Director, Law, Strategy & Operations

Alberta Energy Regulator; Calgary; Hybrid; CAD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

A public regulatory agency located in Calgary seeks a Director of Law Strategy & Operations. The role requires extensive legal experience and leadership in managing operations, along with proven abilities in strategic thinking. Ideal candidates will have a law degree and 12 years of relevant practice, with a significant focus on leadership and communication skills. The position offers great benefits, including flexible work arrangements and a defined benefit pension plan.

Benefits

Defined benefit pension plans

Flexible benefits program

Generous vacation entitlement

Qualifications

• 12 years of practicing law in areas like administrative/regulatory law and litigation.
• Must be a member in good standing of The Law Society of Alberta.
• 5 years of people management experience required.

Responsibilities

• Manage day-to-day law branch operations and provide leadership.
• Provide high level strategic and legal advice on AER business matters.
• Ensure strategic operational plans and outcomes for the branch are achieved.

Skills

Strategic enterprise level thinking

Leadership skills

Excellent communication skills

Education

Law degree or Juris Doctorate

Job description

Location: Calgary, Alberta head office of the Alberta Energy Regulator

Employment Type: Full Time Permanent

Salary Range: The final compensation for this position will be determined based on individual factors including education qualifications experience and internal equity.

The Opportunity

Reporting to the Vice President (VP) & Associate General Counsel (AGC) of the branch, the Director Law Strategy & Operations at the Alberta Energy Regulator (AER) will manage day-to-day law branch operations and provide leadership direction, oversight and development of Law branch staff. You will be part of the Leadership Team in the AERs Law branch, provide legal and strategic advice to the AER on sensitive and senior level matters, and assist the VP Law & AGC on strategic and legal issues of importance to the branch and the enterprise.

What your day-to-day will look like

• Lead a team of senior lawyers as direct reports and provide clear direction so the team works as a cohesive unit. Develop team members through coaching, training, objective setting, providing ongoing feedback and recognition. Manage people resources including delegation of work, Workday requests including time off and recruiting. Lead employees through significant changes. Apply AERs people management policies and programs within an inclusive environment where diversity is valued. Responsible for communication, knowledge transfer & succession planning and providing leadership and guidance to legal practice groups.
• Work collaboratively with the VP Law & AGC on branch planning and management including budgeting, forecasting, operational and resource planning so that branch and enterprise needs are appropriately and effectively resourced. Ensure branch strategic operational plans and outcomes are achieved.
• Participate in key organizational strategic initiatives and apply a risk-informed approach to drive the design and implementation of innovative, streamlined and integrated solutions to legal and process issues of importance to the enterprise.
• Provide high level strategic and legal advice and input on enterprise business projects and operations, particularly through membership in branch and inter-branch teams, committees and strategic/enterprise initiatives as required.
• Provide senior level legal and strategic advice to AER staff including Hearing Commissioners and delegated decision makers on all facets of the AERs business and regulatory functions in a collaborative manner. This includes legal analysis, interpretation, advice and opinions regarding AER administered legislation and legislation to which the AER is subject, AER rules and regulatory instruments and policy development through AER internal processes.
• Prepare and/or oversee the preparation of pleadings for filing in the Court of Appeal of Alberta and other courts or tribunals and represents the AER in court and other proceedings.
• Act as a statutory decision maker on matters such as regulatory appeal requests, confidentiality requests under the AER Rules of Practice and other decisions as necessary and authorized.

What we’re looking for in you

• Law degree or Juris Doctorate from a recognized university and must be a member in good standing of The Law Society of Alberta.
• 12 years practising law in at least two of the following areas: administrative/regulatory law, litigation/appeals, energy/environmental law, bankruptcy & insolvency, aboriginal/constitutional law; combined with 5 years people management experience.
• Ability to demonstrate strategic enterprise level thinking.
• Proven leadership skills, experience leading one or more teams of lawyers.
• Excellent understanding of policy and regulatory requirements and associated risks.
• Ability to prioritize and operate under tight deadlines.
• Excellent communication skills: ability to effectively communicate verbally and in writing to a diverse audience.

Additional Information

• All applicants must be legally entitled to work in Canada at the time of application.
• This position will be subject to pre-employment background screening including a criminal record check and a financial security check.
• Travel within province may be required from time to time for hearing related work including overnight stays for hearings lasting more than a day.
• Should an individual with the required qualifications not be available, applicants with closely related qualifications may be considered. As a result the position may be redesigned and/or reclassified.
• If you need accommodation during any stage of the recruitment process please email. Information relating to the need for accommodation and accommodation measures will be addressed confidentially.

What we offer you

• Great benefits from your first day of work
• Flexible Work Program - hybrid work and flexible hours
• Defined benefit pension plans
• Flexible benefits program options including Personal & Health spending account(s)
• Generous vacation entitlement and flex days

Commitment to Diversity

At the AER our values of Accountability, Collaboration, Transparency and Trust & Respect are foundational to our culture, a culture where every individual regardless of race, colour, religion, gender, national origin, age, disability or any other legally protected factors thrives and contributes their unique perspectives. Our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion fuels innovation, creating a brighter more sustainable Alberta for all. Join us in shaping this dynamic future.

Application closing date: September 5 2025 at midnight

Required Experience: Director

Experience:

Vacancy: 1