First Nation, Pauquachin First Nation, and Pacheedaht First Nation.
 
Reporting to the Board of Directors, the CAO is the senior appointed official of the CVRD, providing organizational leadership to staff. The CAO is responsible for service delivery administration and coordination to residents and businesses, in a manner that will ensure the effective utilization of the human, financial, and physical resources of the Regional District.
 
The successful candidate will have the ability to lead dynamic cultural change in a large organization. The CAO will have top-level skills in interpersonal communication, problem solving, conflict resolution, organizational analysis, research, presentation, and client service. In addition, the CAO will possess the following:

Education/Training

Professional designation or degree in public administration, accounting, commerce, engineering, or law from a senior educational institution.

Experience

Ten (10) years of progressive, significant and relevant experience including; administration, legislation, finance, infrastructure, planning, First Nations relations, and economic development.

Knowledge

  • Thorough knowledge of regional district governance framework, Community Charter and Local Government Act and associated legislation.
  • Knowledge of supervisory and management techniques.
  • Knowledge of the Local Government Act, Community Charter and other related statutes pertaining to Regional Districts.
  • Knowledge of senior-level administrative practices and procedures.
  • Knowledge of regional district planning processes.
  • Knowledge of parliamentary practices and procedures.
  • Knowledge of progressive First Nations relationship building skills

Returns

The CAO role offers a very competitive salary range and a comprehensive benefits package. A Supplementary Information Package can be obtained by request from the Consultants as listed below.

Next Step

If you are ready to take on this challenging and rewarding leadership role, forward your resume and cover letter to Flo Pugh or Kevin Ramsay at:

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