CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER (CAO)
Lead. Grow. Make an Impact.
The Rural Municipality of Elton is seeking an experienced, forward-thinking, and community-minded leader to serve as its next Chief Administrative Officer (CAO).
Located in southwestern Manitoba and immediately adjacent to the City of Brandon, the RM of Elton offers a unique municipal environment that combines the advantages of rural living with proximity to one of Manitoba’s largest urban centres.
This is an exciting opportunity for a municipal professional who wants more than a desk job. Elton is a growing and active municipality with ongoing residential development, significant infrastructure investments, regional partnerships, and a Council that is looking toward the future.
If you are a collaborative leader who enjoys building relationships, developing strong teams, solving problems, and turning Council’s vision into action, we want to hear from you.
THE OPPORTUNITY
Reporting directly to Council, the CAO is the Municipality’s senior administrative leader and is responsible for the overall management, leadership, and operation of the RM of Elton.
The successful candidate will work closely with Council, municipal staff, residents, developers, neighbouring municipalities, other levels of government, and community partners to advance the Municipality’s priorities.
This position offers the opportunity to lead an organization where your ideas, leadership, and decisions can have a visible and lasting impact on the community.
As CAO, you will:
- Provide professional advice and recommendations to Council and implement Council’s decisions and strategic priorities.
- Lead, support, and develop a dedicated municipal team.
- Oversee municipal finances, budgeting, policies, bylaws, human resources, and legislative compliance.
- Guide infrastructure, development, planning, and capital projects.
- Build productive relationships with residents,
businesses, developers, regional partners, and other levels of government.
- Identify opportunities for grants, partnerships, economic development, and organizational improvement.
- Promote a positive workplace culture built on communication, accountability, teamwork, and excellent public service.
- Help Council plan not only for today, but for the continued growth and long-term success of the Municipality.
WHO WE'RE LOOKING FOR We are looking for someone who brings strong leadership, sound judgment, professionalism, and a genuine interest in municipal government.
The ideal candidate will be an effective communicator who can comfortably move between Council meetings, financial discussions, development negotiations, staff leadership, resident concerns, and long-term strategic planning.
You should be someone who can see the big picture while still understanding that the details matter.
Ideally, you will bring:
- Senior leadership and management experience, preferably within municipal or local government.
- Knowledge of municipal administration, governance, finance, legislation, planning, and public-sector operations.
- Strong financial management and budgeting abilities.
- Excellent written, verbal, interpersonal, and organizational skills.
- Experience working with elected officials, boards, or other governance bodies.
- The ability to lead employees, manage competing priorities, and navigate complex or sensitive situations professionally.
- A collaborative, practical, solutions-focused approach to leadership.
- A Certificate in Manitoba Municipal Administration (CMMA), equivalent municipal designation, or a willingness to obtain appropriate certification.
A combination of relevant education, municipal experience, leadership experience, and professional development will be considered. WHY ELTON?
The RM of Elton is a municipality with momentum.
With its strategic location surrounding the Brandon area, continued residential and economic development, infrastructure investment, and strong regional relationships, Elton offers its next CAO the opportunity to become part of a municipality that is actively planning for its future.
You won't simply be maintaining the status quo.
You'll have the opportunity to lead, improve, build, and leave your mark.
The RM of Elton offers a competitive compensation and benefits package reflective of the successful candidate's qualifications and experience, along with opportunities for ongoing professional development.
READY FOR YOUR NEXT CHAPTER?
If you're an experienced municipal professional ready to take the next step — or an accomplished leader looking for an opportunity to make a meaningful difference in local government — we'd like to hear from you.
Please submit a cover letter and résumé, including references, in confidence to:
Rural Municipality of Elton
Re: Chief Administrative Officer Competition
[email protected]
Application Deadline: August 31, 2026 @ noon
We thank all applicants for their interest in the Rural Municipality of Elton. Only those candidates selected for further consideration will be contacted.
Come lead a municipality where your work is visible, your leadership matters, and there is room to build something great.
Perks
- Dental care
- Disability insurance
- Extended health care
- Life insurance
- Vision care
Work Location: In person
📌 Chief Administrative Officer (Forrest)
🏢 Rural Municipality of Elton
📍 Forrest