Legal Director

Company Description:

Empowered Futures is a forward-thinking nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting emerging adults as they transition into independence and adulthood. Our mission is to empower young people to become confident, emotionally intelligent, and resourceful individuals by providing access to self-development resources, business mentorship, and personalized guidance. Through our programs, we help emerging adults build essential life and career skills, expand their networks, and unlock their full potential.

At Empowered Futures, volunteers and leaders play a critical role in shaping the future of the next generation, making it a rewarding environment for those passionate about youth development, social impact, and transformational mentorship.

Role Description:

We are seeking an experienced and strategic Legal Director to serve as the organization’s senior legal advisor. This role will work closely with the Executive Director, senior leadership team, Board of Directors, and external counsel to provide legal guidance, manage regulatory and organizational risk, and ensure compliance with applicable Canadian laws.

The Legal Director will support the organization across governance, operations, employment matters, contracts, and policy development while helping drive mission-focused growth and organizational effectiveness

Key Responsibilities:

Legal Strategy & Executive Counsel

• Serve as the primary legal advisor to the Executive Director, senior leadership, and Board of Directors.
• Provide strategic guidance on legal issues affecting operations, partnerships, and organizational growth.
• Assess legal implications of strategic initiatives, policies, and program development.

Governance & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with federal and provincial laws applicable to Canadian nonprofit organizations, including corporate governance, charitable registration, fundraising regulations, and CRA requirements.
• Advise the Board on fiduciary duties, bylaws, conflict‑of‑interest obligations, and governance best practices.
• Oversee corporate filings, annual returns, board resolutions, and organizational recordkeeping.

Contracts & Transactions

• Draft, review, and negotiate agreements including grants, MOUs, vendor contracts, leases, partnership agreements, and service contracts.
• Provide oversight on donor restrictions, funding agreements, and government‑funded program requirements.
• Maintain standardized contract templates and approval workflows.

Risk Management & Litigation Oversight

• Identify and mitigate legal risks across programs, operations, and partnerships.
• Manage relationships with external counsel and oversee litigation, investigations, or dispute resolution when required.
• Advise on insurance coverage, liability exposure, and claims management.

Employment & Organizational Law

• Provide guidance on employment and labour law matters, including policies, compliance, accommodations, and workplace standards.
• Support HR on hiring, termination, performance management, and workplace investigations.
• Ensure compliance with employment standards, human rights legislation, accessibility requirements, and occupational health and safety obligations.

Policy Development & Training

• Develop, review, and update organizational policies to reflect legal requirements and sector best practices.
• Provide training to staff and leadership on compliance, risk awareness, privacy, and ethical conduct.
• Monitor legal and regulatory developments affecting the nonprofit sector and recommend necessary updates.

Qualifications:

• Juris Doctor (JD) or equivalent law degree from an accredited institution.
• Active license to practice law in Canada (member in good standing with a provincial law society).
• 7–10 years of legal experience, ideally with exposure to nonprofit, corporate, regulatory, or public‑interest law.
• Demonstrated experience advising senior leadership and boards.
• Strong contract drafting, negotiation, and risk‑assessment skills.

Preferred:

• Experience as in‑house counsel or legal director in a nonprofit or charitable organization.
• Knowledge of CRA charitable compliance, fundraising regulations, and government funding frameworks.
• Experience managing litigation and external counsel.

Core Competencies:

• Strategic legal judgment and risk management
• Nonprofit governance and compliance
• Clear, practical communication of legal issues
• Cross‑functional collaboration and influence
• Integrity, discretion, and professionalism

Benefits:

• Contribute to empowering young adults to reach their full potential
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary senior board members
• Expand your professional and leadership network
• Opportunities for future leadership roles, including potential board participation

Position Details

This is a part‑time, volunteer (unpaid) position with a recommended commitment of 8–10 hours per week.

Please be sure to check your inbox, including your spam or junk folder, for any correspondence from us regarding your application status. Occasionally, emails may be filtered by mistake