Director, Municipal Governance/Clerk

Job Status: Permanent Full-Time
Union: Non-Union
Number of Positions: 1
Hours of Work: 35
Location: Civic Centre

The Municipality of Chatham-Kent has an opening for a permanent full-time Director, Municipal Governance / Clerk in the Municipal Governance division.

The successful candidate will initially start as the Elections Coordinator for 2026 municipal election, working closely with the incumbent Director, Municipal Governance / Clerk to ensure a smooth and transparent process.  Following the completion of the election, the successful candidate will assume the full responsibilities of the Director, Municipal Governance / Clerk position. This transition will allow you to gain invaluable mentorship and institutional knowledge while preparing to lead the division into the future.

The Community of Chatham-Kent

Join the Municipality of Chatham-Kent—world renowned for friendly people, spectacular outdoor water recreation and also known as the “Classic Car Capital of Canada”.  A single tier municipality, Chatham-Kent is located between Lake Erie and Lake St. Clair, and covers a large geographical area of 2,500 sq. km and boasts a storied past as a car manufacturing powerhouse. Each community in Chatham-Kent has its own unique character and history, and all enjoy the safe and affordable lifestyle that makes the region popular. Chatham-Kent has become a sought-after place for relocation and as such, our population has steadily been increasing and diversifying. Lead by a team of experienced, professional, and passionate leaders, CK is becoming one of the most desired teams to join.

Job description

The Director, Municipal Governance/Clerk is responsible for discharging all statutory obligations of a Municipal Clerk under the Ontario Municipal Act, and related Statues, and Regulations. The Director is responsible for managing those divisions within the portfolio including Council Administration, Records Management, Licensing Services, Provincial Offences Court (POC) administration, and Municipal Elections. The Director acts as a Policy Advisor to Council, including interpretation of relevant bylaws and legislation applicable to the portfolio.

This position participates on the Senior Management Team and reports to the Deputy CAO. Leading a talented team of staff, this position guides and inspires a dedicated workforce in their efficient delivery of these municipal services and helps shape a workplace culture founded on trust and transparency. The Director is a visible partner in the community and workplace and a champion of community engagement and accountability.

Essential responsibilities of the initial role as the Elections Coordinator

• Demonstrate Chatham-Kent’s core values and competencies;
• Develop a work plan and timelines to conduct the Chatham-Kent Municipal Election ensuring all legislated dates are met;
• Establish voting locations throughout Chatham-Kent to meet accessibility requirements and ensure all conditions of rental contracts required by the Municipality are met;
• Establish procedural guidelines for the identified method of voting and ensure compliance with the critical timelines and dates set out by the Municipal Elections Act;
• Monitor, coordinate and maintain all aspects related to the Voters' List such as revisions, deletions, additions, changes;
• Analyze for accuracy and approve for processing of Voter Notification Cards and Voters' List, update data in Municipal Voterview - Datafix program;
• Consult with Election Candidates when receiving nominations, and informing candidates of statutory requirements under the Municipal Elections Act;
• Recruit and train all election officials required to conduct the municipal election; 
• Coordinate the work plan with other municipal departments that are directly involved with the election process such as Information Technology Services and Customer Service;
• Act as the Director, Municipal Governance/Clerk, as required, for a transition of the role following completion of the Election.

Essential responsibilities of the Director, Municipal Governance / Clerk

• Demonstrate Chatham-Kent’s core values and competencies;
• Manage staff in the Municipal Clerk, Licensing, and Provincial Offences Divisions, or any other Divisions assigned to the Department;
• Organize and conduct the municipal election in accordance with the provisions of the Municipal Elections Act, and act as Returning Officer to coordinate and oversee all election activities;
• Attend Council and Committees meetings to ensure meetings are run effectively and in compliance with applicable laws, and to provide advice and direction to the Mayor, Councillors, Committee Chairs and Committee Clerks;
• Discharge all statutory obligations of the Clerk and divisions reporting to this position under the Ontario Municipal Act, the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, and all other applicable legislation, including interpreting and implementing the Ontario Municipal Act, Council Procedural Bylaw, or any other legislation and regulation applicable to governance issues;
• Develop and review Council Reports, Regulatory Notices, and By-laws, after conducting research and consultation with provincial government agencies, other municipalities, relevant departments and the municipal Legal Services Division;
• Demonstrate political acuity, conflict resolution, neutrality and trustworthiness as a key contact for members of Municipal Council, Executive Management, Senior Management, staff, media and public, including providing them with information and advice on policy, procedures, and the provision of public services;
• Ensure information is made available to the public, including records of Council and Committees, and the privacy of individuals is protected, under the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act;
• Ensure accurate minutes of the meetings of Council and Committees are prepared, bylaws are certified, and records of the business of Council and Committees are maintained;
• Maintain processes for accepting notices and documents that are given to, served on, filed with or otherwise provided to Council or municipality;
• Administer oaths and take affirmations, affidavits and declarations required to be taken by law;
• Officiate Civil Marriage Ceremonies;
• Oversee corporate operating budget over $2,500,000, and an Election budget of $500,000;
• Oversee the Records Management system in accordance with the Municipal Records Retention By-law, including preservation and destruction of records, recommended amendments to the By-law as needed, and the ongoing transition of the organization to electronic records managements systems;
• Oversee the Licensing Services Division, which is responsible for all areas of licensing of various forms, including vehicles for hire, marriage, animal control, and is responsible for the issuance and reporting of all lottery licensing in accordance with requirements of Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario;
• Oversee Provincial Offences Court (POC) administration ensuring that the Court is conducted in accordance with legislative and administrative requirements, including the Memorandum of Understanding between the Municipality and the Ministry of the Attorney General. 

Essential qualifications

• Possess a diploma or degree in public or business administration, with six to ten years of related governance and Municipal Clerk experience, or a combination of related experience and education;
• Experience in a Municipal Clerk's Department, Records Management, and Elections required;
• Knowledge and understanding of the Ontario Municipal Act, the Municipal Elections Act and related municipal and provincial legislation required;
• Effective communication skills for interactions with Council, the public, staff, and the public in relation to the municipal election, municipal governance issues, licencing, privacy, and Provincial Offences matters; 
• Strong computer skills including Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, email and internet (or similar software programs).

Other qualifications

• Additional education in municipal and/or parliamentary law, government, etc., an asset
• Experience in Licensing Services, an asset
• Experience in Provincial Offences Court administration, an asset

Certifications, memberships, licenses

• Accreditation and full membership with the AMCTO and/or pursuit of the CMO designation preferred

 Work environment/hours of work

• This position works indoors
• This position works weekday hours with occasional evenings

 Working Remotely

This position has been approved for remote working, at the discretion of the supervisor based on the Working Remotely Policy.

This position may be required to attend on-site meetings in order to complete essential responsibilities of the role, especially during the Municipal Election.  As per the Working Remotely Policy, employees scheduled to work remotely on a certain day may occasionally be called to a municipal onsite work location on short notice.  Employees must remain flexible to accommodate municipal requirements and be prepared to be called in on short notice.

Driver’s licence/vehicle requirements

Because this position would be required to travel, a valid Province of Ontario driver's license with a reliable motor vehicle is necessary.

Background check requirements

Successful candidates will be required to complete a background check prior to commencement of employment.  A background check may include the following: education/certification verification and employment reference check.

Essential physical and/or safety requirements

• Sitting: constant sitting in chair
• Hands: constant fine finger dexterity (movement) and mousing

Benefits

This permanent full-time position has an annual salary of $160,679 to $189,235 and will receive benefits including: participation in the OMERS pension plan (mandatory) as well as sick and vacation entitlements. Following successful completion of a 3-month waiting period, candidates will also be entitled to a comprehensive group benefits package.

Applying for this opportunity

Resumes and cover letters must be received by 11:59pm (EST) on Thursday, February 26, 2026.

The Municipality of Chatham-Kent is an equal opportunity employer, committed to fair and accessible employment practices that attract and retain talented employees in a workplace that is inclusive, supportive, and reflective of the diverse community we serve.

Should you require accommodations during the recruitment process, please contact Human Resources & Organizational Development (HROD) at 519-360-1998. Applicant information is collected under the authority of the Municipal Freedom of Information and Privacy legislation and will be used strictly for the purpose of candidate selection.