Application Period Now Open to Candidates Interested in Becoming Winnipeg’s Next Chief Administrative Officer

Released: July 2, 2019 at 8:48 a.m.

Winnipeg, MB – Candidates interested in becoming the City of Winnipeg’s next Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) are encouraged to apply, Mayor Brian Bowman announced today.

“The application period is now open to receive applications to become the City of Winnipeg’s next Chief Administrative Officer,” said Mayor Brian Bowman. “I encourage eligible candidates from across Canada who are collaborative, innovative, and strategic thinkers to consider this important leadership opportunity.”

Harris Leadership Strategies is leading the recruitment effort. Input has been received; the position profile has been finalized, is posted publicly, and is being shared with prospective candidates.

The recruitment effort being led by Harris Leadership Strategies is national in scope. The position profile will be posted locally and nationally on over twelve online recruitment and job websites including www.harrisleadership.com. The target date for receipt of applications is August 16, 2019.

Candidates interested in applying or wanting to request additional information on the position can do so by emailing , quoting project #19125.

In addition to conducting a national search to source eligible candidates, the consultant is also responsible for a host of services including:

  • Establishing screening and interview selection criteria;
  • Receiving and screening applications;
  • Creating interview material;
  • Identifying a minimum of five qualified, screened candidates; and
  • Conducting additional background checks and final reference checks on a preferred candidate.

The CAO recruitment committee is inclusive of both Executive Policy Committee (EPC) members as well as non-EPC members and includes Mayor Brian Bowman, Councillor Devi Sharma (Old Kildonan), Councillor Ross Eadie (Mynarski), Councillor Sherri Rollins (Fort Rouge-East Fort Garry), and Councillor Matt Allard (St. Boniface).

Once the consultant has screened and identified a minimum of five qualified candidates, the CAO recruitment committee is responsible for interviewing candidates together with the assistance of the City of Winnipeg’s Human Resource department.

The CAO recruitment committee has been tasked by Mayor Bowman with recommending to EPC the City of Winnipeg’s next CAO. Executive Policy Committee is then mandated by provincial legislation through The City of Winnipeg Charter to recommend appointments of statutory officers, including the CAO, to Council for their consideration.

The City of Winnipeg’s previous CAO retired May 24, 2019.

Executive Policy Committee unanimously recommended on May 7, 2019 that Council consider appointing Michael Ruta as interim CAO and Paul Olafson as interim Chief Financial Officer. These recommendations were approved by Council on May 16.

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