Director of Legal Affairs and Municipal Clerk

Job description

Position Context and Challenges

In the context of evolution and modernization of its practices, the Town of Hudson is seeking a Director of Legal Affairs and Municipal Clerk who wishes to put their legal expertise and judgment to work for a human-scale municipality. As a member of the management team, this person will play a strategic role with the Director General, Municipal Council and managers, in an environment that values leadership, collaboration and commitment to employees.

In Hudson, the role of Director of Legal Affairs and Municipal Clerk goes well beyond the application of laws and regulations. It offers an opportunity to contribute directly to decisions that shape the Town and to play a key role in the evolution of its governance practices. You will join an accessible and engaged management team, in an environment where your expertise, judgment and ability to influence will have a tangible impact on decisions and on the organization. The position also offers genuine scope to improve ways of working, strengthen governance practices and contribute to the modernization of certain processes, with a focus on efficiency, rigor and continuous improvement.

The Role

Reporting to the Director General, the incumbent holds a strategic role at the heart of the Town's governance. As the Town's principal legal advisor and custodian of its official records, the Director of Legal Affairs and Municipal Clerk supports the Director General, Municipal Council, elected officials, and managers in interpreting the legislative and regulatory framework and in making informed, rigorous and compliant decisions.

Beyond legal compliance, the incumbent provides oversight, advice, and influence to anticipate issues, manage risks and support the evolution of the Town's governance practices. The Municipal Clerk plans, coordinates and ensures the delivery of Clerk's Office activities, including matters related to Municipal Council proceedings, legal affairs, records management and archives, access to information, litigation files, and electoral processes. Supported by a team of two (2), the incumbent provides engaging and collaborative leadership and ensures the ongoing development of the practices, processes, and services under their responsibility, with a focus on efficiency, modernization, and continuous improvement, to meet the needs of the Town and its residents.

Main Responsibilities

Municipal Governance and Support to Municipal Council

• Act as a strategic partner to the Director General by providing legal and governance insight on complex or sensitive matters, or matters involving organizational, reputational, or political issues.
• Serve as secretary to Municipal Council proceedings by planning, coordinating, and ensuring the proper conduct of Council and committee meetings in accordance with legal requirements.
• Draft minutes, resolutions, municipal by-laws, and other official Council documents, ensuring their legal and administrative compliance.
• Follow up on Council decisions, coordinate the publication of by-laws and ensure compliance with procedures prescribed by applicable legislation.
• Prepare, draft, and publish public notices in accordance with municipal legislative requirements.

Legal Affairs and Litigation

• Act as legal advisor to Municipal Council, the Director General and managers by interpreting laws, by-laws and municipal policies to support informed decision-making.
• Draft, review, negotiate and follow up on contracts, agreements, memoranda of understanding, leases, servitudes, and other Town legal documents to ensure compliance with applicable legislation.
• Identify and anticipate legal issues and risks that may affect the Town's activities, decisions, or reputation, and recommend strategies to prevent or mitigate them.
• Represent the Town before judicial and administrative tribunals when required or coordinate interventions with external legal counsel.

Records Management, Archives and Access to Information

• Act as custodian of the municipal archives and ensure the preservation, integrity and accessibility of the Town's official records.
• Oversee records management activities and ensure the application of best practices in records retention and archiving.
• Ensure compliance with the Act respecting Access to documents held by public bodies and the Protection of personal information, including processing access-to-information requests and ensuring compliance with legal confidentiality obligations.

Municipal Affairs Management

• Manage files related to acquisitions, disposals, servitudes, expropriations and other Town real estate transactions.
• Manage the Town's property and casualty insurance portfolio and claims files in collaboration with the various stakeholders involved.
• Coordinate tax sales of immovables in default of municipal tax payments in accordance with legislative provisions.
• Organize and oversee public auctions of obsolete, surplus or unclaimed property belonging to the Town.

Municipal Elections and Public Consultations

• Act as returning officer for municipal elections and referendums in accordance with the Act respecting elections and referendums in municipalities.
• Plan, coordinate and oversee electoral processes, public consultations and referendums, ensuring compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.

Collaboration and Continuous Improvement

• Develop and maintain collaborative relationships with elected officials, the Director General, managers, external partners and various government bodies.
• Monitor legislative developments and recommend necessary adjustments to maintain the compliance of municipal practices.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of administrative processes and municipal governance practices.

Talent Mobilization and Development

• Create a harmonious work environment based on collaboration, trust and accountability.
• Mobilize team members around shared priorities, foster the development of their skills and support their professional growth, while establishing clear expectations and a culture of rigor, engagement and continuous improvement.

This description outlines the principal responsibilities of the position. It is not exhaustive, and the incumbent may be called upon to perform any other related duties consistent with the position.

Special Conditions

• The position requires occasional evening availability to attend Municipal Council meetings, plenary sessions and, as needed, other municipal activities or working meetings.

What the Town of Hudson Offers: An Environment that Supports Both Engagement and Work-Life Balance!

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience.
• A flexible work schedule, with Fridays ending at noon throughout the year.
• Advantageous working conditions, including annual vacation, a bank of cashable sick/personal days, 13 statutory holidays and one floating holiday.
• An extended holiday break, from December 24 through January 2 inclusive.
• A comprehensive group insurance program, with 75% of the premium paid by the Town from the first day of employment.
• A defined contribution pension plan (8% employer – 8% employee) from the first day of employment.
• Reimbursement of professional order membership fees related to the position's responsibilities, as well as support for professional development.
• A work arrangement that is primarily on-site, fostering proximity and collaboration with teams, with the possibility of remote work in accordance with the policy in effect.