Director of Legislative & Legal Services

City of West Kelowna

Director of Legislative & Legal Services

THE CITY: CITY OF WEST KELOWNA
Located on the central, western hillsides of Okanagan Lake in British Columbia's beautiful Central Okanagan Region, the City of West Kelowna is a visually stunning community in all seasons. Vineyards, orchards and farms operate throughout the community, and the municipality is also home to commercial businesses, light industry, and a diverse economy made up of agriculture, construction, finance, food and retail services, light industry, lumber manufacturing, technology, tourism and wineries.

West Kelowna is a thriving city with a rural sophistication appeal and a haven for outdoor recreation. Sun-soaked lakeshores, agricultural charm, and access to urban jobs and living have made West Kelowna an ideal location to live, work, and recreate. It is no surprise that West Kelowna is one of the fastest growing cities in BC, with a current population of over 40,000, making it the third largest city by population in the Okanagan.

The City of West Kelowna is gathered on the traditional territory of the syilx/Okanagan people.

THE ORGANIZATION:
The City of West Kelowna prides itself on serving its constituents and ensuring the continued prosperity of the community. Governed by a mayor and council, the City's leadership is committed to fostering transparency, accountability, and innovation in their decision-making processes. With a focus on sustainable development, infrastructure maintenance, and community engagement, the City of West Kelowna works tirelessly to address the needs and aspirations of residents while promoting economic growth and environmental stewardship.

THE OPPORTUNITY: DIRECTOR OF LEGISLATIVE & LEGAL SERVICES
Reporting to the Deputy CAO, or designate, the position acts as the Corporate Officer, the Chief Election Officer, and the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act head of the City. Responsibilities include the statutory functions set out under the Local Government Act and the Community Charter. Additionally, the position oversees the City’s Legal and Risk Management functions.

As part of the senior management team, this senior level position provides professional advice and assistance to Council, committees of Council, the public, and City departments; prepares Council meeting agendas; records minutes of Council meetings; drafts council resolutions; and responds to official correspondence. The position is also responsible for City elections and referendums and the City’s records management and retention system. Additionally, the position oversees, and provides advice on legal and risk management issues affecting the City.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide, develop, and manage the department team and budget ensuring quality customer service to both internal and external stakeholders;
• Act as the City’s Officer responsible for corporate administration and serve as the Head of the Public Body under the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act;
• Oversee, manage, plan and attend meetings of Council and Council Committees; provide parliamentary procedural advice for these meetings;
• Ensure proper preparation and distribution of agenda and minutes, and other activities related to the proper functioning of Council Meetings;
• Take minutes at all Council meetings and Public Hearings;
• Oversee and manage the corporate information and records management and FOIPPA function;
• Prepare bylaws, reports and presentations to Council, as required, and in response to legislative change or suggested administrative change;
• Oversee and approve the drafting of bylaws, policies, contracts and agreements relating to aspects of the City’s operations;
• Promote legal, compliance, and risk management best practice throughout the City;
• Facilitate the resolution of customer disputes and the subrogation of claims;
• Responsible for ensuring that legislative changes affecting the operations of the Department and Council are brought forward, and amendments to policies, procedures, and statutory functions are kept current with changing legislative requirements;
• Maintain and develop working relationships and communications on behalf of the department and the City with outside agencies other levels of government;
• Provide subject matter expert advice to Council and City departments;
• Plan, assign, supervise, and coach on policy matters including the preparation of staff reports on a variety of issues;
• Carry out the duties of the position in accordance with established safe work procedures as required by Occupational Health and Safety Regulation;
• Other duties as assigned.

Education, Experience, Skills, and Abilities:

• Degree in Public Administration, Business Administration, Law or equivalent;
• Certificate in Local Government Statutory Administration is preferred;
• Certified Municipal Clerk (CMC) designation is preferred;
• Minimum 5 years experience in a similar municipal or public sector position with extensive knowledge in corporate administration, regulatory services and legal services, including 3 years in a leadership role operating and/or managing in a unionized environment;
• Considerable knowledge of the Community Charter, Local Government Act, Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, Land Title Act, Parliamentary Procedure, Regulations, Bylaws, Statutes and other applicable Acts;
• Demonstrated ability to read, review, interpret, and understand local government legislation;
• Demonstrated political and business acumen;
• Considerable knowledge of the LGMA Records Management System;
• Demonstrated leadership, with a proven ability, to build and maintain effective working relationships with a variety of internal and external stakeholders;
• Experience preparing and presenting detailed and complex correspondence and records accurately, within tight deadlines;
• Experience negotiating and reviewing drafted legal documents, including contracts;
• Strong skills in the use of relevant computer software applications including, Microsoft Office Suite and Adobe Acrobat, and the ability to administer electronic document management and agenda management systems;
• Experience handling highly confidential information with discretion and integrity;
• Detail oriented and superior organizational skills;
• Strong communication and presentation skills;
• Valid Class 5 B.C. Drivers License.

COMPENSATION:
A competitive compensation package will be provided including an attractive base salary of $156,000 - $184,000 (2024 wage range) and excellent benefits. Further details will be discussed in a personal interview.

To apply, please visit our website.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Julian Manchon or Greg Longster
LEADERS INTERNATIONAL EXECUTIVE SEARCH
#880—609 Granville Street
Vancouver, BC V7Y 1G5
Phone: (604) 688-8422
Email: vancouver@leadersinternational.com