Senior Strategic Advisor

Role Purpose

Reporting to the CEO & Registrar, the Senior Strategic Advisor serves as a trusted advisor and operational lead within the Office of the CEO & Registrar. The role provides high‑level strategic, governance, and operational support and leads the development of the CAO’s key organizational operational and legislative reports, including the Operational Plan, the Annual Report and Business Plan. The Senior Strategic Advisor also provides backup support for Board governance functions to ensure continuity.

Key Responsibilities

• Leads the development of the CAO’s key organizational operational and legislative reports, including the Operational Plan, the Annual Report and Business Plan, coordinating inputs from the Executive Leadership Team and ensuring alignment with strategic priorities and reporting requirements.
• Supports the development of effective and appropriate KPIs across the CAO and acts as a resource for the management team on KPI best practices.
• Supports the CEO and ELT with enterprise risk management, including risk identification and mitigation strategies and acts as a resource for the management team on risk management best practices.
• Lead the corporate strategic planning process, working with the CEO, Governance lead and Board of Directors as needed. Facilitating sessions with the ELT, tracking implementation, and reporting on progress against strategic plan objectives.
• Identify gaps in corporate processes, procedures, and policies, and lead initiatives to optimize organizational activities, accountability, and operational efficiency.
• Partner with members of the Executive Leadership Team to advance corporate initiatives, and provide capacity, coordination, and project leadership as required.
• Provide strategic advice to the CEO and ELT on complex organizational matters, including identification, analysis, and recommendations.
• Act as the primary point of contact and trusted advisor to the CEO & Registrar, managing priorities, anticipating needs, and ensuring the effective day‑to‑day operation of the CEO’s office.
• Assist the CEO with long‑term corporate and strategic planning and facilitating effective decision‑making, providing thoughtful and informed advice on issues affecting the CAO, including identification, analysis and resolution of complex issues with potential significant impact and political sensitivity.
• Manage the CEO’s schedule, correspondence, and commitments, exercising judgment to triage competing demands and protect time for strategic priorities.
• Prepare briefing materials, correspondence, presentations, and reports on behalf of the CEO, ensuring accuracy, quality, and alignment with corporate messaging.
• Supports the CEO in developing and monitoring the Office of the CEO budget.
• Maintain a high level of discretion and confidentiality in all matters.
• Serve as the designated backup to the Governance Manager, ensuring continuity of the Board and committee operations.
• Support preparation, review, and distribution of Board and committee materials via the board portal (Diligent), ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and confidentiality.
• Provide governance guidance and procedural support to the Governance Lead.
• Support planning and execution of governance events, including the Annual Members’ Meeting.
• Support the ELT operations to improve workflow efficiency and coordination.
• Track and follow through on action items arising from ELT and cross‑functional initiatives, ensuring timely completion and accountability.
• Record key meeting outputs and monitor progress on deliverables.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications, Skills & Knowledge

• Bachelor’s degree in business, public administration, public policy, corporate governance, law, or related field.
• Certification in corporate governance or project management is an asset (e.g., Governance Professionals of Canada (GPC.D), Institute of Corporate Directors (ICD.D), and/or Project Management Professional (PMP)).
• 7–10 years of progressive experience in a senior administrative, chief of staff, strategy, policy or corporate affairs role supporting executive leadership, ideally within a not‑for‑profit or regulatory environment.
• Experience leading corporate planning.
• Strong understanding of performance measurement (KPIs) and risk management frameworks, with the ability to support development, tracking, and reporting.
• Experience supporting budget planning, tracking, and monitoring, with an understanding of organizational financial management principles. Familiarity with board portal systems (e.g., Diligent) for agenda and materials management is an asset.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong understanding of corporate governance, policy, and compliance principles, and experience working with executive leadership.
• Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams) and other relevant tools.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to draft precise reports, policies, plans, and executive correspondence.
• Analytical mindset with the ability to interpret legislation, policies, and complex information, and to synthesize it for decision‑making.
• Professional demeanor and discretion when dealing with sensitive matters and high‑level stakeholders.

Key Attributes

• Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to work collaboratively with executives, directors, and external stakeholders.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment and maintain confidentiality at all times.
• Proactive and resourceful, with a solutions‑oriented approach to challenges.
• Commitment to continuous learning and staying current with governance and management trends and best practices.

What We Offer

• Base Salary - CAD 88,000–100,000 annually
• Two work‑from‑home days per week, with three days in‑office
• Comprehensive health coverage plan that includes medical, dental and vision
• Vacation, paid personal time and sick days
• Company‑sponsored events
• Matching RRSP/TFSA contribution
• Employee gym and bike‑share discounts
• Professional learning and development opportunities

CAO is an equal opportunity employer, encouraging workplace diversity. All qualified individuals will be considered without regard to race, national origin, gender identity / expression, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, marital status or any other characteristic protected by law.

CAO welcomes and encourages applications from people with disabilities. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process.

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