Associate Director & Legal Counsel - Policy & Legal - Competition 2026-034

Competition #2026-034

Category: Term May 4, 2026 – October 4, 2027 (with possibility of extension)

Closing Date: April 24, 2026

Position
Reporting directly to the Executive Director, the Associate Director & Legal Counsel will lead the Policy and Legal Affairs Team by overseeing planning, organizing, leadership, and monitoring and evaluation functions. With a primary focus on managing all policy and legal activities, the Associate Director & Legal Counsel will also serve as General Counsel to the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs (AMC), providing legal guidance and advice on organizational legal matters as required. The Associate Director will also provide supervision and oversight of administrative and operational functions. This entails ensuring alignment with mandating resolutions, defined targets, strategies, and goals set identified in work plans in various policy and legal areas.

Key Responsibilities

Work closely with the Director of Policy and Legal Affairs to manage all policy and legal activities:

Lead and manage the Policy and Legal Affairs Team, fostering a collaborative and productive environment while providing guidance and support.

Develop and implement work plans to effectively manage policy and legal activities, ensuring alignment with organizational objectives.

Oversee research, analysis, and formulation of recommendations, ensuring compliance with established mandates and objectives

Establish monitoring and evaluation mechanisms to assess the impact of policy initiatives and identify areas for improvement.

Provide legal advice and guidance to leadership and departments on a wide range of legal matters affecting AMC.

Review, draft, and interpret legal documents, agreements, policies, and legislation as required.

Identify and assess legal risks and provide recommendations to mitigate potential liabilities.

Support organizational decision-making by ensuring compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and governance frameworks.

Liaise with external legal counsel when required.

Provide supervision and oversight of administrative and operational functions within the Policy and Legal Affairs Team

Set internal policies and procedures to ensure effective service delivery and compliance with organizational standards

Provide leadership and guidance to operational departments, fostering collaboration and optimizing performance.

Develop and execute a comprehensive operational strategy aligned with organizational goals, focusing on efficiency and productivity

Support management reporting and organizational planning, ensuring alignment with the work of the Policy and Legal Affairs Team

Monitor and evaluate employee performance, promoting a supportive organizational culture

Manage timesheets, leave requests, and liaise with HR for payroll processing.

Collaborate with the Finance Department to develop and manage operational budgets and optimize financial performance. Assist in planning and organizing personnel meetings.

Assist in the planning and general organizing of personnel meetings with staff

Participate in special projects and committees as directed.

Other duties as assigned.

Education & Experience

Bachelor’s degree in Law or Juris Doctor (JD), Political Science, Public Policy, Public Administration, or related field. Minimum of 5 years of experience in policy analysis, legal research, or related fields, with at least 2 years in a managerial or supervisory role.

Completion of post-secondary education in Business Administration or a related field preferred.

Five years to ten years of experience in a senior management role, project management, or a combination of education and experience considered.

Knowledge of First Nations culture, history, treaty and inherent rights, and understanding of key issues such as sovereignty, self-determination, and Aboriginal and Treaty rights.

Clear understanding the mission of the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs and the First Nation political processes that exists within the First Nations and representative organizations.

Qualifications

Demonstrated ability to maintain accuracy, thoroughness, and quality in work, coupled with excellent organizational skills. Must be adept at problem-solving, including being able to proactively identify issues and recommend resolutions in a timely manner while keeping all matters confidential.

Adaptable and flexible with a demonstrated ability to take initiative.

Ability to plan, balance and manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced and competing priorities environment.

Strong ability to plan, balance, and manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment with competing priorities. Capacity to work independently and as part of a team, even in situations with frequent interruptions.

 Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.

Proficient use of Microsoft Office software including Word, Excel, and Outlook.

Adhere to AMC policies and procedures with specific attention to attendance, and professional ethics.

Knowledge of current employment practices, human rights legislation, and the Canada Labour Code.

Time and attendance tracking are considered an asset.

Knowledge and understanding of the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs, and of First Nations in Manitoba.

Must have a valid Class 5 Driver’s License and a reliable vehicle.

Must have a current satisfactory Criminal Record Check.

Interested applicants are invited to submit their cover letter identifying the position title and quote competition number applying for, qualifications, and resume, along with 3 professional reference listings (including a most recent employer reference) by 4:00p.m. April 24, 2026 to:

Human Resources

Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs

14th Floor, 275 Portage Avenue, Winnipeg, Manitoba R3B 2B3

Quote Competition #2026-034 in your application.

For best results, submit your application to BambooHR

https://manitobachiefs.com/about/job-opportunities/

Preference will be given to First Nations people. If successful, applicants will be asked to provide verification of citizenship documentation issued by a First Nation or government-issued documentation or affirmation from Inuit, Métis, or non-status Indigenous community with which they identify. Incomplete and late applications will not be considered.

Please visit our website at www.manitobachiefs.com