The Surrey School District respectfully acknowledges that our schools reside on the traditional, unceded, and shared territories of Coast Salish peoples: The q̓íc̓əy̓ - Katzie, the q̓ʷa:n̓ƛ̓ən̓- Kwantlen and the SEMYOME - Semiahmoo First Nations, who have been stewards of this land since time immemorial.
Surrey Schools is the largest BC school district and the second-largest employer in Surrey. Surrey Schools provides quality education to over 82,000 students with 124 schools sites and a variety of other learning facilities, offering a broad range of innovative programs and services to support the learning of our students. The Surrey School District team of approximately 13,000 employees works tirelessly every day to ensure that children are getting the best start they can, providing the preparation to be our leaders of tomorrow.
Our Commitment:
Providing quality education extends beyond academic excellence; we are committed to creating and cultivating diverse, inclusive, and barrier-free environments for all applicants, employees, students, and their families.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion & Values:
Our identity, as Surrey Schools, is expressed in the shared values of openness, fairness and belonging and recognizes the importance of diversity of identity and thought. We are an equal opportunity employer and welcome applicants from all backgrounds. We are committed to removing barriers and creating a workplace where everyone, regardless of their background, feels empowered to contribute their best.
Join us in our mission to provide the best start for children, preparing them to be the leaders of tomorrow. If you are passionate about education, diversity, and making a positive impact, we invite you to explore opportunities with Surrey Schools.
Job Summary
Reporting to the Director, Risk Management Services, the Policy and Legal Advisor will play a crucial role in shaping and evaluating policies and procedures to support effective operations, a safe and productive environment, and compliance with legal standards. The role involves conducting thorough research, analyzing data, and providing policy, legal and risk management support to the Director in support of all departments across the organization.
Responsibilities
Policy Development
- Guide and facilitate all stages of Board policy development from conception to implementation. Drafting clear, well-structured policy documents and SOP’s. Preparing supporting materials such as executive summaries, briefing notes, or presentations to explain and justify policy recommendations to senior leadership.
- Conduct comprehensive research and analysis related to education policies, legal frameworks and risk issues. Summarizes and presents evidence-based and best-practice findings and recommendations.
- Identify issues and areas of concern within current education policies and procedures and propose revisions or new policies based on research findings.
- Regularly review and update existing policies and procedures to ensure they remain current and effective. Collaborate with school boards, administrators, and other relevant parties to gather insights and feedback on policies.
- Prepare detailed reports and presentations on policy analyses and legal matters as needed.
- Stay up-to-date with emerging trends and changes in education and government regulations.
- Monitoring policy impacts and providing recommendations for continuous improvement.
Legal Support
- Provide support and advice on matters related to education law, including the School Act, the Family Law Act (as it pertains to parental responsibilities for education), and other applicable regulations.
- Assist in the review of contracts, agreements, and other legal documents.
- Answer day-to-day policy and legal inquiries in a manner consistent with the district’s culture and relevant policies.
- Act as case manager on liability issues, liaising as necessary with Schools Protection Program Risk Management Branch personnel or with other legal counsel as appropriate.
- Provide assistance and guidance on a variety of routine and confidential non-legal matters; may act as a case manager for human rights complaints and develop, implement, and maintain related reporting systems.
Risk Management
- Identify and assess risk issues related to district operations, providing recommendations to mitigate exposure.
- Review contracts to assess risk provisions and ensure compliance with district insurance requirements
- Act as case manager on liability issues liaising, as necessary, with Schools Protection Program Risk Management Branch personnel or with other legal counsel as appropriate.
- As appropriate, provide assistance and guidance on a variety of routine and confidential work related non-legal matters. May act as a case manager for human rights complaints. Develop, implement, and maintain related reporting systems.
QUALIFICATIONS
Education & Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Public Administration or related field with a minimum of three (3) years experience of relevant experience. An equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered.
- Some experience in interpreting and applying government legislation, policies, and directives, negotiation and conflict resolution, and working in a high-volume customer service centric environment.
- Previous experience in K- 12 education sector or public sector is an asset.
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities
- Excellent organizational skills. Ability to simultaneously manage multiple priorities and demonstrate excellent time management skills.
- Strong interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills with the ability to communicate and build trust with a variety of partners.
- Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with a diverse population, establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with a wide range of people through all levels of the organization as well as externally.
- Ability to identify and solve complex problems. Takes initiative and problem solves to help arrive at the solution.
- Ability to implement changes in a complex environment and prioritize constrained resources.
- Demonstrated proficiency in research, assimilating information, and writing executive briefs.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and utilize diplomacy and tact in dealing with confidential matters.
- Ability to make extensive use of information systems and databases to extract, synthesize, evaluate and interpret data appropriate for planning and decision making.
- Attention to detail, strong follow-through, and the ability to remain organized and responsive to multiple priorities and deadlines
What we're offering
- Comprehensive Benefits Package
- Extended Medical, Vision and Dental
- Life Insurance, Short-Term and Long-Term Disability
- Employee Family Assistance Program
- Municipal Pension
- 13 Paid Holidays, plus Sick & Vacation Time Supportive workplace with a positive and productive work environment. Feel a sense of security and safety to act, speak, and reflect who you are
The salary range for this position is $90,291 to $112,864 per year with comprehensive benefits package and Municipal Pension.
Placement in the salary range is determined by an assessment of qualifications and ability to meet the key requirements of the job, and consideration of internal equity comparisons. The midpoint of the range represents an employee that possesses full job knowledge, qualifications, and experience for the position.
Qualified applicants can apply by clicking the "apply" button to the right of the posting. The closing date for this position is June 20, 2025 at 4:00pm.
Surrey Schools recognizes the importance of accessibility and supporting the diverse needs of our community. If there is any accommodation you may require for your interview, whether related to accessibility or otherwise, please do not hesitate to advise and we will make every effort to meet your needs.
Note: Successful applicants will be required to consent to a Criminal Records Search prior to employment. Only those applicants selected for interviews will be contacted. To all others, thank you for your interest.
