A practical, empowering resource—written for executive assistants to the CAO, but designed to support all administrative professionals in local government.
Whether you're the Executive Assistant, Administrative Assistant, Executive Coordinator, Legislative or Council Clerk, or Office Administrator—this Toolkit is designed for you.
Created with the Executive Assistant to the CAO in mind, this resource recognizes that all administrative professionals play a critical role in municipal leadership. Regardless of your title, experience, or municipality size, the content is here to strengthen your skills, build confidence, and reinforce your professional impact.
Authored by Jennifer Goodine, Executive Director of CAMA and former Office Administrator to the CAO and Mayor of the City of Fredericton, this resource is grounded in lived experience and insights from a national committee of Executive Assistants across Canada.
📘 Toolkit for the Effective Executive Assistant to the CAO
What You’ll Find Inside
The Toolkit offers:
- A clear introduction to local government and your essential role within it.
- Guidance on political acumen, leadership support, communication, and managing up.
- Tools for navigating change, setting boundaries, practicing self-care, and building strong partnerships.
- “Words of Wisdom” from experienced EAs across the country.
- Downloadable templates to make your day-to-day work easier.
Resources at Your Fingertips
Tips for Completing Your Performance Evaluation
Travel Management for the CAO
- Sample Travel Itinerary Template for Chief Administrative Officer
- Checklist for CAO Travel Preferences Template
Report Writing & Research
Office Procedures
Professional Development
For Your CAO or Senior Executive
This Toolkit also includes a dedicated CAO Chapter (Page 143), helping leaders understand how to build strong partnerships with their Executive Assistant.
Resources Include:
- Sample Business Case Template to Council for Hiring an Executive Assistant
- Sample Job Description of an Executive Assistant to the CAO
- Sample Job Posting of an Executive Assistant to the CAO
- Sample Interview Questions for Executive Assistant Position
We encourage you to share this chapter with your CAO or executive—it’s a powerful conversation starter.
Bonus Tools For Strong Partnerships
Use these tools to highlight your value and align expectations with your CAO or direct report:
- Top 10 Ways a CAO Can Effectively Use Their Executive Assistant to Improve Their Productivity
- Top 10 Skills of an Effective Executive Assistant to the CAO
Whether you’re supporting a leadership team, managing Council correspondence, coordinating logistics, or being the steady presence behind the scenes, this Toolkit is here to support your success.