Legal Associate

The Azrieli Foundation is one of Canada’s largest philanthropic foundations, supporting initiatives in education, science & healthcare, research and the arts. Through strategic grants and collaborative initiatives, we strive to foster innovation, empowerment and drive positive change within these critical sectors in Canada and Israel.

The Legal Associate will play a key role in the Foundation’s legal operations and enterprise risk management framework. Reporting to the Chief Legal Officer, this role provides support to the entire Foundation and helps drive legal, operational, and risk management activities.

While the primary expectation of this role is to support the Foundation’s charity and non-profit law work, the Legal Associate will also act as a generalist in-house resource, providing support across other areas of law.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Draft, review, and support the negotiation of a range of agreements, including donation agreements, contractor agreements, and service/vendor contracts


• Provide legal support across multiple domains, including charity and non-profit law, corporate law, employment and labour matters, and intellectual property considerations


• Support corporate governance processes and activities, including preparing materials for and attending board and committee meetings, drafting resolutions, meeting minutes and other governance documentation


• Provide support on regulatory compliance matters, including CRA requirements, filings, and internal policy alignment


• Assist in the creation of governance and operational policies


• Conduct legal research and prepare memoranda, on charity and non-profit law issues


• Contribute to internal resources, guidance materials, and knowledge-sharing initiatives for the Foundation


• Identify and assess legal and operational risks, and support implementation of appropriate mitigation approaches


• Work across all areas of the foundation, including granting, programs, finance and operations teams, to provide comprehensive support and legal guidance


• Assist in building out processes, tools and systems to help modernize legal workflows


• Keep abreast of legal developments in the sector


• Translate legislative and regulatory changes in practical advice

QUALIFICATIONS

• Five or more (5+) years of legal experience


• Called to the bar in Ontario and a member in good standing with the Law Society of Ontario


• Experience in charity and non-profit law is preferred; candidates with corporate or regulatory law experience will also be considered


• Demonstrated experience drafting and negotiating agreements


• Experience supporting corporate governance processes (e.g., advising, drafting, or participating in governance-related work)


• Familiarity with compliance and risk considerations within organizations

SKILLS & ATTRIBUTES

• Ability to provide timely, thoughtful, pragmatic legal advice


• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills


• Highly organized with strong attention to detail and accuracy


• Strong judgment, including knowing when to act independently and when to escalate


• Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to provide clear, practical guidance and manage stakeholder expectations


• Comfortable navigating sensitive conversations while maintaining relationships


• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively


• Excellent time management skills


• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite and comfortable working in a remote or hybrid environment


• French language proficiency would be considered an asset

Inspired by Jewish values – including Tikkun Olam, the responsibility to repair the world - and the vision and resilience of our founder, David J. Azrieli z”l, the mission of Azrieli philanthropy is to improve the lives of present and future generations through Education, Research, Healthcare and the Arts both in Canada and Israel.

Our  values are the bedrock of our culture. They shape how we work, how we collaborate and how we make decisions—every single day. Those who succeed at the Azrieli Foundation exemplify the core principles of: 

• Integrity & respect 


• Taking on big challenges 


• Excellence 


• Passion for making a difference 


• Results-oriented mindset 


• Sustainable impact 

Inclusivity and Accessibility 

Living our values means creating a workplace where everyone feels respected, supported and empowered to contribute. Our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion is one way we put those values into practice. 

We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace and value diverse backgrounds, abilities and ways of thinking. Diversity and inclusion make our organization strong, productive and innovative. Applicants with lived experience who identify as neurodivergent are strongly encouraged to apply. 

We are committed to creating inclusive and barrier-free recruitment and selection processes. If you require an accommodation during the application or recruitment process, please reach out to [email protected]. 

About the Foundation:

Driven by a strong belief in philanthropy’s powerful role and responsibility, the Azrieli Foundation empowers people by supporting a broad range of organizations, facilitating innovative outcomes and increasing knowledge and understanding in the search for practical and novel solutions in both Canada and Israel. 

With a firm conviction that everyone has potential, we work to open doors, break ground and nurture networks, empowering the most vulnerable to the most exceptional to achieve their best and contribute to society. 

In addition to strategic philanthropic investments, the Azrieli Foundation operates several initiatives including the Azrieli Fellows Program, the Canadian Centre for Caregiving Excellence, the Holocaust Survivor Memoirs Program, the Azrieli Music, Arts and Culture Centre and others.