Secretary & General Counsel

As an equal opportunity employer, we are looking to build a diverse workforce that reflects the diversity of our clients and the customers we serve. Learn more about working for WCB at Careers - WCB Alberta

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Secretary & General Counsel

Edmonton, Alberta

Permanent, Full-Time

Why WCB-Alberta?

We are a team that cares. Over 2,000 people, each with unique skills, expertise and perspective, work together every day to help minimize the impact of workplace injuries and illnesses on Alberta workers and employers. Located in four offices in Edmonton and Calgary, we are a team connected by a shared purpose and value.

As the independent operator and administrator of the province's Workers' Compensation Act, WCB-Alberta provides protection for over two million workers and over 170,000 Alberta employers. Our employees are inspired to make a positive impact on the lives of injured workers and businesses throughout the province.

Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer, the Secretary & General Counsel provides strategic and legal counsel to the Board of Directors, senior management, and the organization at large. As a senior executive at WCB, this position is responsible for overseeing legal and governance matters, while also providing high level strategic legal guidance. The role encompasses both the duties of a corporate secretary and a legal advisor, serving as a key member of the senior leadership team and WCB's primary legal officer.

Your Secretary & General Counsel responsibilities:

• Serves as a key member of the executive team (Strategic Management Council) by contributing to WCB's strategic direction and long-term planning initiatives.
• Serves as the WCB's chief legal advisor, offering expert legal advice, opinions and representation to senior management, department heads and employees on critical legal issues impacting the WCB.
• Represents WCB before the courts in significant or precedent cases.
• Serves as the primary liaison between WCB and the institutions of justice in the province (i.e. the legal profession and the judiciary) and is the main point of contact with the government during the legislative and regulatory amendment process.
• Identifies and assesses legal risks, proactively developing and recommending strategies to mitigate potential issues.
• Keeps the Board of Directors and senior leadership updated on key legal and regulatory developments that could impact WCB.
• Serves as the Secretary to the Board of Directors, ensuring the smooth operation of Board and Policy Committee meetings by:
  • Preparing and distributing agendas, meeting materials and minutes in a timely manner.
  • Providing guidance to the Board Chair and Board of Directors on procedural, governance and substantive legal matters related to meeting protocols or business under consideration.
• Providers overall leadership, mentorship, strategic direction and management for the Secretary & General Counsel Division which includes Legal Services, Policy Development, Freedom of Information & Protection of Privacy Office, and Executive Board Liaison.

Your experience and skills:

• A law degree and at least 10 years of active membership in good standing with the Law Society of Alberta.
• Several years of progressively responsible experience in the workers' compensation field, along with comprehensive knowledge of the Workers' Compensation Act.
• Several years of leadership and management experience, including working closely with senior management and a Board of Directors.
• Extensive knowledge of administrative and constitutional law, government and parliamentary procedures, as well as the legal challenges facing the organization.
• Exceptional skills in planning, issues analysis and management, along with strong negotiation and mediation abilities.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with a proven ability to convey complex legal concepts in a clear and understandable manner to non-legal stakeholders.
• Strong strategic thinking and problem-solving agility.
• Ability to clearly articulate a vision for the division in order to achieve corporate and divisional objectives.

We offer a competitive salary, a comprehensive benefits package, flexible work schedules and hybrid work opportunities that foster a healthy work-life balance. You'll work with supportive leaders and skilled professionals in a caring and collaborative work environment. For more information, please see our Employee Handbook, available on our website.

Final candidates for this position are required to undergo a security clearance and credit check as a condition of employment. Successful candidate must reside in Alberta and be able to work in person in our Edmonton downtown office as required for the position.

We are committed to providing equal opportunity to all qualified persons, without regard to race, colour, religion or national origin, gender (or gender identity or expression), age, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability. Equal opportunity is provided in employment, promotions and wages.

Please apply online by submitting a cover letter and resume. We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only candidates under consideration will be contacted.

Closing Date: January 24, 2025