General Counsel & University Secretary

Capilano University is named after Chief Joe Capilano an important leader of the Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish) Nation of the Coast Salish Peoples. We respectfully acknowledge that our campuses are located on the territories of the LíỈwat xʷməθkʷəỷəm (Musqueam) shíshálh (Sechelt) Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish) and SəỈílwətaʔ/Selilwitulh (Tsleil-Waututh) 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

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 Jeremy Orsted Manager Talent Acquisition at

Competition Number:

JR100102

Position Title:

General Counsel & University Secretary

Employment Group:

Administrator

Position Status:

Regular Full time

Position Start Date:

October 15 2026

Position End Date:

N/A

Department:

Presidents Office

Location:

North Vancouver

Salary Range:

The typical salary range for this role falls between $151088.00 - $201451.00 per annum commensurate with experience education and internal equity with future opportunities for performance-based pay and career progression. Additionally we offer a comprehensive total rewards package including a defined pension plan employer paid benefit premiums and more.

Job Description Summary:

Reporting to the President and Vice-Chancellor the General Counsel and University Secretary serves as the Universitys 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 Universitys 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 Universitys 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 Universitys bicameral governancesystem supporting the Board of Governors Senate and their committees.
• Supports the Universitys enterprise risk management framework by overseeing legalrisk management identifying emerging legal governance regulatory operational andreputational risks and advising on and implementing appropriate mitigation strategiesto protect the Universitys interests operations and reputation.
• Serves as the principal liaison among the Board of Governors Senate andadministration facilitating effective communication coordination and decision making.
• Advises the President Board Chair Chancellor Senate leadership and seniorleadership team on governance legal and policy matters.
• Provides authoritative advice regarding governance frameworks bylaws policiesprocedures and governance best practices while ensuring continuity of institutionalknowledge.
• Provides legal review and advice on contracts agreements and other legal instrumentsto protect the Universitys interests and ensure alignment with applicable lawsregulations and institutional policies.
• Serves as the Universitys chief legal officer providing strategic legal advice andoversight across areas including contracts labour and employment law administrativelaw privacy real estate institutional liability and regulatory compliance.
• Retains instructs and oversees external legal counsel as required and represents orcoordinates representation of the University in mediations arbitrations andproceedings before courts tribunals and administrative bodies.
• Leads and oversees the development review implementation and interpretation ofinstitutional policies procedures and governance instruments.
• Provides strategic advice on complex and sensitive issues involving ethicalconsiderations stakeholder interests and institutional priorities.
• Supports governance-related elections records and processes ensuringtransparency compliance and best practices.
• Participates in and leads special projects and committees requiring governance andlegal expertise.
• Provides leadership and supervision to staff supporting governance and legal functions.
• Builds strong relationships across the University and with external constituentsfostering 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 includingsignificant experience advising senior executives boards or governing bodies
• Extensive progressive leadership experience in legal governance or related executiveroles.
• 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 complexorganizational 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 publicsector environment.
• Comprehensive knowledge of applicable legal frameworks including labour andemployment 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 andcommunicate complex information clearly and concisely.
• Demonstrated ability to operate effectively at the executive level with credibilityintegrity and independence.
• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills with the ability to work effectivelywith 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-focuseduniversity.
• Demonstrated commitment to equity diversity inclusion reconciliation andrespectful 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.

Hours of Work Per Week:

35

Pay Group:

AE017

Job Open Date:

July 31 2026

Job Close Date:

August 16 2026