Governance Counsel

1 Full-Time Permanent Position

COMPANY OVERVIEW 

Alberta Central is the central banking facility and trade association for Alberta’s credit unions. We are owned by 12 credit unions that together have more than $33 billion in system assets and serve more than 640,000 members at 198 branches across Alberta. At Alberta Central, our purpose is to champion change in the credit union system and bring value and expertise to credit unions. Through our commitment to service, and with the efforts of our dedicated employees, we are helping credit unions meet the expectations of their members. We continue to work side by side with credit unions with a single goal in mind: to help our system grow, prosper, and achieve financial success.

ROLE SUMMARY

Reporting to the General Counsel, this position provides governance support to the executive team, board of directors and board committees, including preparation of meeting materials and minutes, and support in compliance-related matters. It also provides business-oriented legal advice to business units across the organization, including contract review and negotiation for a wide variety of commercial agreements. The role works under the general supervision of the General Counsel.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES

• Support executive team and board of directors as a subject matter expert on corporate governance matters, including participating in the organization and preparation of materials for board and standing and ad hoc committee meetings, annual and special general meetings, task forces, and annual disclosure. Assist with corporate secretarial duties.
• Provide support and expertise to the legal department and management in relation to Alberta Central’s bylaws and the Credit Union Act and Regulations, with particular attention to governance requirements. 
• Participate in the definition and development of Alberta Central corporate and board policies, procedures and programs and provide continuing counsel and guidance on legal implications of matters. 
• Assist in drafting and negotiating a range of commercial agreements affecting Alberta Central and its joint ventures, including nondisclosure agreements, joint venture agreements and master service agreements in financial services, payments and related areas, ensuring that these documents and arrangements are in accordance with legal, regulatory and business requirements. Exercise strong ethics and judgment on complex, confidential and sensitive decisions. 
• Provide general legal advice in various aspects of Alberta Central and its joint ventures’ business, while ensuring legal compliance and alignment with policies, practices, and procedures. Advise management on legal implications of business operations and transactions. Ensure integration of Alberta Central’s strategic objectives in legal and business plans.
• Provide assistance in regulatory and compliance guidance. Relevant matters include privacy laws, payments law, competition law and a variety of financial services regulations.
• Develop and maintain standard forms of agreements and develop and assist in maintaining effective legal operations and contract management systems, policies and procedures. 
• Assist in developing department objectives that align with corporate strategic initiatives and are within the board approved risk appetite and tolerance.
• Support risk management and effective governance by maintaining compliance with policies, procedures and controls both corporately and within area of responsibility, ensuring they are operating effectively and escalating discrepancies to management. 
• All other duties as assigned.

REQUIREMENTS

• LLB and typically 2-5 years post call experience gained at a law firm or in house.
• Law degree from a recognized institution and membership in good standing with the Law Society of Alberta.
• Previous governance experience.
• Strong negotiation and legal drafting skills.
• Previous financial services industry experience is preferred. 
• Intermediate proficiency in the Microsoft Office 365 Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook).
• Ability to work well under pressure in a fast-paced collaborative and team-oriented work environment.
• Must be bondable.

BENEFITS OF WORKING AT OUR ORGANIZATION

• Competitive compensation
• Open concept environment
• Hybrid Office-Home/Work Location
• Friendly team atmosphere
• Free banking services and free access to an in-house fitness facility
• Located in the Beltline
• Casual dress environment

To express your interest in this position, submit your current resume along with a cover letter quoting Competition #24-015 by November 8, 2024.

Alberta Central is proud to be a Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion (CCDI) Employer Partner.