Job Description:

The Rural Municipality of Cornwallis, located in southwestern Manitoba and surrounding the City of Brandon, is seeking their next Administrative Officer (CAO) to lead the organization into its next chapter. This is an exciting opportunity for a collaborative and forward-thinking leader to bring strategic direction, operational stability, and renewed energy to a municipality poised for growth and modernization. While prior CAO experience is an asset, the RM welcomes applications from emerging leaders—such as Finance Managers or Assistant CAOs—who bring strong municipal operations expertise, ambition, and the capacity to grow into the CAO role. With seasoned leaders in place to provide mentorship, this is an excellent opportunity for a high-potential candidate to take the next steps. As CAO, you will be a key partner to Council and the community in shaping the RM’s future.

In this role, you will serve as the administrative head of the municipality and principal advisor to Council. Reporting directly to Council, you will oversee a dedicated team across administration and public works, ensuring the effective delivery of services while advancing longer-term initiatives that support community priorities. This is a hands-on leadership role requiring a systems-oriented, approachable, and adaptable leader who brings professionalism, integrity, and a deep commitment to rural community life.

You are a strategic and transparent municipal leader who values good governance and brings a people-first approach to leadership. With strong communication skills and a practical mindset, you empower your team, support Council, and engage constructively with residents, partners, and regional stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide informed, professional advice to Council, supporting effective policy and decision-making.
• Lead all aspects of municipal administration, including financial planning, budgeting, service delivery, and capital project oversight.
• Oversee the preparation of agendas, reports, and minutes for Council and committees, ensuring compliance with legislative requirements.
• Maintain the RM’s financial health through effective budget management, cash flow oversight, and transparent reporting.
• Foster a collaborative and service-oriented workplace culture by supporting and supervising staff across departments.
• Manage all human resource functions, including hiring, development, performance management, and team engagement.
• Strengthen intergovernmental relations with neighboring municipalities, the City of Brandon, and provincial and planning bodies.
• Promote open communication and active engagement with residents, stakeholders, and the broader community.

You and Your Experience:

• Solid knowledge of municipal operations and The Municipal Act, with proven administrative and legislative expertise.
• Direct previous CAO experience is an asset; however, candidates with municipal operations background at the Finance Manager or Assistant CAO level who demonstrate the ambition and potential to grow into the CAO role will also be considered.
• Post-secondary education in public administration, business, accounting, or a related discipline; a CMMA designation or equivalent experience is considered an asset.
• Demonstrated success managing budgets, financial reporting, and long-term planning in a municipal context.
• Effective people leadership skills, with experience managing teams in a small or rural municipal
• Skilled communicator with political acuity and the ability to build strong relationships across diverse
• Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving abilities.

Click here: https://gov.cornwallis.mb.ca/

How to Apply:

Please apply online at https://jobs.peoplefirsthr.com/#/jobs

For further information about this career opportunity, please feel free to contact Janelle Robin at (204) 396-4752.

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected will be contacted for an interview.