Contract, Senior Governance Counsel (20-Months)

Reporting to the Senior Manager, Corporate Governance, the 20-Month Contract, Senior Governance Counsel is responsible for leading activities that support the Corporate Secretariat, Governance, and Business Services, while serving as the internal liaison for governance matters. The role involves proactively reviewing and refining processes to ensure ongoing corporate legal and regulatory compliance.

The incumbent leads the daily operations of the Corporate Secretariat and oversees all aspects of Board of Directors governance, including meetings, shareholder relations, mandates, education, evaluations, and regulatory reporting, in alignment with Ontario Energy Board (OEB) and Ontario Securities Commission (OSC) requirements. They provide legal expertise in areas such as Corporate Finance, Securities Law, Disclosure, and utility regulations, and act as the primary contact for internal stakeholders on governance and legislative risk issues.

Additionally, the Contract, Senior Governance Counsel manages divisional business planning, budgeting, performance tracking, and reporting, and leads the implementation of new legislative and regulatory developments that impact the organization.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Leads the planning and daily operations of the Corporate Secretariat, coordinating with the Board, General Counsel, and Executive team on quarterly and special Board meetings, administration, documentation, and record-keeping.
• Develops and implements Board orientation and evaluation processes.
• Prepares and maintains resolutions, reports, constating documents, mandates, charters, bylaws, and policies.
• Oversees the preparation and packaging of Board and executive presentations.
• Collaborates with senior leadership to enhance corporate governance practices through research, benchmarking, and compliance advisory.
• Manages the governance relationship with the shareholder, including reporting and resolution of escalated issues.
• Responds to evolving regulatory mandates and reporting requirements from bodies such as the OEB and OSC.
• Acts as a steward in regulatory relationships and governance compliance.
• Conducts legal reviews of public disclosures in accordance with the Disclosure Policy, ensuring alignment with legal, strategic, and stakeholder considerations.
• Develops tools and reporting mechanisms to support continuous and timely disclosure compliance.
• Oversees the corporate policy framework under the executive policy committee, ensuring policies remain current, effective, and compliant.
• Acts as the primary liaison to internal stakeholders for governance and legislative risk resolution.
• Provides legal counsel on strategic initiatives including corporate restructuring, new business development, and transactions.
• Supports Finance in preparing financial disclosures and reports, and advises on corporate finance and securities law matters.
• Leads legal aspects of corporate finance transactions, alternative financing models, and joint ventures.
• Collaborates with internal teams and external counsel to prepare Board materials for corporate transactions.
• Supports the planning, implementation, and continuous improvement of divisional processes, including business planning, performance measurement, and reporting.
• Monitors legislative developments and assesses their impact on the organization.
• Implements compliance strategies and develops internal knowledge resources, best practices, and legal trend analyses to inform governance and practice management.

REQUIREMENTS:

•  Three (3) or more years of professional experience (including articling) in corporate governance, corporate structuring, securities law and corporate secretarial experience
• Bachelor of Laws (LL.B) or Juris Doctor (J.D.)
• Member in good standing with the Law Society of Ontario
• Master’s degree in Policy, Public Administration, Law, Engineering, Finance, or Business Administration (preferred)
• Experience supporting clients and stakeholders in complex, confidential matters
• Experience working in politically sensitive environments
• Superior judgment, maturity, and decision-making skills for engaging with the Board and senior leadership on sensitive matters
• Advanced expertise in corporate governance and corporate law
• Knowledge of electrical utility legislation and regulatory compliance preferred
• Strong understanding of legislation and common law relevant to the organization
• Familiarity with the regulatory landscape of the electrical utility sector
• Strong analytical, verbal, and written communication skills
• Excellent project management capabilities
• Proven ability to maintain confidentiality and uphold solicitor-client privilege  

Please note that a cover letter is required as part of your application.

Toronto Hydro has introduced a Hybrid Work Arrangement. This position allows for remote work up to three days per week, based on business needs.  Employees will be required to come onsite on those days when they are involved in activities that they or their leader feel are better conducted in person. You are expected to live in Ontario and within reasonable commuting distance of the office.

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Thank you for considering a career with Toronto Hydro. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates. If you’re having difficulty using our online application system and require accommodation, please email hr_talent@torontohydro.com or call (416) 542-8000. Toronto Hydro is pleased to provide reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals throughout the job application process. Please note this email is for accommodation requests only. Resumes sent to this email address will not be considered. Learn more about our commitment to accessibility.