About Toronto Metropolitan
At the intersection of mind and action, Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) is on a transformative path to become Canada’s leading comprehensive innovation university. Integral to this path is the placement of equity, diversity and inclusion as fundamental to our institutional culture. Our current academic plan outlines each as core values and we work to embed them in all that we do.
TMU welcomes those who have demonstrated a commitment to upholding the values of equity, diversity, and inclusion and will assist us in realizing the benefits of embedding these values into the work at every level and in every unit of the university. In addition, to correct the conditions of disadvantage in employment in Canada and to bring lived experiences to the work, we encourage applications from members of equity deserving groups that have been historically disadvantaged and marginalized, including First Nations, Métis and Inuit Peoples in Canada, First Nations Peoples in the United States, racialized people, Black people, persons with disabilities, women, and 2SLGBTQ+ people. Preference will be given to candidates with lived experiences as people from equity deserving groups, as well as experience working with these communities with which the University works every day. Please note that all qualified candidates are encouraged to apply and we welcome newcomers and immigrants to Canada.
In April 2022, the university announced its new name of Toronto Metropolitan University. Learn more about our next chapter.
Office of the General Counsel and Board Secretariat (GCBS)
The Office of the General Counsel and Board Secretariat (GCBS) is responsible for providing strategic legal, compliance, privacy and risk advice, facilitating sound decision-making and processes, and enabling the University to carry out its academic mission in accordance with the University’s legal, governance and regulatory responsibilities. GCBS has responsibility for key University legal, governance and risk functions including legal services, privacy, access to information, compliance, enterprise risk management, and facilitation and coordination for the University’s Board of Governors.
The Opportunity
Responsibilities
The Privacy and Access Specialist will work in the Office of General Counsel and Board Secretariat and contribute to effective information and privacy management. Responsibilities include:
- Coordinating responses to freedom of information requests, facilitating privacy compliance, and providing privacy advisory services.
- Supporting the academic and administrative units of the University to meet their responsibilities in relation to access to information and protection of privacy.
Key Responsibilities
- Provides access and privacy advisory services through interpretation and application of privacy policies, requirements and legislation
- Coordinates all aspects of Freedom of Information (FOI) requests, including gathering records, applying legislative exemptions and exclusions to disclosure, redacting records, managing fees, tracking files and managing timelines, acting as the first point of contact for requesters.
- Works closely with internal departments on the processing of FOI requests and supports the appeal process, including liaising with the Information and Privacy Commissioner (IPC).
- Supports the response to incidents, complaints and privacy-related inquiries, including conducting investigations, audits and notifications.
- Supports privacy reviews and impact assessments, including review of university systems, data initiatives, data sharing provisions/contracts and disclosure requests.
- Monitors applicable privacy and access legislation and privacy trends, and advises on the impact to the University.
- Develops and delivers training on legislative requirements relating to access and privacy.
Qualifications
- Successful completion of a post-secondary degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Information Management, Law, Paralegal, or a related discipline.
- A minimum of three (3) years of related work experience (i.e., privacy, access to information, compliance, risk management, public administration, cybersecurity), including at least two (2) years experience in privacy and/or access to information.
- Project coordination and planning skills to coordinate requests, manage resources, prioritize work, track progress, and meet project timelines.
- Experience processing a high volume of FOI files is an asset.
- Demonstrated knowledge of the legislation affecting information and privacy in the post-secondary education sector, specifically the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA).
- Ability to analyze records for possible disclosure, applying legislation and providing recommendations.
- Proven ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
- Demonstrated ability to handle matters requiring high levels of diplomacy, sensitivity and confidentiality.
- Exceptional customer service skills to work with a variety of internal and external stakeholders.
- Solid organizational skills, including time management, to manage multiple projects and competing priorities.
- Strong technical skills, including Microsoft / Google Suite applications, working with spreadsheets, and Adobe software.
Additional Information (MAC)
Position Number(s)20004046
Reports ToDirector, Privacy of Policy Management & Enterprise Risk
DepartmentOffice of the General Counsel and Board Secretariat (GCBS)
Employee GroupMAC
Vacancy TypeFTCE - this is an existing position
Work LocationHybrid (3 days in-person/on-campus and remaining days remote), based on operational requirements and subject to change
Start DateASAP
End DateN/A
Hours of Work36.25
Grade C42
Salary Scale$69,579 - $111,145
Hiring Salary Range$81,325 - $90,362
TA SpecialistLaurie Shemavonian
Posting DateNovember 5, 2025
Application Close DateNovember 19, 2025
- Equivalent experience or a combination of equivalent experience and education may be accepted in place of education.
- As part of the selection process, candidates may be required to complete an occupational assessment.
- Applications will only be accepted online through Toronto Metropolitan University's career site.
- We will provide an accessible experience for applicants, students, employees, and members of the Toronto Metropolitan University community. We are committed to providing an inclusive and barrier-free work environment, starting with the recruitment process. If you have restrictions that need to be accommodated to fully participate in any phase of the recruitment process, please submit your request through the AskHR webform. All information received in relation to accommodation will be kept confidential.
