Director, Legal, Policy & Review Office

Description

Director, Legal, Policy & Review Office

Job Summary:

The Director, Legal, Policy & Review Office is responsible for providing strategic leadership and legal expertise in support of the General Counsel and the Workers Compensation Board of Manitoba (WCB) as a whole. This includes, but is not limited to, corporate governance, procurement and contracting, statutory and policy interpretation, human rights, privacy law, and regulatory compliance. The incumbent also provides strategic oversight, operational direction and leadership to specific departments including Legal & Policy Services and the Review Office.

Job Duties:

Supports the General Counsel in setting and achieving divisional objectives and strategic initiatives, while planning, directing and leading the division to ensure fulfilment of its mandate.

Provides management, leadership, guidance, support and direction to staff of Legal & Policy Services and the Review office. This includes responsibility for hiring, conducting performance reviews, labour relations, performance development, coaching and deciding on disciplinary action up to and including dismissal where necessary.

Provides comprehensive analysis, interpretation and guidance across multiple areas of law, including matters specific to workers compensation.

Monitors and researches legal issues relevant to the WCB and educates/advises internal staff and external stakeholders on developments.

Leads the legal aspects of crisis and issues management related to the workers' compensation system.

Contributes to the drafting of legislative and policy amendments.

Participates in the planning, development, and management of the divisional budget.

Participates in the legislative review process as required.

Supports the Corporate Secretary as required, by drafting documents and acting as an alternate recording secretary for the Board of Directors and its Committees.

Selects, manages and liaises with external counsel as required.

Participates on internal and external committees and represents the WCB at external meetings and conferences as required.

Pursues professional development through any of the following: literature reviews and research, training courses and continuing education, seminars and conferences and industry networking.

Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

University degree in Law and entitled to practice law in Manitoba

Minimum ten (10) years of progressive management experience practicing law in a government or corporate counsel setting, preferably practicing workers’ compensation law and/or administrative law

Proficiency in the use of personal computers, Windows-based software, and technology applications commonly used in the practice of law

Ability to lead, mentor and motivate staff, while fostering an inclusive, respectful team environment

Ability to act with tact, diplomacy, integrity and professionalism in sometimes confrontational or sensitive situations

Excellent judgement, analytical and research skills

Ability to work with and safeguard sensitive and confidential information

Ability to apply and interpret legislation, policies, practices and other legal documents

Effective verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to explain technical and legal information and concepts in plain language

Ability to speak publicly on behalf of the WCB

Ability to advise, persuade, influence, and successfully negotiate with internal and external parties

Ability to work independently and in a team environment

Ability to develop and manage budgets

Ability to organize and prioritize workload while managing deadlines and multiple demands

The ability to communicate proficiently in both official languages (English and French) is an asset but is not required

Additional Information:

A satisfactory criminal record check and verification of education will be required for the successful candidate.

The WCB is committed to building a skilled, diverse workforce with equitable representation of Indigenous persons, visible minorities, persons with disabilities, women, 2SLGBTQ+ persons and members of other equity-seeking groups. Applicants are encouraged to indicate in their covering letter or resumé if they are a member of these groups.

The WCB recognizes that individuals may face barriers that hinder their full and equal participation in the workplace, and is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to all employees and candidates who are or may be disabled by one or more barriers in the workplace. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process.