AVP, Assistant Corporate Secretary

Aviva Canada; Toronto; Hybrid; CAD 140,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

Aviva Canada is seeking an AVP, Assistant Corporate Secretary to support governance across the organization. You will work with the Corporate Secretary, Board of Directors and executives to ensure smooth Board operations, provide governance expertise, and manage critical corporate processes.

This role offers exposure to executive leadership, involvement in strategic governance initiatives, and leadership of governance activities for subsidiaries, with a hybrid work model.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of corporate governance or secretarial experience.
• JD or LLB; Senior Law Clerk designation or governance professionals considered.
• Strong stakeholder management across Board, Executives and Senior Management.
• Knowledge of governance principles and regulatory requirements.
• Experience using Board portal technology such as Diligent.
• Discretion and handling confidential information with sound judgment.

Responsibilities

• Plan, coordinate and execute Board and Board Committee meetings (agendas, materials, minutes).
• Prepare governance materials with senior leaders and external stakeholders.
• Maintain governance processes and regulatory compliance.
• Manage Board records, documentation and governance systems (Diligent, SharePoint).
• Support director onboarding, orientation and ongoing governance activities.
• Assist with governance approvals for transactions requiring Board authorization.
• Lead governance of Boards for designated subsidiaries.
• Collaborate with partners to support governance, delegated authority and compliance.

Skills

Stakeholder management

Governance expertise

Leadership

Attention to detail

Discretion

Time management

Education

JD or LLB

Senior Law Clerk designation

Tools

Diligent Board portal

Microsoft Office

Job description

Together, we are Aviva. Our values — Care, Commitment, Community, and Confidence — guide how we show up for each other and for our customers. Individually, they’re words. Together, they define who we are.

At Aviva Canada, we put people first, our employees, our customers, and our communities. We’re proud of a culture built on care, inclusion, and collaboration, where your voice matters and your growth is supported. We’re not just about insurance; we’re about making a real difference by protecting what matters most.

The Opportunity

Join Aviva Canada's Corporate Secretary team and play an important role in supporting effective governance across the organization.

As an AVP, Assistant Corporate Secretary, you'll work closely with the Corporate Secretary, Board of Directors, Executive Team and senior business leaders to help ensure the smooth operation of Board and Committee activities. You'll provide governance expertise, manage critical corporate processes and help maintain the highest standards of corporate governance.

This is an opportunity to gain unique exposure to executive leadership, contribute to strategic initiatives and play a key role in supporting Aviva Canada's governance framework.

What You’ll Do

• Support the planning, coordination and execution of Board of Directors and Board Committee meetings, including agendas, meeting materials, resolutions and minutes.
• Partner with senior leaders, executives and external stakeholders to ensure the timely preparation and delivery of governance materials.
• Maintain Board governance processes and help ensure compliance with applicable regulatory, legal and corporate requirements.
• Manage Board and Corporate records, documentation and governance systems, including Diligent and SharePoint.
• Support director onboarding, orientation, education and ongoing governance activities to help ensure directors effectively discharge their statutory duties.
• Assist with governance approvals and sign-offs for transactions requiring Board or Group authorization.
• Lead the governance and administration of Boards for designated subsidiaries, acting as their Corporate Secretary.
• Manage and lead on individual corporate governance initiatives for the team.
• Collaborate with business partners to support corporate governance, delegated authority and compliance processes.
• Provide advice to the business, Executive Team and Boards on the implications of corporate governance matters.
• Lead the research and analysis of emerging or complex corporate governance issues and prepare related materials and recommendations for the business and relevant Boards.
• Oversee corporate filings, licensing activities and regulatory correspondence.
• Assist with corporate transactions, reorganizations and other legal and governance initiatives, including special projects.

What You’ll Bring

• 7+ years of corporate governance, corporate secretarial or related legal experience gained in-house or within private practice.
• JD or LLB, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Senior Law Clerk designation or experienced governance professionals will also be considered.
• Strong stakeholder management and engagement experience at all levels, particularly with the Board of Directors, Executives and Senior Management.
• Strong knowledge of corporate governance principles and regulatory requirements.
• Strong experience using Board portal technology such as Diligent.
• Demonstrated experience preparing minutes, resolutions and other governance documents with a high degree of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Sound judgment, discretion and experience handling confidential and sensitive information.
• Flexibility to work outside regular business hours, when required, to support Board of Directors and Board Committee meetings and meet time-sensitive deadlines.
• Self-motivated and highly organized with a proven track‑record of taking ownership and responsibility, with the ability to lead and coach more junior members of a team.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Comfortable adopting new technologies, including AI-enabled tools, to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of governance processes.

What Makes You Stand Out

• Experience in subsidiary governance.
• Experience supporting a federally regulated financial institution or insurance organization.
• Knowledge of the Insurance Companies Act, OSFI Corporate Governance Guidelines and Board governance best practices.
• Previous people leadership experience.

What You’ll Get

• Compelling rewards package including base compensation, eligibility for annual bonus, retirement savings, share plan, health benefits, personal wellness, and volunteer opportunities.
• Hybrid flexible work model.
• Competitive vacation package with the option to purchase 5 extra days off per year.
• Employee-driven programs focused on gender, LGBTQ+, origins, diversity, and inclusion.
• Corporate wellness programs to support our employees’ physical and mental health.
• Employee discount on home and auto insurance (where applicable).

This job advertisement is for an existing vacancy which has been posted both internally & externally.

Aviva Canada may use AI (Artificial Intelligence) tools to assist us throughout the recruitment process to screen, assess or select applicants for a position.

Aviva Canada welcomes applications from all qualified individuals and has a process in place to provide accommodations for persons with disabilities at all stages of the hiring process and during employment. If you require an accommodation during the interview or hiring process, please contact your Aviva Talent Acquisition Partner so that an appropriate accommodation can be arranged.