Note: 1 vacancy available. This position is deemed a critical replacement vacancy

Why this Role is Important

Legal Counsel manages the Risk and Compliance Office of the College and is a strategic advisor providing counsel to stakeholders across the college, including the President, Board of Governors, and Senior Leadership Team. As a resource to the college, Legal Counsel provides legal advice on a wide variety of matters relating to corporate and commercial law, governance, enterprise risk management, legislation, education law, and privacy, policy, contracts, donations, FOI, partnerships, and employment as required. Legal Counsel is a member of the Senior Leadership Council. Legal Counsel reinforces leadership accountability and planning.

How You’ll Make An Impact

Legal Risk and Compliance Office Duties

Creates strategic legal objectives to support the mission and vision of the institution Develops governance structure with reporting lines, decision rights and workflows, informed by legal principles and professional judgment Assists the College in support of entrepreneurial initiatives to enable new ventures to take place while balancing risk and legal implications Provides value-added expert advice to the College leadership team related to a wide range of legal issues, including referring complex matters to external counsel as required and liaising with external counsel in provision of those services, except employee relations Provide legal advice and legal risk analysis in support of major transactions of the College including, the negotiation of funding or donor agreements and contracts Researches, identifies, and provides updates on case law, legislative requirements and legal trends affecting the College, including drafting memoranda for senior College leadership Provides guidance into the College’s contract development process, including agreement templates and standards, major contracts and provides advice and analysis of major/significant external contracts as required Provides legal advice on commercial contract negotiations, intellectual property law, copyright issues, agreements and privacy and access to information Provides oversight related to issues, policies and practices related to records creation, maintenance and disposal Assess and analyze whether the College and third parties have appropriate and sufficient insurance as it relates to identified enterprise-level risks, and the College’s tolerance as it relates to those identified risks Consolidates all legal matters, risks and costs across the College Develops and maintains compliance tracking system, escalation protocol and any requested audits

Corporate Policy Management and Oversight

Monitors relevant legislation and government regulations, provides expert advice on College and Board policy and ensures effective policy governance and compliance process

Team and Department Leadership and Senior Leadership Council Membership

Leads the Risk and Compliance Office, provides leadership and coaching to a small office team, and is a contributing member of the College’s senior leadership team

What You’ll Bring

Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited University (4-year law degree)

Membership in the Law Society of Ontario (or eligibility and willingness to join) Minimum 5 years’ experience providing legal advice and support in a broad variety of areas, at an executive level An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered Experienced in litigation, governance, corporate and commercial law Experience in formal contract development, including agreements with government agencies and funding Skilled in negotiation and litigation Superior written/verbal communication and listening skills, especially with respect to contract writing and interpretation Collaborative, sound judgment and dispute resolution skills Strong problem-solving and decision-making capability Independent worker with strong research skills and initiative Public sector and/or post-secondary experience in a unionized environment is considered an asset In House Counsel-Canada (CIC.C) designation would be an asset

What This Opportunity Offers

Comprehensive Pension & Benefits: Join a defined-benefit pension plan (through the CAAT Pension Plan) that delivers predictable lifetime retirement income, plus dental, disability, travel insurance and extended health coverage. Vacation: Enjoy paid time off and benefit from a scheduled holiday closure that offers additional rest and time with family during the winter season Tuition & Professional Development: Continue your learning journey — eligible employees and their dependents can take select Fanshawe programs or courses at a reduced cost Inclusive, Meaningful Campus environment: Work alongside passionate colleagues in an inclusive culture that values diversity, drives student success, and connects you to the local community and campus life.

Ready to Apply?

Bring your legal expertise, strategic mindset, and collaborative leadership to Fanshawe College. If you're passionate about providing trusted counsel, strengthening governance, and enabling innovation while managing risk, we'd be excited to hear from you.

Fanshawe College uses Workday to manage recruitment and hiring processes.

Educational Credentials

While transcripts are not required for the interview, they are mandatory as a condition of employment.

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion

Fanshawe College is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to equity, value diversity, and welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds.

Accommodation

Fanshawe College provides accommodations to job applicants with disabilities throughout the hiring process. If a job applicant requires an accommodation during the application process or through the selection process, the hiring manager and the recruiter leading the recruitment will work with the applicant to meet the job applicant’s accommodation needs. Accommodation requests per the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act can be emailed to: askhr@fanshawec.ca

Land Acknowledgement

Fanshawe College would like to acknowledge and honour the Anishinaabe, Lotinuhsyuní and Lenape people of southwestern Ontario as the traditional owners and custodians of the lands and waterways where Fanshawe College is located.

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those chosen for an interview will be contacted.