AVP, Assistant Corporate Secretary

About the role

Aviva Canada's Corporate Secretary team is looking for an AVP, Assistant Corporate Secretary, to support effective governance across the organization. Working closely with the Corporate Secretary, the Board of Directors, the Executive Team and senior business leaders, you will help ensure the smooth operation of Board and Committee activities, provide governance expertise and manage critical corporate processes.

Key responsibilities

• Support the planning, coordination and execution of Board and Board Committee meetings, including agendas, materials, resolutions and minutes.
• Partner with senior leaders and external stakeholders on governance materials.
• Maintain Board governance processes and ensure compliance with regulatory, legal and corporate requirements.
• Manage Board and corporate records, documentation and governance systems, including Diligent and SharePoint.
• Support director onboarding, orientation, education and ongoing governance activities.
• Assist with governance approvals and sign-offs for transactions requiring Board or Group authorization.
• Lead governance and administration for designated subsidiaries, acting as their Corporate Secretary.
• Lead governance initiatives for the team, advise Boards and the Executive Team, and research complex governance issues.
• Oversee corporate filings, licensing and regulatory correspondence, and assist with corporate transactions and reorganizations.

Required profile

• 7+ years of corporate governance, corporate secretarial or related legal experience, in-house or in private practice.
• J.D. or LL.B., or an equivalent combination of education and experience; senior law clerk designation or experienced governance professionals also considered.
• Strong stakeholder management, especially with the Board, executives and senior management.
• Flexibility to work outside regular business hours for Board meetings and time-sensitive deadlines.
• Ability to lead and coach more junior team members.

Required skills

• JD or LLB, or equivalent education and experience.
• Strong knowledge of corporate governance principles and regulatory requirements.
• Experience with Board portal technology such as Diligent.
• Accuracy in preparing minutes, resolutions and governance documents.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Willingness to adopt new technologies, including AI-enabled tools.

What we offer

• Rewards package: base compensation, annual bonus eligibility, retirement savings, share plan, health benefits, wellness and volunteer opportunities.
• Hybrid flexible work model.
• Career development and professional education support.
• Vacation package with the option to buy 5 extra days off per year.
• Employee programs on gender, LGBTQ+, origins, diversity and inclusion, and corporate wellness programs.
• Employee discount on home and auto insurance (where applicable).