Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Recruitment

The City of Woodstock is seeking an accomplished municipal executive to serve as its next Chief 
Administrative Officer. Reporting directly to City Council, the CAO will lead the corporation’s 
administration, provide trusted strategic advice and translate Council’s vision into effective, 
accountable public service. This is an opportunity for a proven CAO or Deputy CAO to make a lasting 
contribution to a city with momentum, ambition and a strong sense of community.

Discover Woodstock

Known as the Friendly City, Woodstock offers the connection and character of a welcoming 
community alongside the amenities of a growing regional centre. Situated in Oxford County at the 
intersection of Highways 401 and 403, Woodstock offers convenient access to major southwestern 
Ontario markets. Its parks, trails, recreation and cultural experiences, historic downtown and 
strong community spirit make it an appealing place to build both a career and a life.
Woodstock is also a place of significant opportunity. Continued business investment and 
development activity are occurring alongside important conversations about housing, 
infrastructure, downtown vitality and the services that sustain quality of life. The City reported 
$285.1 million in building permits in 2025, one indication of the scale of activity shaping its future.

The opportunity to lead

The next CAO will work closely with the newly elected Council and the senior leadership team to 
guide the organization through a period of growth and evolving community expectations. A central 
priority will be to collaborate with Council in establishing a renewed strategic vision and developing 
a new Council Strategic Plan that reflects Woodstock’s evolving needs and aspirations. The CAO 
will facilitate this process, provide objective professional advice, and lead the translation of 
Council’s approved priorities into clear organizational actions, measurable outcomes and 
accountable service delivery. The leadership agenda will also include:

• Guiding the development and implementation of a new Council Strategic Plan, with clear 
  priorities, timelines and performance measures.
• Advancing thoughtful growth, housing opportunities and infrastructure planning while 
  sustaining reliable municipal services.
• Supporting economic development, investment attraction and a vibrant downtown.
• Working with community and intergovernmental partners on complex issues involving 
  community safety, housing and social well-being.
• Strengthening long-term financial planning, organizational effectiveness and a highperforming, service-oriented culture.
• Providing clear, impartial advice and building productive relationships with Council, staff, 
  Oxford County, community partners and residents.

Your leadership profile

You are a credible, collaborative and politically astute municipal executive with a demonstrated 
record of enterprise-wide leadership. You understand the distinct roles of Council and 
administration, exercise sound judgment in complex and public-facing matters, and have the 
confidence to offer candid advice while faithfully implementing Council decisions. You bring strong 
financial and operational acumen, a commitment to public accountability and an ability to inspire 
senior teams and build trust across diverse stakeholders.
The ideal candidate will bring a strong combination of advanced education, professional credentials 
and progressive senior executive leadership experience, preferably within a municipal or broader 
public-sector environment. A university degree in public administration, business administration, 
engineering, finance, economics or a related discipline is expected, with a master’s degree, such 
as a Master of Public Administration (MPA), Master of Business Administration (MBA) or another 
relevant graduate qualification, considered a significant asset.
Beyond formal qualifications, the successful candidate will demonstrate a comprehensive 
understanding of municipal governance, financial management, infrastructure planning, 
organizational leadership and public-sector accountability. Experience working directly with 
elected officials, leading complex organizations, managing significant operating and capital 
budgets, and navigating competing community priorities will be particularly important.
Above all, the City is seeking a strategic, collaborative and politically astute leader who combines 
strong business acumen with exceptional interpersonal skills, sound judgment and the ability to 
build trust and credibility with Council, employees, community partners and residents.

Compensation and application

The City offers a 2026 annual base salary range of $227,457 to $270,466, with placement reflecting 
the successful candidate’s experience, qualifications and leadership record, subject to applicable 
approvals. Details of the full executive employment package will be discussed during the 
recruitment process.
To express your interest, please submit a cover letter and résumé outlining your executive 
leadership experience and interest in serving Woodstock by December 4, 2026, to 
CAOSearch@cityofwoodstock.ca.
The City of Woodstock is committed to an inclusive and accessible recruitment process. 
Accommodation is available upon request throughout the selection process