General Legal Counsel

George Brown College is located on the traditional territory of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation and other Indigenous peoples who have lived here over time. We are grateful to share this land as treaty people who learn, work, and live in the community with each other.

Equity Statement

George Brown College is committed to creating and sustaining an equitable and inclusive learning and working environment. We encourage and actively seek applications from Indigenous, Black, racialized people, visible minorities, 2SLGBTQIA+ persons, all genders, and persons with disabilities.

GBC Vision

To be a college renowned for its inclusion, excellence, relevance, impact, and leadership.

The General Legal Counsel is the chief legal advisor for George Brown College, reporting to the Senior Vice President, People Enablement and Experience. This role provides strategic legal advice to the President, Senior Leadership Team, Senior Management, Board Chair, and Board of Governors, ensuring the College’s governance, policies, and actions are compliant with applicable legislation and align with best practices in post-secondary education.

As the college’s Chief Privacy Officer, the General Legal Counsel oversees privacy compliance, records management, data governance, and risk management while retaining and supervising external counsel as required. This position requires you to be an innovative, solutions-focused leader who is committed to upholding ethics, working with integrity, and promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Key responsibilities:

• Provide strategic and expert legal advice to the President, Senior Leadership Team, and Board of Governors.
• Lead institutional compliance with legislation, including education, privacy, and employment law.
• Draft, review, and negotiate contracts, agreements, and other legal documents.
• Manage external counsel and oversee litigation strategy.
• Act as the Chief Privacy Officer and oversee compliance with FIPPA, PHIPA, and other privacy-related legislation.
• Develop and manage governance and administrative policies to ensure compliance and alignment with best practices.
• Investigate and manage privacy breaches, FOI requests, and regulatory matters.
• Ensure the effective operation of the Board of Governors through sound legal advice and governance support.
• Lead risk management strategies and crisis management initiatives.
• Serve as a trusted advisor on legal matters, conflict resolution, and strategic decisions.
• Oversee records management and establish data governance standards.
• Other duties as assigned.

Educational and Experience Requirements:

• A Law Degree (LLB or JD) from a recognized institution is required.
• Licensed to practice law in Ontario and in good standing with the Law Society of Ontario.
• Advanced knowledge of Canadian post-secondary education law, employment law, contract law, and regulatory compliance frameworks.
• Additional certifications or training in governance, privacy law (e.g., CIPP/C), or risk management are considered assets.
• Minimum of 12 years of progressive legal experience, with demonstrated expertise in administrative or public law, privacy legislation, and governance.
• Proven experience in advising senior leadership teams, Boards, or similar governance structures in legal and strategic matters.
• At least 5 years of experience leading, mentoring, or managing legal professionals, including external counsel.
• Substantial experience with policy development, compliance initiatives, and risk management in a complex organizational setting (public sector preferred).
• Knowledge of the legal context of Canadian post-secondary education institutions or other public sector organizations is strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated success in managing high-stakes litigation, contract negotiations, and privacy-related inquiries or breaches.
• Experience designing and implementing governance frameworks and records management systems is an asset.

Skills and Attributes:

• Broad leadership skills managing a diverse team of experienced individuals.
• Excellent communication, collaboration, teamwork, and interpersonal skills.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to anticipate and mitigate legal risks effectively.
• Superior writing skills with the ability to translate complex legal concepts for diverse audiences.
• Proven ability to foster strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders while upholding ethics and integrity.
• Demonstrated commitment to uphold the College’s priorities on diversity and equity.

The interview process may consist of a practical skills component.

Notes:

• The College requires proof of degrees, credentials, or equivalencies from accredited regional or federal post-secondary institutions and/or their international equivalents. Credentials may require validation at the time of interviews or offer.

About Us:

George Brown College prides itself on educating students through real-world learning, in the heart of Toronto. Our faculty and employees make this vision a reality, and we support them by making George Brown a great place to work.

Why work here?

George Brown College offers hybrid work opportunities, a competitive pension plan, generous holiday and vacation time, a tuition assistance program, discounted rates for employees taking Continuing Education courses, and an equitable work environment where everyone matters.

George Brown College is committed to accommodating applicants with disabilities throughout the hiring process, in accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). Candidates who require accommodation in the hiring process may contact TalentAcquisition@georgebrown.ca confidentially.