Overview

Legal and Immigration Services is dedicated to proactively supporting the University of Waterloo's mission, vision, and core values by providing practical, objective, and sound legal advice to strategically identify and manage the University's legal and immigration needs while creating and strengthening inclusive client-focused relationships.

The Privacy Office provides advice to the university community and, develops and facilitates the implementation of policies and procedures regarding access to information and privacy protection to promote transparency, security, efficiency, and use of best practices.

Reporting to General Counsel, the Legal Counsel, Privacy will provide a full range of legal services and legal guidance to senior leaders, faculties, schools, and administrative units to manage legal risks and enhance the University of Waterloo’s mission, with a focus on information and privacy-related services.

The Information and Privacy Office and related responsibilities and accountabilities fulfill the University’s obligations under the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA).

Responsibilities

Privacy Leadership and Strategic Development
Privacy Compliance and Legal Guidance
Responsibilities under FIPPA
Privacy Review and Response to complaints and privacy breaches
Risk Identification, Assessment, and Training
Operations & Systems Management

For more detailed information about the responsibilities of this role, please click the "Apply" button to access our full job posting.

Qualifications

Bachelor of Laws (L.L.B) or Juris Doctor (J.D.) or equivalent law degree is required.
Licensed to practice law in Ontario and must be a member in good standing of the Law Society of Ontario.
Relevant professional designation from the International Association of Privacy Professionals (IAPP) or other recognized professional body
Minimum of 3-5 years’ experience, practicing law and providing legal advice to complex organizations
Strong working knowledge of provincial and federal information and privacy laws
3+ years’ experience working with access to information and protection privacy responding to access requests, privacy complaints, information breaches, and inquiries from the community
Project management experience in a complex environment
Higher education or other public sector experience is an asset.
Knowledge of a broad range of legal matters and of statutory law affecting universities
Extensive knowledge and interpretation of the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act, the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, and the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario, including regulations and legislation, and their interplay between them and other related and relevant legislation
Significant breadth of knowledge related to university operations; ability to understand university guidelines, policies, and practices
Understanding of access to information and privacy protection matters, and of related legislation and policy in a university or public sector setting
Knowledge of the legislative and procedural framework related to the development, amendment, and implementation of statutes, regulations, and by-laws
Clear and critical thinking, with superior writing and reasoning skills, persuasiveness
Can effectively initiate, drive, and manage change initiatives that align with organizational strategies, support legal risk mitigation, and enhance operational legal efficiencies related to privacy and data
Conflict resolution skills with an ability to proactively identify potential conflicts and support actions to facilitate its resolution
Competent in providing guidance and direction to support others in solving complex situations affecting the University’s business
Sound decision maker based on a mixture of analysis, wisdom, experience and judgement, balancing risk with the likelihood of occurrence.
Ability to collaborate across internal and external boundaries to meet common objectives, improve outcomes, and support work beyond the unit
Ability to make decisions and recommendations that are clearly linked to the university’s strategic plan
Effective influential and consultative skills with the ability to build strong interpersonal relationships
Ability to adapt to evolving privacy laws and technologies affecting higher education
Proven ability to work independently and resourcefully
Driven by equitable, diverse, and inclusive practices

Equity Statement

The University of Waterloo acknowledges that much of our work takes place on the traditional territory of the Neutral, Anishinaabeg, and Haudenosaunee peoples. Our main campus is situated on the Haldimand Tract, the land granted to the Six Nations that includes six miles on each side of the Grand River. Our active work toward reconciliation takes place across our campuses through research, learning, teaching, and community building, and is co-ordinated within the Office of Indigenous Relations.

The University values the diverse and intersectional identities of its students, faculty, and staff. The University regards equity and diversity as an integral part of academic excellence and is committed to accessibility for all employees. The University of Waterloo seeks applicants who embrace our values of equity, anti-racism and inclusion. As such, we encourage applications from candidates who have been historically disadvantaged and marginalized, including applicants who identify as First Nations, Métis and/or Inuk (Inuit), Black, racialized, a person with a disability, women and/or 2SLGBTQ+.

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.

The University of Waterloo is committed to accessibility for persons with disabilities. If you have any application, interview, or workplace accommodation requests, please contact Human Resources at hrhelp@uwaterloo.ca or 519-888-4567, ext. 45935.

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