Vice President & Chief Administrative Officer

If you are looking for a leadership role where success will be measured by increasing access to justice for low-income individuals throughout Ontario-and by leading one of Canada’s most dynamic, client-centred and innovative public legal institutions to the next level of achievement, you will find that mandate at Legal Aid Ontario (LAO).  Today, LAO is one of the largest providers of legal services in North America. 

Reporting to the President & CEO, the Vice President & Chief Administrative Officer (VP/CAO), is responsible for the infrastructure that supports LAO’s non-legal operations, including human resources, information technology, facilities, finance, lawyer services and payments, and the client experience.  The VP/CAO will work collaboratively with other members of the executive leadership team, and particularly the President & CEO, to oversee the administrative operations across LAO.  You will champion excellence in client service through the use of technology and the application of the most modern management principles to foster program innovation, efficiency and effectiveness.  Through sound operational and financial stewardship and an in-depth understanding of the value and application that equity, diversity and inclusion brings to the work of legal aid, you will enhance the organization’s ability to improve access to justice within its available resources. A seasoned strategic leader, you will inspire an organization with nearly 1,000 staff, professional relationships with 5,000 lawyers, funding arrangements with over 70 clinics across the province and a total budget of approximately $400 million.

LAO seeks an outstanding leader with a demonstrated capacity to lead the delivery of the core functions of the Agency.  Straightforward and open in your professional interactions with staff, stakeholders and the public, combined with the ability to bring an equity lens into all areas of business, you have held positions of leadership administration within a multi-layered service-oriented environment where responsibilities extend beyond traditional internal operations.  You have demonstrated experience in being accountable for large budgets within a public sector context as well as similar demonstrated experience managing a large team.  You bring innovative ideas to the table with an overall understanding of the justice system appreciating the independence and interdependence of the many participants in the system.  Seen as a trusted advisor, leader and colleague, the successful candidate will be able to work in a complex political environment. 

To explore this opportunity further, please contact Camille Petitti or submit your resume online to www.odgersberndtson.com/en/careers/17405 (review of applications will begin immediately). 

Legal Aid Ontario encourages applicants from equity seeking groups, including but not limited to individuals who are First Nations, Inuit or Métis descent, persons with disabilities, women and members of racialized communities and the 2SLGBTQ+ community.  LOA recognizes the value of diversity, equity and inclusion and are committed to addressing systemic barriers, and attracting and retaining diverse staff.  All interested and eligible people will be considered, with due consideration to all protected grounds under the Ontario Human Rights Code.