Executive Director

Description

About Toronto Metropolitan University

At the intersection of mind and action, Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) is on a transformative path to become Canada’s leading comprehensive innovation university. Integral to this path is the placement of equity, diversity and inclusion as fundamental to our institutional culture. Our current academic plan outlines each as core values and we work to embed them in all that we do.

TMU welcomes those who have demonstrated a commitment to upholding the values of equity, diversity, and inclusion and will assist us in realizing the benefits of embedding these values into the work at every level and in every unit of the university. In addition, to correct the conditions of disadvantage in employment in Canada and to bring lived experiences to the work, we encourage applications from members of equity deserving groups that have been historically disadvantaged and marginalized, including First Nations, Métis and Inuit Peoples in Canada, First Nations Peoples in the United States, racialized people, Black people, persons with disabilities, women, and  2SLGBTQ+ people. Preference will be given to candidates with lived experiences as people from equity deserving groups, as well as experience working with these communities with which the University works every day. Please note that all qualified candidates are encouraged to apply and we welcome newcomers and immigrants to Canada.

In April 2022, the university announced our new name of Toronto Metropolitan University, which will be implemented in a phased approach. Learn more about our next chapter.

Who we are and what we do

The Law Practice Program (LPP) is an intensive eight-month professional training program  designed to bridge the gap between legal education and practice through a blend of simulation and real-world experience. The first four months utilize a pioneering "Virtual Law Firm" model, where candidates manage files in a controlled environment to develop core competencies across various legal fields. This is followed by a four-month work placement in a professional setting, providing direct industry exposure. Throughout the program, candidates are supported by a vast network of legal experts who serve as mentors and advisors, ensuring the curriculum remains relevant to current professional standards.

The LPP evaluates candidates through a model of accumulated performance based on live assessments, professional deliverables, and ongoing mentor feedback. This comprehensive approach tests both theoretical knowledge and practical skills to ensure graduates are fully prepared for the demands of the legal profession. The program’s effectiveness is reflected in its outcomes, with the majority of participants securing law or law-related employment within one year of becoming licensed.

Shape the Future of Legal Licensing in Ontario

Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) is seeking a visionary Executive Director (ED) to lead the Law Practice Program (LPP)—Ontario’s premier experiential lawyer licensing pathway. 

As the legal profession undergoes transformational changes driven by technology and shifting societal needs, the ED will serve as the chief architect of a program that bridges the gap between law school and practice.

This is a pivotal leadership role for a strategist who can balance fiscal stewardship and pedagogical innovation with the cultivation of critical partnerships across the Law Society of Ontario (LSO), TMU, and the broader national legal community.

Key Leadership Responsibilities

• Strategic Vision & Roadmap

Define the long-term trajectory and KPIs for the LPP. You will ensure we remain the pathway of choice by positioning the program at the intersection of academic excellence and professional readiness, meeting the requirements of the LSO and the legal profession in Ontario. Fostering strong collaborative partnerships with both Canada's legal profession and internal stakeholders at TMU is essential for success.

• Program Innovation & AI Integration

Direct the design of a cutting-edge experiential curriculum. You will lead the ongoing evolution of our delivery model, ensuring it meets evolving LSO standards while embracing modern pedagogical tools.

• Operational Excellence & Fiscal Stewardship

Manage multi-million dollar annual budgets and secure sustainable funding. You will oversee the implementation of scalable technology to enhance the learner experience and ensure organizational efficiency.

• Stakeholder Leadership & Advocacy

Act as the primary ambassador for the LPP. You will cultivate high-level partnerships with legal employers, professional networks, and the LSO to boost the program’s reputation, national influence, and the networks for candidate experience opportunities.

• People Management & Culture

Lead and empower a high-performing team. You will foster a culture of transparency, accountability, and professional growth, ensuring the LPP team remains as innovative as the program they deliver.

To learn more about this role and the impact you can make, please reach out to Shellee Huie, Talent Acquisition Specialist @shellee.huie@torontomu.ca.

Leadership Competencies 

Acts with Integrity: Demonstrates behaviors aligned with high ethical standards and personal integrity and acts in accordance with TMU values.

Builds Relationships of Trust & Collaboration: Actively builds a culture of trust and fosters meaningful relationships.

Leads Inclusively: Creates an inclusive environment where everyone is respected, recognized, empowered to achieve their potential, and valued for their differences.

Demonstrates Organizational Acumen: Understands and respectfully navigates complex internal and external environments using sound judgment, diplomacy, and tact.

Drives Vision & Results: Creates and implements a vision grounded in sound decision-making to achieve desired outcomes.

The Ideal Candidate:

You are a transformative leader with a deep understanding of the legal landscape. You are comfortable navigating complex institutional environments and possess the financial acumen to manage a large-scale program. Most importantly, you believe that the future of law depends on how we train the next generation of lawyers today.

Qualifications

To help us learn more about you, please provide a cover letter and resume describing how you meet the following required qualifications:

• Completion of Bachelor of Laws (L.L.B.) or Juris Doctor (J.D.) or equivalent law degree.

• Admission to practice law in Ontario and in good standing with the Law Society of Ontario (Admissions in another common-law jurisdiction may also meet this requirement).

• A minimum of 10 years of senior leadership experience within legal, regulatory, higher-education, or professional training environments, including

• strategic planning, program development and project financial 

• planning and management

• team leadership, and

• collaboration with external partners or regulatory bodies.

• Experience supervising staff in a unionised environment, including managing remote, hybrid and/or distributed teams.

• Demonstrated knowledge of the legal profession and regulatory frameworks governing lawyer licensing in Ontario, and the ability to interpret and apply related requirements to program operations.

• Demonstrated knowledge of relevant program design and evaluation methodologies, including the ability to assess program effectiveness and implement improvements.

• Advanced analytical, problem-solving, and judgment skills to evaluate complex program, financial, operational, and regulatory issues and support evidence-based decision-making.

• Demonstrated knowledge and achievement in business development and project management leading concurrent projects.

• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to prepare high-quality reports, briefs, and presentations for diverse internal and external

audiences and interpersonal skills.

• Proficiency in leveraging technologies and digital tools to support program delivery, innovation, and continuous improvement.

Additional details

Additional Notes: 

• An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
• As part of the selection process, candidates may be required to complete an occupational assessment.  
• Applications will only be accepted online through Toronto Metropolitan University's career site.
• We will provide an accessible experience for applicants, students, employees, and members of the Toronto Metropolitan University community.  We are committed to providing an inclusive and barrier-free work environment, starting with the recruitment process. If you have restrictions that need to be accommodated to fully participate in any phase of the recruitment process, please submit your request through the AskHR webform.  All information received in relation to accommodation will be kept confidential.