About the Town of Moosonee

The Town of Moosonee is one of only two municipalities in Ontario’s Far North and is uniquely accessible by train or plane, with no road access. Located on the Moose River, approximately 12 miles south of James Bay, Moosonee sits within the Hudson Bay Lowlands, the largest wetland region in the world.

Established in 1903 as a fur-trading post, Moosonee grew into a vital transportation hub with the arrival of the railway in 1932 and continues to serve as a gateway to the north. Today, the community remains a key connection point for Moose Factory and neighbouring First Nation communities along the western coast of James Bay, offering a truly distinctive northern living and ladership environment.

Demographics and Key Facts

• The population is approximately 3,000 with about 85% being Cree.
• The main language is English with Cree as a second language.
• There is a small French population.
• Moosonee is served by a busy regional airport, providing year-round access and serving as a critical transportation hub for the community and surrounding region.
• The municipality is responsible for significant water and wastewater assets that are essential to community health, environmental stewardship, and future growth.
• The Town of Moosonee is positioned for continued growth, supported by major public investments, expanding regional services, and increasing demand for essential infrastructure.
• The Province of Ontario is building a new, state-of-the-art hospital and health campus in Moosonee, led by the Weeneebayko Area Health Authority, including a regional hospital, a Long-Term Elder Care Lodge, and an ambulatory care centre on Moose Factory Island to deliver culturally appropriate, patient-centred care across the western James Bay and Hudson Bay regions.
• Moosonee plays a central role in supporting and connecting neighbouring First Nations communities, including Moose Cree First Nation (Moose Factory Island), Fort Albany, Kashechewan, and Attawapiskat First Nations.

About the role

The Town of Moosonee is looking for a strategic and community-focused Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) to serve as the municipality’s most senior administrative leader. Reporting to Council, the CAO provides trusted advice to the Mayor and Council, leads the Management Team, and ensures the effective delivery of municipal programs and services.

The CAO is responsible for implementing Council’s vision and priorities, providing leadership across all departments, and fostering a collaborative, accountable, and service-oriented organization. With a strong focus on governance, financial stewardship, and long-term planning, the CAO plays a key role in advancing sustainable community and economic development, strengthening partnerships, and positioning Moosonee for long-term success.

Key Responsibilities

Corporate Leadership & Administration

• Lead the Town’s administrative operations and Management Team to ensure effective, efficient service delivery.
• Oversee the development and implementation of strategic and operational plans aligned with Council priorities.
• Establish systems to monitor performance, service quality, and financial and administrative controls.

Governance, Council & Policy Advisory

• Serve as the principal advisor to Council, supporting effective governance and the separation of governance and operations.
• Attend Council meetings and provide professional, non-voting advice and recommendations.
• Support the development, review, and implementation of municipal policies and by-laws.

People, Culture & Human Resources

• Lead all human resources functions, including staffing, labour relations, and organizational culture.
• Exercise delegated authority over hiring, performance management, discipline, and termination.
• Oversee HR policies, compensation frameworks, and collective bargaining as authorized by Council.

Financial Stewardship & Statutory Roles

• Provide strategic financial advice and lead the development of operating and capital budgets with the Treasurer and Management Team.
• Advise on long-term financial and organizational sustainability.
• Fulfill statutory and delegated roles, including Accountable Executive for the Moosonee Airport, member of the Community Emergency Management Team, and Acting Clerk during closed sessions.

Qualifications

• Post-secondary degree or diploma in business administration, public administration, or a related field.
• Completion of the Municipal Administration Program (MAP) through AMCTO is required.
• Additional professional designations are considered assets, including Certified Municipal Officer (CMO), Certified Municipal Manager (CMM), CEMC, and Occupational Health & Safety certifications.
• Certificate(s) related to municipal government administration, finance, and/or land use planning are strongly preferred.
• A minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible senior management experience within a municipal government environment.

Compensation

Salary Range: $ 135,000-$150,000

A $3,500 annual travel allowance is provided, in addition to subsidized housing at under $1,000 per month, inclusive of all utilities.

The total compensation package includes participation in the defined OMERS pension plan, comprehensive benefits, personal use of a work vehicle, subsidized housing, and a generous vacation allowance.

Application Deadline: Friday, April 24, 2026

To apply for this key role, fill out the application form below.

AI will not be used in the candidate screening process.

This is an existing position with a current vacancy.