Chief Administrative Officer
The Town of Canton, Connecticut is accepting applications for the position of Chief Administrative Officer from professionals who have the skills and experience to be an energetic, goal-oriented leader and administrator.
THE COMMUNITY
The Town of Canton, population 10,300, is a suburban Hartford community with a Town Meeting/ Board of Selectmen/ Chief Administrative Officer form of government. A beautiful traditional New England community, Canton offers a wide variety of attractive housing, good schools, a first-class Public Library facility, and fine parks and recreation facilities including the Farmington River and the corresponding Rails to Trails. The charm and character of the community was nationally recognized by the recent designation of the Collinsville section as one of America's "10 Coolest Small Towns" in Arthur Former's Budget Travel Magazine. The Town has a AAA bond rating from Standard & Poors.
The Town of Canton is governed by an elected First Selectman who serves as the Town's Chief Executive Officer and works part-time as well as an elected five-member Board of Selectmen (including the First Selectman who serves as Chair). For most actions, the Town's legislative body is the Town Meeting. Financial matters are overseen by an elected six-member Board of Finance. The First Selectmen and Board of Selectmen are elected to four-year terms in municipal elections held in odd numbered years.
THE BUDGET AND BUDGET ADOPTION PROCESS
The Fiscal Year 2024-2025 general government operating budget is $13,375,674 which includes $995,067 for capital improvements.
Pursuant to Town Charter, the Preliminary Budget is submitted by the Chief Administrative Officer by the second Monday in February. The Preliminary Budget is then reviewed by the Board of Selectmen who acts to adopt a proposed final budget and submits it to the Board of Finance no later than the second Monday of March. The Board of Finance then considers the proposed budget with the ability to require reductions (no line-item authority) and submits its Recommended Budget for adoption at the Annual Budget Referendum.
THE POSITION
The Chief Administrative Officer, who serves as the administrative head of the Town and is appointed by the Board of Selectmen, has the responsibility and authority for the administration of all Departments, agencies, and non-elected officers of the Town. In accordance with the Town Charter, the Chief Administrative Officer hires and directs all Town staff and Departments with the exception of the Town Clerk, Tax Collector, Chief of Police, Finance Officer/ Treasurer, Fire Chief, and Library Director. While these positions report directly to the Chief Administrative Officer on a day-to-day basis, the positions are appointed and discharged by vote of the Board of Selectmen following consultation with the Chief Administrative Officer. The prior Chief Administrative Officer served for 16 years.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AND BENEFITS
The ideal candidate should also possess the following characteristics, traits and/ or experiences: strong financial management skills; staff development and team building abilities; strong written and oral communication skills; commitment to excellence in customer service; knowledge of technology applications; and be a coalition builder, goal oriented inclusive leader with the ability to delegate and hold staff accountable.
The starting salary range is $150,000 to $175,000 dependent upon experience and qualifications. The Town of Canton offers a comprehensive benefits package.
THE PROCESS
A copy of this employment ad, job description and application can be found at www.townofcantonct.org. Interviews of the most qualified individuals are anticipated to commence the week of August 19, 2024. The selected candidate will have a target start date no later than November 4, 2024 . A letter of interest, resume and completed application must be submitted by 12PM on Friday, August 2, 2024, to 4 Market Street, P.O. Box 168, Collinsville, CT 06022 - Attention: Robert H. Skinner or emailed to employment@townofcantonct.org.
The Town of Canton is an equal opportunity employer. EOE/ M/F