Associate General Counsel

UNIVERSITY OF WINDSOR

NOTICE OF VACANCY

MANAGERIAL AND PROFESSIONAL

POSITION TITLE: ASSOCIATE GENERAL COUNSEL - INVESTIGATIONS

DEPARTMENT: OFFICE OF LEGAL SERVICES

The University of Windsor is situated on the traditional territory of the Three Fires Confederacy of First Nations: the Ojibwa, the Odawa, and the Potawatomie. We respect the longstanding relationships with First Nations people in this place in the 100-mile Windsor-Essex peninsula and the straits – les détroits – of Detroit.

WHO WE ARE:  
The University of Windsor (the University or UWindsor) is a globally relevant, regionally focused University that welcomes over 16,000 students in a range of comprehensive and research-intensive graduate and undergraduate programs. The University consists of eight academic faculties, which include Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences; Science; Human Kinetics; Education; Law; Engineering; Nursing; and Business. The UWindsor campus is home to a medical program offered by Western University's Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry. The University employs a passionate and dedicated faculty and staff, numbering approximately 2,500, of whom approximately 600 are tenured or tenure-track faculty.

The University's unique position on an international border between Canada and the United States has contributed to its identity as a diverse university community providing rich cultural, recreational, and educational opportunities for faculty and students. The University is a key player in a wide range of distinctive industrial, entrepreneurial, and cultural activities throughout the City of Windsor and Essex County, and in an evolving network of international academic and industrial partnerships, particularly with leading American universities in Michigan.

POSITION DESCRIPTION 
The Investigation Counsel will play a vital role in the rejuvenated framework addressing complaints in the institution as well as supporting the HR department moving forward. The investigative case load is anticipated to be substantial, and the obligations on the role to act as a true neutral ensuring procedural fairness will be paramount as the role will be responsible for determining credibility and making findings of fact. 

On the counsel side, the role will be responsible to provide advice and guidance to the HR department and to other members of the leadership team in respect of both union and non-union staff. This will include representing the organization at bargaining, arbitration, and tribunals, and determining the best negotiating and litigation approach to execute instructions while at the same time providing the advice to help inform those instructions.  Errors in advice and strategy will result in legal consequences including litigation, grievances, and cost.

KEY JOB FUNCTIONS 

1. Workplace Investigation

• Lead and conduct comprehensive investigations into complaints (e.g., harassment, discrimination, workplace violence, sexual misconduct), including analysis, findings, and detailed reporting.
• Provide expert recommendations, communicate outcomes, and oversee external investigations to ensure quality, accountability, and adherence to standards.
• Develop and maintain investigation strategies, policies, templates, and best practices while offering strategic support to the centralized complaints function.

2. Legal Counsel - Human Resources Matters

• Provide expert legal advice on HR matters—unionized and non-unionized—to HR, senior leadership, and the Board of Governors, including guidance on policies, workplace rights, safety, and compliance.
• Participate in labour relations work, including arbitrations and tribunal hearings, while fostering collaborative problem-solving approaches with employee groups.
• Develop HR policies and documentation and deliver training and orientation sessions for academic and non-academic leadership on employment, human rights, and workplace responsibilities.

3. University Service and Ancillary Duties

• Participate in internal and external committees and contribute expertise to university-wide initiatives and events such as recruitment fairs and convocation.
• Support and engage in special projects and assignments that advance departmental and institutional goals.
• Represent Human Resources in collaborative activities that strengthen campus relationships and institutional service delivery. 

ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor of Laws (LLB) or Juris Doctor (JD) degree from a recognized and accredited university 
• Must be called to the bar in Ontario and be a Member in good standing with the Law Society of Ontario 
• A minimum of 5 years of related progressive experience with a focus on human resources, labour relations, and conflict management, ideally in a public-sector or institutional environment 
• Experience in workplace investigations and the application of workplace policy in respect of bullying and harassment, workplace violence, discrimination,  
• Experience in conducting grievances, negotiation, and arbitration 
• Experience in human resources policy development and review
• In-depth knowledge of human rights, labour and employment law principles and jurisprudence; must remain current with all legal and best-practices development 
• Ability to develop creative and practical solutions and provide effective legal advice in labour and employment matters of significant complexity and risk exposure 
• Excellent judgment and leadership skill, both personal and professional
• Ability to present effectively analyze and present complex issues, and to collaborate and persuade in addressing them 
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with proven ability to interact and collaborate well with individuals at various levels and from various backgrounds and disciplines within the institution 
• Strong organizational and case management skills 
• Able to work independently, as well as part of a team environment 
• Excellent computer skills including Microsoft Office (Word, Outlook and Power Point) 
• Demonstrated commitment to the principles of equity and diversity and a proven ability to deal effectively with a diverse student, staff and faculty population

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience working in a higher-education or other public institutional setting 
• Understanding of enterprise and fraud risk management principles 
• Administrative law and tribunal experience  
• Training and certification in investigating allegations of sexual violence 

Since 1963, the University of Windsor has been a forward-looking community that comes together to study, to learn, to teach, and to serve. Our symbol is the bridge; our vista is cross-border; our commitment is local; and our impact is global. We are a dynamic, inclusive community of higher learning with roots going back more than 160 years and with a future full of promise.
 

In pursuit of the University's commitment to employment equity, members from the designated groups including women, Indigenous Peoples (First Nations, Métis, Inuit), racialized persons/visible minorities, persons with disabilities, and persons of a minority sexual orientation and/or gender identity are encouraged to apply and to self-identify.  

If you need an accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify the Employment Coordinator ). Should you require further information on accommodation, please visit the website of the Office of Human Rights, Conflict Mediation, and Resolution (OHRCM) at

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.
 

We thank all applicants in advance for their interest in the University of Windsor, however, only those under consideration will be contacted. Applications submitted through employment agencies will not be considered.

APPLICANTS INTERESTED IN THE ABOVE ARE REQUESTED TO APPLY ON OR BEFORE DECEMBER 5, 2025, at 4:00PM