The University of New Brunswick welcomes applications for the position of University General Counsel with the Office of the Vice President (Administration & Finance). This is a continuing, full-time (36.25 hours per week) position with the APT employee group. The position is funded by the University Budget. The salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience. Please include your salary expectation with your application.
The General Counsel reports to the Vice President (Administration and Finance) and will provide in-house legal services to the University. They will provide on-going legal advice on a wide range of issues to the President's Executive Team as well as to the deans and administrative and academic directors, and those on various legal roles at the University.
Position summary:
- Provide strategic legal advice and identify emerging legal issues, as well as a full-range of legal services to a number of different stakeholders at the University including senior administration, and faculty/department leaders.
- Review legal aspects of corporate and contractual issues.
- Provide clear, accurate assessment of legal risks.
- Identify & recommend policies, procedures & practices to protect the University from undue liability and assist with risk management and control while remaining aware of the impact on all stakeholders, including students.
- Retain, instruct and oversee external legal counsel on behalf of the University.
- Negotiate and manage retainer agreements and ongoing relationships with external legal counsel.
- Develop strategic goals and objectives to achieve accountability and efficient stewardship of University resources (operational, financial and human), in a manner consistent with University objectives and initiatives.
- Develop annual budget proposal for University legal services.
- Initiate process and practice reviews to ensure effective and efficient use of University legal resources.
- Provide Senior administration with timely and accurate reports of University legal activity and other ad hoc reporting on legal activity as requested.
- Represent the University in a variety of legal meetings/seminars/conferences.
- Demonstrate an active and engaged commitment to diversity and inclusion and work to establish a climate that welcomes, celebrates and promotes respect for diversity and inclusion.
Requirements/Skills:
- An L.L.B or J.D. degree and membership in good standing with the New Brunswick Bar Association (or be eligible to become a member). 10-12 years of complex, high-level experience practicing law including at least 2 years' experience managing legal counsel or other professional service providers. Experience in labour, contract and IP legal matters an asset.
- Proven track record of providing senior-level strategic legal advice in a large, complex organization.
- Superb written and verbal communication abilities are a must.
- Successful financial, operational and people management experience.
- Ability to facilitate solutions that satisfy needs of stakeholders and gain compromises without damaging relationships. Possess high integrity as demonstrated by having the ability to make and communicate difficult decisions.
- Ability to deliver difficult messages in sensitive situations while maintaining trust and strong working relationships with clients and colleagues.
- Highly developed planning and organizational skills.
- Proven ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise discretion in dealing with sensitive topics.
Closing date for applications is May 14, 2021 4:30PM. We thank all applicants for their interest but only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
The University of New Brunswick is committed to employment equity and fostering diversity within our community and developing an inclusive workplace that reflects the richness of the broader community that we serve. The University welcomes and encourages applications from all qualified individuals who will help us achieve our goals, including women, visible minorities, Aboriginal persons, persons with disabilities, persons of any sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. Preference will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada.
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