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Village of Sayward

Chief Administrative Officer & Corporate Officer

Village of Sayward

The Municipality   

The Village of Sayward is a picturesque coastal community situated on the northeast coast of Vancouver Island in British Columbia, Canada. As of the 2021 Census, Sayward has a population of 334 residents, reflecting a 7.4% increase since 2016. The village is located approximately 336 kilometers north of Victoria and 75 kilometers from Campbell River accessible via Highway 19 and Sayward Road.

The Village is at the base of the Newcastle Ridge and mouth of the Salmon River. Sayward’s history is deeply rooted in the region’s natural resources and as a traditional meeting place for many First Nations with territorial claims from K’omoks First Nations, We Wai Kai First Nations, and Wei Wai Kum First Nations. In the late 19th century, logging emerged as a key industry in the community. In fact, the Village’s footprint was essentially constructed by industry and although the logging industry’s presence has diminished significantly over time, it remains an important part of the Village’s economy. The village was officially named in 1911 after William Parsons Sayward, a prominent lumber merchant who, despite never visiting the area, was honored for his contributions to the lumber industry.

Historically Sayward has been reliant on the forestry sector which has subsided over the years. The municipality seeks to invest and attract outdoor recreation and tourism initiatives to help diversify economic growth. The village offers access to services and amenities including a healthcare clinic, kindergarten, elementary and primary schools, secondary medical and pharmaceutical services, two fire halls including emergency medical assistance, an RCMP detachment, assisted and supportive living care and housing, shopping, community organizations, and a range of local amenities such as Kelsey Recreation Centre featuring facilities such as a swimming pool, gymnasium, and multipurpose rooms. The community offers Outdoor enthusiasts can explore the scenic waterfront trail, observe marine traffic in Johnstone Strait, and engage in wildlife viewing opportunities, including sightings of orcas, sea lions, and various bird species.

The village is legislated under the British Columbia Local Government Act and is governed by a Council comprised of four (4) elected Councilors and one (1) elected Mayor.

Relevant Documents:

Mission Statement:

“We shall promote improvement and development of a strong and vibrant community for our residents”

Core Values:

  • We are accountable to our constituents and to the Village of Sayward
  • We work as a committed team in the spirit of collaboration and community
  • We are caring and respectful in all our interactions and relationships
  • We are open and honest. We adhere to the highest standards of ethical conduct
  • We deliver effective public service through professionalism and creativity

Vision Goals:

  • Promote economic development
  • Provide the best healthcare and social services for our community
  • Promote Sayward as a tourist destination
  • Affordable quality services are delivered in a fiscally responsible way
  • The Village is a leader in local governance, with diverse jurisdictions, including First
  • Nations, working together cohesively and collaboratively
  • Work in cooperation with the Area A director, SRD and other government agencies

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 Ideal Candidate

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, insurance claims, and risk management files in coordination with legal counsel or insurers.
  • Maintain key corporate files, contracts, and agreements.

Financial Oversight and Budgeting

  • In collaboration with the Chief Financial Officer, direct the preparation and administration of the annual municipal budget and five-year financial plan.
  • Ensure sound financial practices, internal controls, and compliance with statutory financial requirements under the Community Charter and Local Government Act.
  • Monitor operational performance, cost efficiencies, and resource allocation to support fiscal sustainability.

Community Engagement and Intergovernmental Relations

  • Act as a liaison between the Village and other local governments, provincial/federal agencies, Indigenous communities, and external stakeholders.
  • Represent the Village at regional, provincial, and public meetings as directed by Council.
  • Foster effective communication and engagement with residents and businesses to promote transparency and public trust.

Other

  • Serve as the Chief Election Officer or Deputy, responsible for administering general local elections, byelections, and assent voting (referenda).
  • Oversee the conduct of public hearings, notifications, petitions, and other public input processes in accordance with legislative requirements.
  • Serve within the Villages Emergency Operations Centre in preparation for, during, or in response to an emergent situation affecting the Village.
  • Carry out such other duties and exercise additional responsibilities as may be reasonably expected for the role of CAO and CO as assigned by Council from time to time.

Qualifications and Educational Requirements

  • A degree in public administration, business administration, planning, or related discipline; a relevant master’s degree is an asset.
  • Completion of or working towards a Local Government Management Certificate or certification from the Board of Examiners under the Local Government Act (LGA) is an asset.
  • Minimum 5-7 years of progressive senior management experience in a local government setting or equivalent.
  • Sound knowledge of British Columbia local government legislation, structures, and functions.
  • Demonstrated experience in strategic planning, budgeting, human resources, and policy development.
  • Strong leadership, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills.
  • Proven ability to work effectively with elected officials, staff, and the public.
  • Sound analytical thinking, exercise of professional judgement, planning, prioritization, and execution skills.
  • Leadership and relationship building skills with the ability to lead a team in a dynamic environment.
  • Ability to plan, organize, develop, implement, and interpret goals, objectives, and policies.
  • Ability to resolve conflicts while minimizing major disruptions to workflows or interpersonal relations.
  • Ability to communicate effectively, verbally and in writing to Council, other departments and members of the public.
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office, and functional use of agenda management software (e.g., iCompass, eSCRIBE) and records management systems is desirable.
  • High level of integrity, professionalism, and political acuity.
  • Ethical decision-making and accountability
  • Valid Class 5 BC Driver’s License.

Compliance

Final candidates will be required to complete a Criminal Records Check and submit a Driver’s Abstract.

Equal Opportunity

The Village of Sayward is an equal opportunity employer committed to equity, diversity and inclusion and welcomes applications from all qualified individuals.

Compensation and Benefits

The compensation for the Chief Administrative Officer will be commensurate with experience and skills and within the range between $95,000.00 to $125,000.00. Employees are eligible for benefits, including extended health care, dental coverage, and pension. Further details will be discussed with qualified candidates.

Confidentiality

In compliance and consistency with the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (“PIPEDA”) and Personal Information Protection Act (PIPA), HumanEdge shall respect the privacy and confidentiality of all personal information provided directly or indirectly verbally, electronically or in print throughout the process of candidate engagement in our search assignments.

To Apply:

Please submit a cover letter and resume in confidence to:

Misty Wilson, CPHR, SHRM-SCP
Senior Recruitment Consultant
Email: misty@humanedgeglobal.com
Website: www.humanedgeglobal.com