The assistant chief administrative officer (ACAO) role is one of the most dynamic positions in local government. One day you’re helping set strategy with the CAO, the next you’re solving operational challenges across departments. It’s fast-paced, highly visible, and often the final step before becoming a chief administrative officer.

To help current and future leaders navigate that complexity, ICMA’s ACAO Committee created the Elevate Your Leadership: ACAO Masterclass Series. This three-part webinar series is built to meet you wherever you are in your career, whether you’re thinking about the role, just stepped into it, or have been doing it for years and want to keep improving. 

Sign up today on ICMA’s Learning lab.

Session 1, May 5, 2026: Is the ACAO Role Your Next Career Move?

If you’ve ever wondered whether the ACAO role is the right next step, this session is a great place to start. It takes an honest look at what the job really involves, including how it often differs from what people expect.

Speakers will share what drew them to the role in the first place and what parts of their background ended up mattering most once they got there. You’ll also hear what the hiring process actually looks like, from who’s typically on the interview panel to the kinds of questions that can catch you off guard.

For department heads and emerging leaders, this session helps answer a simple but important question: is this role the right fit for you?

Session 2, May 19, 2026: New ACAO Bootcamp – The Strategic Number Two

Starting out as an ACAO can feel like drinking from a firehose. The second session is designed to help you get your footing quickly and avoid some of the common missteps.

This session leans into the real experiences of seasoned leaders. What does the first week look like? The first few months? What do you wish you knew on day one? It also tackles one of the biggest challenges: shifting from being a peer to being part of the executive team, while still maintaining trust and credibility.

You’ll also get practical guidance on setting priorities that align with your CAO’s vision and figuring out where you can make the biggest impact early on. Communication is a big part of this conversation too, especially how to adjust your style depending on whether you’re leading up, across, or down in the organization.

At its core, this session is about helping you build confidence in the role and establish a strong working relationship with your CAO.

Session 3, June 2, 2026: Leading from the ACAO Position

For those who have been in the role for a while, the third session focuses on how to keep growing and leading effectively in a position that doesn’t always come with clear authority.

One theme you’ll hear is the importance of stepping into opportunities, even the ones you didn’t necessarily ask for. Those projects often end up being the most valuable learning experiences.

The session also digs into how to balance competing priorities and stakeholder expectations while still moving the organization forward. You’ll hear practical advice on when it makes sense to step in with elected officials and when it doesn’t, as well as how to handle situations when you’re filling in for the CAO.

Another key focus is relationships. Whether it’s mentoring your team, supporting colleagues, or becoming a trusted sounding board for your CAO, success in this role often comes down to how well you build and maintain trust.

And then there’s the “leadership squeeze,” that constant balancing act between leading your team and influencing decisions at the top. This session offers real-world strategies for managing both without burning out.

Why This Series Matters

The ACAO role can be one of the most rewarding and challenging jobs in local government. It requires flexibility, strong judgment, and a willingness to lead in different ways depending on the situation.

This masterclass series is designed to make that path a little clearer. It’s practical, experience-driven, and focused on what actually works in the field. Whether you’re preparing for the role or looking to sharpen your approach, it offers insights you can put to use right away.

At the end of the day, strong ACAOs help drive strong organizations. Investing in that leadership benefits not just individual careers, but the communities we serve. 

Sign up today on ICMA’s Learning lab.