Job Description

Help shape transparent, accountable and responsive municipal government.

The City of Kawartha Lakes is seeking an experienced and collaborative leader to serve as our next City Clerk. Reporting to the Chief Administrative Officer, you will bring sound judgment, legislative expertise and a commitment to public service to a role at the centre of municipal governance.

As a member of the senior leadership team, you will work closely with Council, the CAO and colleagues across the organization to support effective decision-making, strengthen public trust and guide services that matter to our community.

Salary Range (2026): $150,676–$176,260 annually

Location: Lindsay, Ontario

Hours: 37.5 hours per week, 7.5 hours per day, with core hours between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.

Work Arrangement: A combination of in-office and remote work may be permitted with approval.

The opportunity

You will lead the City Clerk’s Office, including Municipal Law Enforcement and Licensing, and Corporate Records and Archival Services. You will fulfill the statutory responsibilities of the municipal clerk for a single-tier municipality while providing strategic advice on legislation, governance and Council procedures.

This opportunity calls for a leader who can balance legislative responsibilities with practical service delivery, support a diverse team and build strong relationships across the organization and with the public.

What you will do

Lead municipal governance and legislative services

• Fulfill the statutory duties of the City Clerk under the Municipal Act, Municipal Elections Act and other applicable legislation.
• Serve as corporate secretary to Council and the Corporation, overseeing Council and committee agendas, minutes, official records and procedural requirements.
• Provide trusted advice to Council, the Mayor, the CAO, committees and senior leaders on municipal legislation, by-laws, policies, governance and protocol.
• Guide the development and review of by-laws, policies, agreements and governance frameworks, and help the organization respond effectively to legislative changes.
• Oversee municipal elections, including planning, staffing, budgeting, administration and legislative compliance.

Guide accessible, accountable services

• Provide strategic direction for municipal law enforcement and licensing, corporate records and archives, public accessibility, and statutory services such as marriage licensing and vital statistics.
• Oversee records retention, information governance and access-to-information processes under the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.
• Support public access to Council processes and clear communication among Council, administration and the community.
• Maintain custody of official municipal documents, exercise corporate signing authority and oversee the proper execution of by-laws, contracts and agreements.
• Accept service of writs, claims and liens on behalf of the City.
• Build staff knowledge of legislative requirements, records management, freedom of information and municipal procedures.

Lead people, performance and improvement

• Set departmental priorities, develop budgets and use performance measures to assess results and improve services.
• Lead, coach and develop employees, establish clear expectations and manage performance in alignment with organizational values.
• Foster collaboration across departments and maintain effective relationships with community partners, agencies and neighbouring municipalities.
• Prepare Council reports, present recommendations, implement Council direction and report on progress.
• Contribute to corporate strategy, workforce planning, financial planning and organizational initiatives.
• Monitor emerging issues and industry trends, bringing forward practical recommendations to the CAO and Council.
• Fulfill supervisory responsibilities under the Occupational Health and Safety Act and ensure compliance with corporate policies, procedures and agreements.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

What you bring

You are a thoughtful, confident leader who makes complex legislative and procedural matters clear. You exercise discretion, navigate sensitive issues with tact and build productive relationships with people who bring different perspectives. You combine attention to detail with the ability to see the broader organizational picture.

Your qualifications include:

• A post-secondary degree in Business, Political Science, Public Administration or a related field.
• At least 10 years of progressively responsible related experience, preferably in a municipal environment.
• An Accredited Ontario Municipal Clerk (AOMC) designation, or a willingness to obtain it within a reasonable timeframe.
• Completion of the Municipal Administration Program offered by the Association of Municipal Managers, Clerks and Treasurers of Ontario (AMCTO).
• In-depth knowledge of parliamentary procedures, procedural by-laws, the Municipal Act, the Municipal Elections Act and the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.
• Knowledge of municipal government structures, services and financing, including relationships with provincial and federal governments.
• Demonstrated success leading teams, managing programs and supporting employee development and performance.
• Experience working in a unionized environment and interpreting collective agreements.
• Strong communication, public presentation, facilitation, negotiation and conflict resolution skills.
• Experience with budgeting, business planning, business intelligence and key performance indicators.
• The ability to manage competing priorities, meet deadlines and handle confidential information with sound judgment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and other relevant software.

A Certified Municipal Officer (CMO) designation and Municipal Law Program certificate would be assets.

Additional requirements

Occasional off-site travel is required, along with attendance at meetings, conferences and responses to departmental emergencies outside normal business hours.

You must maintain a valid Ontario Class “G” Driver’s Licence or have the ability to travel frequently to work-related activities at locations throughout Kawartha Lakes and elsewhere in Ontario.

A Criminal Record Check will be required upon a conditional offer of employment. Applicants must be prepared to participate in skills testing.

Bring your leadership to Kawartha Lakes

If you are motivated by public service and the opportunity to lead effective governance, support a strong team and make a meaningful contribution to municipal leadership, we encourage you to apply.

The City of Kawartha Lakes is an equal opportunity employer committed to building an inclusive and supportive workplace. We welcome applications from qualified candidates of all backgrounds and experiences.

We are committed to barrier-free and accessible employment practices in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). If you are contacted regarding a job opportunity, please advise us of any accommodation you require. We will work with you to meet your needs throughout the recruitment and selection process.