Careers

Associate Counsel – Governance and Corporate/Commercial

12-month Contract Position

Full-time, 35 Hours/Week

Hybrid (minimum two-days per week onsite)

About NSCN:

The Nova Scotia College of Nursing (NSCN) is the safeguard that ensures the public that all nurses in Nova Scotia have the education and skills they need to care for people safely, competently, ethically, and compassionately. The public trusts us to regulate the nursing profession in their interest and our staff are empowered to ensure public protection is our top priority. As an organization built on trust, we offer a supportive, professional and collaborative workplace for you to learn and lead. Our commitment to diversity and inclusion ensures we inspire excellence both publicly and within our organization.

Job Summary:

As Associate Counsel you will support and assist the work of the Governance and General Counsel team in providing advice on governance and corporate commercial matters generally. Specifically, you will be focused on the activities required to support NSCN’s amalgamation with the Midwifery Regulatory Council of Nova Scotia and migration to the Regulated Health Professions Act, both scheduled to occur in 2026.

Key Responsibilities:

• Contribute to and support the development, implementation and maintenance of a governance framework that is aligned with best practices and enhances accountability, transparency and performance
• Serve as a key resource for the Board and Sr. Leadership, advising on governance policies, fiduciary responsibilities, and regulatory obligations
• Monitor, interpret and advise on governance developments that impact NSCN, and recommend updates to structures, policies and practices as required
• Contribute to and support the development, interpretation and/or implementation of governing legislation, bylaws, policies and procedures, including codes of conduct and conflict of interest policies, to proactively mitigate legal risk and ensure compliance with governance requirements
• Assist with governance activities, including coordinating Board meetings, preparing agendas and supporting documents, drafting resolutions, ensuring compliance with bylaws and policies, preparing minutes and managing corporate records
• Collaborate with and advise internal teams on contracts and matters of corporate law to proactively mitigate legal risk and ensure compliance with legal requirements. 

About You:

You are collaborative, flexible and team oriented. You are proactive and organized by nature. You have excellent oral, written and interpersonal communication skills. You have a strong sense of initiative and can demonstrate the following competencies:

• Excellent drafting and analytical skills, with a strong attention to detail while maintaining a practical approach
• Ability to anticipate and adapt to changing priorities and environments
• Sound judgment, discretion, and independent decision-making, with the ability to identify when additional support is required
• Ability to offer creative and innovative solutions to complex challenges

Education & Experience:

• At least two years of recent and relevant experience in the practice of governance and corporate commercial law
• Experience working in administrative law and/or a regulatory environment considered an asset
• Maintains “practising lawyer” membership with the Nova Scotia Barristers’ Society

Compensation and benefits

• We offer competitive salary and a comprehensive benefit package, including excellent vacation, paid sick leave, flex time, hybrid work options; cost shared pension, medical, dental, life and disability insurance.
• NSCN prides itself on being a positive, collaborative work environment.

Visit us at www.nscn.ca to learn more about the Nova Scotia College of Nursing. If you are interested in exploring this opportunity, we invite you to apply with your cover letter and resume via email to: hr@nscn.ca. Applications will be received until December 11, 2025. Only those applicants chosen for an interview will be contacted.

At NSCN, we are deeply committed to building a diverse, inclusive, and welcoming environment where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to contribute. Qualified individuals from underrepresented groups who would contribute to the diversification and shared vision of our organization are encouraged to apply. 

NSCN is proud to be an inclusive employer that reflects the diversity of the communities we serve. We are committed to equitable hiring practices and fostering a workplace where everyone feels they belong. If you require accommodations during the recruitment process, please contact People and Culture at hr@nscn.ca.