Chief Administrative Officer — Municipality of the District of Barrington, Nova Scotia
Located at the southernmost tip of Nova Scotia, where the North Atlantic meets the Gulf of Maine, the Municipality of the District of Barrington is home to roughly 6,500 residents across some 50 communities, from Barrington Passage to Cape Sable Island. Known as the Lobster Capital of Canada and proud of its fishing heritage and close-knit communities, Barrington is investing in its future: a new Community Health Centre, housing, the new RecPlex, wastewater expansion, and long-term water security.
Guided by a new 2026–2029 Strategic Plan focused on growing and diversifying the local economy, preparing for climate change, improving health and well-being, and building vibrant neighbourhoods, the Municipality is well positioned for its next chapter, working alongside residents, community organizations, neighbouring municipalities and other levels of government.
On their behalf, we are seeking an experienced, grounded and collaborative leader to assume the pivotal role of Chief Administrative Officer.
Reporting to a Council of five members, you will be responsible for managing all day-to-day operations of the Municipality across six departments and providing quality services and programs to residents and businesses, in accordance with the Municipal Government Act of Nova Scotia.
In this role, you will provide sound strategic leadership to Council and staff, advancing the Municipality’s Strategic Plan and ensuring programs and services are delivered effectively and within the Municipality’s fiscal constraints. As a supportive leader and facilitator, you will provide staff with clear direction and help them achieve their performance objectives. You will also liaise with community partners, neighbouring municipalities, and other levels of government on projects that matter to residents, including the Community Health Centre, housing, wastewater expansion, and water security.
What will it take to be successful in this role?
As the ideal candidate, you have significant senior administrative or management experience, preferably within municipal government in Nova Scotia, and are familiar with the issues and challenges facing small rural municipalities.
Self-possessed, highly principled and fair, you are a collaborative relationship-builder who recognizes that many of Barrington's priorities can be advanced only through partnership and advocacy with the Province, neighbouring municipalities, regional agencies and community partners.
As a skilled leader and supportive people manager, you bring strong organizational and human resources skills. You are deeply service-oriented, and you understand that every resident who walks through the door of the municipal office deserves to be heard and helped.
You hold a bachelor's degree in business or public administration, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Experience in property development, land disposition and planning, economic development and business attraction, and capital infrastructure projects, along with familiarity with southwestern Nova Scotia and its municipal landscape, are valuable assets.
Above all, you are prepared to make your home in the area, take part in community life, and make a lasting commitment to Barrington.
Does this sound like you? If so, please forward your resume and a letter explaining how your background and experience meet the needs of the Municipality of the District of Barrington.
Applications can be emailed in confidence to apply@harboursideexecutivesearch.ca, quoting project number 1007 in the subject line.
A detailed job description can be found here.
The Municipality of Barrington is committed to a safe, diverse and inclusive workplace.