General Counsel

General Counsel - Parental Leave Cover (6 Months Contract)

Cancer Council NSW is Australia's leading cancer organisation and our vision is to change the path of cancer and make sure no one walks alone. We are dedicated to meaningful careers where you will not only change the lives and futures of people affected by cancer, but you will work in a multi-award awarding winning culturally connected environment.

About us

Cancer Council NSW (CCNSW) is a community funded and focused not for profit. We are the largest cancer charity in NSW and our point of difference is that we work across every area of every cancer, from research right through to support.

At CCNSW we understand that nothing feels better than doing work you really care about. As Australia's leading organisation supporting all people impacted by all cancers, we understand how good it feels to make a difference. We know that almost 1 in 2 Australians are affected by cancer during their lifetime, by joining the passionate team at CCNSW you'll know that each day the work you're doing will positively impact people in your life and Australia.

Together, we will work towards our goal of a cancer free future, while at the same time encouraging you to get the most out of your life with a supportive environment anchored in flexibility, physical and mental wellbeing to bring out the best of what makes you uniquely you. CCNSW we're here for meaningful careers that feel good.

About the team

The Finance, Strategy & Operations (FSO) Division supports CCNSW's strategic ambition by enabling and facilitating the building of a future ready and sustainable organisation. FSO's key objective is to remove any bottlenecks that may impede CCNSW's growth and strategic outcomes, without exposing CCNSW to compliance, governance, cyber, security, or safety risks outside of CCNSW's risk appetite.

About the role:

The General Counsel provides advice and support to the Board, Executive Leadership Team, and other stakeholders on all matters that have legal implications, or present a legal risk. The role also provides guidance on legislative compliance, policies, corporate governance and privacy risk, and is a key member of the data breach response team, and acts as the organisation's Privacy Officer. The role establishes and maintains policies and processes to identify, assess, and enable organisation-wide legal compliance.

Key responsibilities of the role:

• Prepares, reviews and advises on a wide range of documents including contracts, agreements and collaborative arrangements between CCNSW and its suppliers, contractors, partners, research collaborators, government agencies, and other stakeholders.
• Advises the Board and Executive Leadership Team on legal risk and compliance matters, policies and processes.
• Acts as and fullfills the responsibilities of CCNSW's Privacy Officer.
• Manages external legal provider relationships and provides advice on legal issues as they arise e.g. IP, confidentiality and privacy, trademark, contested estates, etc.
• Ensures registers, records and approvals are established and maintained.
• Liaises and ensures compliance with external regulators and advisers, such as the ACNC, ASIC, and OAIC.
• Regularly reviews all internal policies and procedures to ensure compliance with legal requirements and provides training on any changes.
• Provides legal advice and training to internal stakeholders on laws and policies relevant to charitable and not-for-profit organisations.
• Regularly reviews contract templates and where appropriate develops CCNSW template agreements.
• Provides legal advice on policy and law reform initiatives to reduce cancer risk in the NSW population.
• Regularly monitors and reports on changes to relevant legislation and regulations, taking or advising on appropriate action to respond to such changes.
• Supervises the work of the Legal team and manages the affairs of the Legal Team, including staff resourcing and capacity and maintaining records of legal matters, the legal templates register, and the intellectual property register.

About you

Essential:

• A law degree and current unrestricted NSW practicing certificate, with 5+ years of experience including in-house, in a senior legal role.
• Strong contracts, commercial and general law experience including intellectual property, privacy, technology services, and commercial risk management.
• Excellent contract and commercial drafting skills.
• Able to clearly identify and convey relevant and applicable legal issues and risks, and identify commercially pragmatic legal risk mitigation strategies in accordance with Cancer Council's risk appetite.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
• Self-motivation and the ability lead a small team and engage with a diverse range of key stakeholders.
• The ability to manage a large workload, in a fast-paced and dynamic environment within compressed timelines.
• The ability to forge and maintain strong relationships with external pro bono legal advisors.
• Experience in handling confidential and sensitive information.

About the benefits

• Generous salary packaging options that can increase your take home pay by paying certain expenses using pre-tax dollars up to $15,900 a year.
• Recognised for Voice Project's 2021 and 2023 "Best Workplace" Award.
• A balanced organisational approach to WFH and office 
• Additional performance-based leave available.
• Work for purpose and know that your work fosters an engaged, diverse and culturally aware organisation.
• Discounts available for everyday expenses such as private health, retail and fitness

CCNSW is an inclusive place to volunteer and work.  We embrace diversity, celebrate our differences, and inspire each person to be their authentic self at work.  As we strive to represent the communities we serve, we welcome and actively encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and other diverse groups.

If you require any adjustments to submit your application, please get in touch with us at *******@nswcc.org.au 

Apply online by visiting our website directly, copying the following link www.cancercouncil.com.au/jobs then click on the role title and submit your cover letter and resume.

Please note, the health and safety of our people is a priority for us, our employees and volunteers are strongly recommended to be up to date with their COVID vaccination.