Competition Number:JR100230
Position Title:General Counsel & University Secretary
Employment Group:Administrator
Position Status:Regular Full time
Position Start Date:January 1, 2027
Position End Date:N/A
Department:President's Office
Location:North Vancouver
Salary Range:Job Description Summary:Reporting to the President and Vice-Chancellor, the General Counsel and University Secretary serves as the University's chief legal officer and senior governance advisor. The position provides strategic leadership and counsel on governance, legal, regulatory, privacy, and policy matters, supporting the achievement of the University's strategic priorities.
The General Counsel and University Secretary works closely with the President, the Board Chair, Senate leadership, and the senior leadership team to ensure the integrity, effectiveness, and coordination of governance processes. While reporting administratively to the President and Vice-Chancellor, the position serves both the Board of Governors and Senate in matters relating to governance and procedural integrity. Acting as a key liaison between governing bodies and the broader university community, the role ensures timely, accurate, and strategic advice, anticipates governance and procedural challenges, and recommends appropriate solutions.
As the University's chief legal officer, the role provides legal advice and services across the institution, overseeing legal risk, compliance, and policy frameworks. The incumbent exercises a high degree of judgment and discretion in managing complex, sensitive matters that may have legal, reputational, or strategic implications for the University.
Job Description:ILLUSTRATIVE EXAMPLES OF DUTIES- Provides strategic leadership and oversight of the University's bicameral governance system, supporting the Board of Governors, Senate, and their committees.
- Supports the University's enterprise risk management framework by overseeing legal risk management, identifying emerging legal, governance, regulatory, operational, and reputational risks, and advising on and implementing appropriate mitigation strategies to protect the University's interests, operations, and reputation.
- Serves as the principal liaison among the Board of Governors, Senate, and administration, facilitating effective communication, coordination, and decision making.
- Advises the President, Board Chair, Chancellor, Senate leadership, and senior leadership team on governance, legal, and policy matters.
- Provides authoritative advice regarding governance frameworks, bylaws, policies, procedures, and governance best practices while ensuring continuity of institutional knowledge.
- Provides legal review and advice on contracts, agreements, and other legal instruments to protect the University's interests and ensure alignment with applicable laws, regulations, and institutional policies.
- Serves as the University's chief legal officer, providing strategic legal advice and oversight across areas including contracts, labour and employment law, administrative law, privacy, real estate, institutional liability, and regulatory compliance.
- Retains, instructs, and oversees external legal counsel as required and represents, or coordinates representation of, the University in mediations, arbitrations, and proceedings before courts, tribunals, and administrative bodies.
- Leads and oversees the development, review, implementation, and interpretation of institutional policies, procedures, and governance instruments.
- Provides strategic advice on complex and sensitive issues involving ethical considerations, stakeholder interests, and institutional priorities.
- Supports governance-related elections, records, and processes, ensuring transparency, compliance, and best practices.
- Participates in and leads special projects and committees requiring governance and legal expertise.
- Provides leadership and supervision to staff supporting governance and legal functions.
- Builds strong relationships across the University and with external constituents, fostering collaboration and trust.
REQUIRED TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE- Law degree (J.D., LL.B or equivalent)
- Current member in good standing with the Law Society of British Columbia.
- A minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible legal experience, including significant experience advising senior executives, boards, or governing bodies
- Extensive progressive leadership experience in legal, governance, or related executive roles.
- Demonstrated experience supporting governing boards, committees, or other decision making bodies.
- Experience in the post-secondary or broader public sector environment is preferred.
- Proven experience in policy development, governance frameworks, and complex organizational environments.
- Experience working in unionized environments is considered an asset.
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES AND SKILLS- Expert knowledge of governance best practices, ideally within a bicameral or public sector environment.
- Comprehensive knowledge of applicable legal frameworks, including labour and employment law, administrative law, contracts, and privacy legislation.
- Exceptional judgment, discretion, and ability to manage complex, sensitive, and high-risk matters.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret and communicate complex information clearly and concisely.
- Demonstrated ability to operate effectively at the executive level with credibility, integrity, and independence.
- Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills, with the ability to work effectively with diverse constituents and navigate competing priorities.
- High level of tact, diplomacy, and political acuity.
- Ability to lead through influence in a complex, decentralized environment.
- Commitment to the objectives and values of a comprehensive teaching-focused university.
- Demonstrated commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, reconciliation, and respectful engagement with Indigenous Peoples and communities.
REQUIRED LICENCES AND CERTIFICATIONS- Membership with the Law Society of British Columbia
Additional Details:This position is based on a standard administrative workweek of 35 hours, typically Monday through Friday. Due to the leadership and operational nature of the role, the incumbent may be required to work flexible hours, including occasional evenings and weekends, to meet organizational priorities, support key initiatives, and participate in University events.
Posting Detail Information:Hours of Work Per Week:35
Pay Group:AE017
Job Open Date:November 06, 2026
Job Close Date: 
