General Counsel & University Secretary

Job summary

The General Counsel and University Secretary serves as the chief legal officer and senior governance advisor, providing strategic leadership on legal, regulatory, and policy matters. This role acts as the principal liaison between the Board of Governors, Senate, and administration to ensure institutional integrity and effective decision-making.

Job details

Capilano University respectfully acknowledges that our campuses are located on the unceded territories of the səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh), Sḵwxwú7mesh (Squamish) and xʷməθkʷəỷəm (Musqueam) Nations. At CapU we are committed to supporting a campus community that is both diverse and inclusive. We believe that diversity within our workforce is essential in creating both an exceptional student, and employee experience. As part of this ongoing commitment, we strive to ensure that our recruitment campaigns are proudly reflective of the community we serve. We actively seek applications from Indigenous peoples, the 2SLGBTQ+ community, persons with disabilities as well as members of groups that experience discrimination based on race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, place of origin, ancestry, and religion as we acknowledge the value each individual brings to the CapU community through their lived experiences. To help us focus our efforts, we ask all applicants, should they wish, to complete a short anonymous questionnaire. The questionnaire results are not connected to you or your application, and do not form part of the selection process. Simply, the goal of collecting this anonymous data is to better understand our organizational reach, while continuously aiming to improve the diversity of our applicant pool Please note that all job postings close automatically at 12:00 AM PCT on the posted closing date. To ensure your application is successfully received, we strongly encourage you to submit your application at least one day prior to the posted end date. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority. Should you require accommodations during the hiring process please reach out to hr@capilanou.ca 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:

What you’ll do

The General Counsel and University Secretary serves as the chief legal officer and senior governance advisor, providing strategic leadership on legal, regulatory, and policy matters. This role acts as the principal liaison between the Board of Governors, Senate, and administration to ensure institutional integrity and effective decision-making.

Requirements

Candidates must hold a law degree and be a current member in good standing with the Law Society of British Columbia. A minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible legal experience, particularly in governance or executive roles, is required.

Listed skills

• Risk Management · Preferred
• Policy development · Preferred
• Regulatory Compliance · Preferred
• Executive Advisory · Preferred
• Stakeholder Management · Preferred

Other relevant skills

Identified from the job description. Confirm important requirements above.

• Governance
• Legal counsel
• Risk management
• Policy development
• Administrative law
• Labour and employment law
• Strategic leadership
• Regulatory compliance
• Contract review
• Dispute resolution
• Executive advisory
• Institutional policy
• Privacy legislation
• Stakeholder management
• Bicameral governance
• Political acuity
• Management
• Operations
• Coordinating
• Problem Solving
• Influencing Skills
• Policy Development
• Leadership
• Decision Making
• Ethical Standards And Conduct
• Regulatory Compliance
• Mitigation
• Relationship Building
• Talent Management
• Strategic Leadership
• Real Estate
• Effective Communication
• Advising
• Labor Law
• Institutional Knowledge
• Reconciliation
• Strategic Prioritization
• Legal Risk
• Administrative Law
• Mediation
• Teaching
• Tactfulness
• Diplomacy
• Certified Patient Care Technician (CPCT)
• Enterprise Risk Management (ERM)

Job areas

• Legal
• Education
• Management & Leadership
• Government & Public Sector
• Administrative
• General Counsel/Secretary
• Corporate Lawyer
• Lawyers