Across our three hospitals and eight satellite sites, Scarborough Health Network (SHN) is shaping the future of care. Our many programs and services are designed around the needs of one of Canada’s most vibrant and diverse communities. We are home to North America’s largest nephrology program, as well as the designated cardiac care and spine centre for Scarborough and surrounding communities to the east. We are proud to be a community-affiliated teaching site for the University of Toronto and partner with a number of other universities and colleges, helping to train the next generation of health care professionals. SHN is the recipient of the 2021 Excellence in Diversity and Inclusion Award, from the Canadian College of Health Leaders, for our leading edge work on Communities of Inclusion, Inclusion Calendar, Health Equity Certificate Program and much more. We are also proud to be named Canada’s Most Admired Corporate Cultures for 2023 – 2025 and Greater Toronto's Top Employers for 2026. Learn more at shn.ca

Job Description:

Position Overview:

Scarborough Health Network (SHN) is seeking an experienced legal professional to join our Legal Affairs team as Director, Corporate Counsel. Reporting to the Executive Vice President, Corporate Affairs & Chief Legal and Risk Officer, the Director, Corporate Counsel serves as a trusted legal advisor to SHN, providing practical and risk-informed legal advice across a broad range of corporate, commercial, research, governance and operational matters.

The Director leads the drafting, review and negotiation of complex agreements, advises on significant legal and governance matters, supports major capital and redevelopment initiatives, and works collaboratively with executive leadership, clinicians, researchers, operational leaders and external partners to support SHN’s organizational priorities while protecting the organization from legal, financial, regulatory and reputational risk.

Responsibilities:

Corporate, Commercial and Strategic Transactions

• Draft, review and negotiate commercial and operational agreements, including service, procurement and vendor, consulting, technology and software, shared services, affiliation and strategic partnership agreements, and Memoranda of Understanding.
• Develop and maintain standard legal templates, clauses and contracting tools.
• Advise on contract interpretation, dispute avoidance and risk mitigation strategies.
• Support Procurement, Finance, Information Technology, Facilities and operational teams on complex contractual matters.

Research and Education

• Provide legal support for SHN’s research, innovation and educational activities.
• Draft and negotiate clinical trial, research collaboration, data sharing and transfer, material transfer, confidentiality, grant and subgrant, and academic and educational partnership agreements.
• Provide legal advice to protect SHN’s legal, financial and intellectual property interests and support compliance with applicable legislation and institutional requirements.

Capital Development and Redevelopment

• Provide legal oversight and support for major capital and redevelopment initiatives.
• Review and negotiate design, construction and project delivery, professional services, development, governance and funding agreements.
• Advise on contractual risk allocation, indemnities, insurance, dispute resolution, procurement obligations and project governance.
• Support executive leadership in identifying and managing legal risks associated with large-scale infrastructure investments.

Governance, Advisory and Risk Management

• Provide legal advice to executive leadership, clinicians, researchers and operational leaders on corporate governance, regulatory compliance, health law, organizational policy and enterprise risk management.
• Identify emerging legal risks and develop proactive mitigation strategies.
• Work closely with the Executive Vice President, Corporate Affairs & Chief Legal and Risk Officer on legal, governance and organizational matters.
• Coordinate and manage external legal counsel where specialized expertise is required.

Leadership

• Support the continued development of the Legal Affairs function and SHN corporate initiatives.
• Lead, mentor and develop Legal Affairs staff, fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, professionalism and continuous improvement.
• Develop departmental goals, budgets, performance indicators and operational plans.
• Support SHN leaders in identifying and mitigating risk.
• Oversee external legal counsel and monitor legal expenditures.

Requirements:

• LL.B. or J.D. from a recognized law school and called to the Ontario Bar with a licence to practise law in Ontario.
• Minimum of 6-8 years of relevant legal experience.
• Experience drafting corporate, commercial and research agreements.
• Experience in healthcare, public sector, regulatory, research or another complex institutional environment.
• Demonstrated experience advising senior executives and Boards of Directors.
• Experience in privacy, governance, health regulation and contract negotiation.
• Experience managing external legal counsel.
• Advanced knowledge of corporate, commercial, research and health law.
• Strong contract drafting, negotiation and transaction management skills.
• Strong judgment, analytical, problem-solving and risk management capabilities.
• Exceptional stakeholder relationship management and influencing skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication, leadership and project management abilities.
• Ability to manage multiple complex files, competing priorities and deadlines.
• Ability to provide clear, practical and risk-informed legal advice and work collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders.
• LL.M. is considered an asset

This opportunity is posted to support the recruitment of an existing vacant position.

Accommodation and Diversity Statement:
Scarborough Health Network (SHN) embraces and celebrates our community’s unique multicultural heritage and diversity. SHN is an equal opportunity employer, dedicated to a culture of inclusiveness and diversity reflecting our diverse patients, staff and community alike. 

We are committed to fostering an environment of equity and inclusivity where every person can work and receive care safely, openly and honestly. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, nation of origin, genetics, disability, age, veteran status, marital or family status, belief system, or other factors related to one’s personal identity and/or values. 

We are committed to providing barrier-free and accessible employment practices in compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). Should you require accommodation through any stage of the recruitment process, please make them known when contacted and we will work with you to meet your needs.

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