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Location

Cornwall, ON | Canada

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Job description

Department:  

Chief Administrative Office

Division:  

Legal Services

This position reports to:

Chief Administrative Officer

About the City of Cornwall

The City of Cornwall boasts a diverse and growing population of close to 50,000 residents. It is conveniently located at the connection point between Ontario, Quebec, neighbour to the Mohawks of Akwesasne and next to the border with the United States of America. 
As a municipal government, we strive to reflect the community we serve. Our nearly 1,000 employees provide vital services to support residents. Cornwall’s picturesque location on the St. Lawrence River and its numerous parks and recreational facilities makes it an excellent place to thrive and raise a family. Cornwall is an exceptional City, with a growing economy, expanding & diversifying population, affordable cost of living and a high quality of life in Eastern Ontario.

Position Overview
The Director, Legal Services/City Soliticor provides timely and effective legal advice and services to Council, the Senior Management Team, staff, and municipal partners on a wide range of issues. This position manages all manner of litigation, including Tribunal work, with commitment to positive corporate business results through progressive and innovative negotiation and dispute resolution principles. This position will be required to travel within Cornwall from City site to City site and possibly elsewhere in the province in order to conduct the duties of the position.

This position participates on the Senior Management Team and is a key advisor to the CAO and Council, recommending policies, plans, and programs that will benefit Cornwall by being strategic, innovative, practical, and fiscally sound. Leading a talented team, this position guides and inspires a dedicated workforce in their efficient delivery of municipal services and helps shape a workplace culture founded on trust and transparency. The Director is a visible partner in the community and workplace, and a champion of community engagement, development, and sustainability.

Legislative Services
The Legal Services Division is comprised of several different areas, including City Solicitors and Labour Relations. The team will prepare legal opinions for the guidance of Council and staff and represents the Municipality before the Courts and Administrative Tribunals. It prepares by-laws, agreements, contracts and buys and sells property for the Municipality. 

Responsibilities

• Directly supervise staff members who are responsible for service delivery in the areas of legal services
• Manage outside legal counsel and other consultants, as required, with the philosophy similar to in-house service of progressive and innovative approaches, including responsible financial management of outside services by way of clear retainer agreement
• Oversee an annual operating budget and litigation/insurance reserve
• Review drafts and process by-laws, agreements and contracts of all types, particularly those associated with land use
• Prepare deeds, legal notices, title searches, agreements of purchase and sale, easements and land use documents for all departments; detailed knowledge of Planning Act and Municipal Act required
• Draft legal documents including by-laws, providing advice and opinions, and making representations before Courts and Tribunals
• Assist at public meetings concerning legal issues involving all departments of the Municipality
• Provide timely and effective legal advice and services to Council, the Senior Management Team, staff and municipal partners on a wide range of issues
• Assist with negotiating the terms of any settlement agreements respecting disputes as required

Senior Management Team Responsibilities
Leadership:

• Provide leadership through active participation on the Senior Management Team
• Inspire, empower and develop staff
• Determine strategies to move the organization forward
  Communication:
• Positively influence others to achieve results that are in the best interest of the organization
• Communicate a consistent vision and direction for the department.
• Consult with and maintain strong relationships with members of the public, senior staff at all levels of government, external organizations, members of Council and other departments to help achieve the goals of the department and organization
• Assess situations to determine the importance, urgency and risks, and make clear decisions which are timely and in the best interests of the organization
• Ensure departmental issues and concerns are addressed so that administrative and Council goals and objectives are successful
• Maintain a harmonious labour relations climate
• Oversee the review and implementation of effective human resources policies, procedures and practices 
• Establish a positive, healthy and safe work environment according to all appropriate legislation and regulations; ensure staff receive appropriate orientation and training
• Monitor staff performance on an on-going basis and conduct annual performance reviews; coach and mentor senior staff as appropriate to improve performance 

Essential Education & Experience Qualifications
Ability to demonstrate Cornwall’s core values and competencies through a combination of education and experience:

• Law Degree (JD or LLB) from a Canadian University is required
• Post graduate degree in a relevant professional discipline, or equivalent internship and professional designation, with more than 5 years of related experience; or an equivalent combination of education and related experience is required
• Licenced to practice law in Ontario through the Law Society of Ontario is required
• Minimum of 10 years proven experience in municipal administration; minimum of five years’ experience in a senior municipal management/leadership position is required; preference will be given to candidates with experience as a General Manager or related position; proven experience in municipal administration
• Preference will be given to candidates with business, public administration, social sciences, or other related degree; 
• Possess a solid understanding of municipal and contract law
• Ability to interact both orally and in written form with the stakeholders, including the legal profession, enforcement agencies, other government ministries and departments and the general public
• Familiarity with computer based research systems, working knowledge of electronic legal research systems
• Strong computer skills 

Other SMT qualifications

• Thorough knowledge of current issues facing local government in Ontario, and particularly as they relate to the portfolio
• Extensive leadership experience in municipal or broader public, private or voluntary sector 
• Extensive senior level experience with significant scope, complexity, and diversity of operations in a public or private sector environment
• Knowledge of human resources management, financial management, project management, and policy development
• Demonstrate ethical behaviour and business practices
• Ability to be flexible, versatile, and/or tolerant in a changing work environment while maintaining effectiveness and efficiency
• Superior skills and experience in innovative general management and administration related to government/non-profit/volunteer organizations
• Superior written and oral communication skills
• Politically astute
• Strong and effective analytical and problem solving abilities
• Ability to react quickly and decisively in emergencies
• Strategic and critical thinker
• Demonstrated excellence in interpersonal, organizational and time management skills
• Reputation for creating effective labour relations environment
• Knowledge of effective human resource management practices
• Strong performance management skills
• Knowledge of effective financial management practices

Police Check requirement : 

Will require a Criminal Background check.

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