Chief Administrative Officer

City Of New Haven - New Haven, CT

Full-time - Executive

New Haven, CT

Waste Management and Remediation Services

About the position

The Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) of the City of New Haven is a senior executive role responsible for overseeing municipal operations, driving strategic initiatives, and ensuring effective public service delivery. Reporting directly to the Mayor, the CAO will manage city departments, promote innovation, and enhance the quality of life for residents through efficient service management and team development. This position requires a dynamic leader committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, with a strong background in government management and strategic planning.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the operations of city departments and ensure efficient delivery of public services.
• Mentor and develop department heads to enhance their skills and confidence.
• Establish accountability systems within departments to ensure high-quality public service delivery.
• Coordinate and analyze data to inform operational decision-making and service delivery.
• Foster a team-centered environment that encourages collaboration and innovation.
• Set measurable performance goals to assess service quality and sustainability.
• Engage with Finance and Budget departments to ensure sound fiscal management.
• Represent the Administration in public meetings and legislative hearings.
• Track legislation impacting municipal operations and oversee litigation settlement recommendations.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in Public Administration, Business Administration, Public Policy, Organizational Leadership, or a related field.
• At least 7 years of senior-level experience in government management and administration.
• Demonstrated experience in collaborative management and team building.
• Ability to manage multiple teams and projects efficiently.
• Skilled in strategic planning and project management.
• Thorough knowledge of legislation affecting local government, including municipal law and finance.
• Experience with budget preparation and management for multiple departments.

Nice-to-haves

• Additional coursework in Emergency Management, Public Safety, Law, Human Resources Management, Finance & Public Budgeting.
• Experience in a unionized environment, including handling grievances and negotiations.

Benefits

• Employer contributes 7.5% of base pay into a defined contribution plan.
• Social Security coverage.