Lead - Legal and Privacy, Health Shared Services

Help shape the future of healthcare in Alberta as Legal and Privacy Lead! Health Shared Services (HSS) is a new Provincial Health Corporation delivering corporate, non-clinical services and functions to the Alberta health system and enabling health professionals to focus on what they do best: care for patients. The Legal and Privacy Lead is a key executive leader in HSS, accountable to lead the Legal, Privacy, Ethics and Compliance, Risk, and Internal Audit portfolios within the organization and provide the vision and strategic leadership for system-wide delivery and integration of legal and privacy strategies and regulatory and statutory compliance across Alberta. As this role is provincial in nature, the work location for this position is negotiable within Alberta and may be eligible for a remote/hybrid arrangement, so you can create your ideal work/life balance. Please note that the salary structure for these positions is under review and the starting salary will be less than the band maximum. Health Shared Services (HSS) is a new organization accountable to provide corporate and support services for all provincial health agencies (PHA) and provincial health corporations (PHC) in the Alberta health system. HSS operates alongside the PHAs and PHCs, ensuring the efficient and strategic integration of core shared services functions across the system. Read on for full details and apply below.

The Legal and Privacy Lead is an executive leadership position responsible for the Legal, Privacy, Ethics and Compliance, and Internal Audit portfolios within Health Shared Services and provides the vision and strategic direction for system-wide delivery and integration of legal and privacy strategies and regulatory and statutory compliance. Reporting to the CEO, the Legal and Privacy Lead acts as the General Counsel for HSS, providing strategic leadership and advice with respect to legal and risk issues, regulatory and statutory compliance, organizational governance, and establishing a full suite of legal, audit, and risk services to support provincial health organizations in accordance with established service agreements. The Legal and Privacy Lead will maintain the consistency of legal advice across the health system while building consensus amongst integrated PHA/PHC General Counsel on a standard approach to legal and privacy matters. This role is accountable for a budget of approximately $25M and over 140 staff as they act as the key legal advisor and provide executive leadership in the provision of a full range of legal services and legal and risk management expertise and strategic advice. This role oversees and coordinates input from other legal advisors, including those in the Government of Alberta health ministries and Justice and Solicitor General, and external legal counsel as required for specialized expertise. In addition, the Lead is responsible to ensure compliance with all legislative, regulatory, and applicable legal requirements.

The successful candidate will possess a J.D. or LL. B and is a member in good standing with the Law Society of Alberta. You have at least fifteen (15) years’ legal experience in an in-house healthcare legal department or law firm serving the health care sector or similarly complex service delivery environment. You also have at least ten (10) years’ experience in a relevant strategic leadership capacity and experience providing strategic legal advice to executive leadership teams.

Knowledge of and experience in the litigation process, health law, privacy, and enterprise risk management principles, corporate, commercial, labour law, and board governance models. Expertise in navigating Canadian and Albertan health law, privacy legislation (e.g., HIA, PIPA, PIPEDA), and regulatory frameworks. Experience with public sector law, administrative and corporate law, and contracts relevant to healthcare. Experience performing critical analysis, negotiation, and problem-solving. An experienced provider of clear and concise legal advice to non-legal audiences; excellent written and verbal communication skills with an aptitude for public speaking. Experience applying ethical decision-making principles, navigating complex/ambiguous situations with professional integrity.

Graduate degree (MBA, MHA) is an asset. Previous healthcare experience or experience in an organization of comparable size, complexity and diversity is an asset.