Governance Specialist

Company: CGIC
Department: Governance
Employment Type: Regular Full-Time
Work Model: Hybrid
Language: English is required, French is an asset.
Additional Information: This role is currently vacant

The Opportunity:

We are a leading Canadian financial services co-operative committed to being a catalyst for a sustainable and resilient society and our team is essential to deliver on this strategy. That’s why we prioritize our people, to ensure we provide a strong culture and development opportunities which enables our team to thrive and to live our purpose. The best part is that you will work with people that care passionately about you, our clients and our communities.

The Enterprise Governance Office provides strategic leadership on corporate and co-operative governance to the board of directors and senior management to uphold the integrity of our governance framework. Our knowledgeable team collaborates with key constituents to ensure roles are understood, respected and maintained in appropriate balance. We strive for best in class governance to enhance organizational performance to ensure the long-term success of The Co-operators.

As a Governance Specialist, you will provide operational governance guidance and support for the development of materials for board of directors and committees of the board. You will liaise and partner with key business partners to coordinate the development of meeting agendas and reports that inform and enable the board and the committees of the board to perform their governance oversight responsibilities in an effective and efficient manner. You will also support the development of new governance policies and practices and play a lead role in maintaining the organization’s corporate governance records while maintaining a high degree of confidentiality with the handling of sensitive materials and information related to the board of directors and corporate initiatives.

How you will create impact:

• Develops board and committee meeting checklists, agendas and annual work plans aligned to committee terms of reference, board mandates, and governance frameworks.


• Creates board and committee meeting reports on the board portal, sends relevant notices and communicates governance policy and process changes to relevant constituents.


• Provides leadership in the development, documentation, maintenance, and retention of corporate governance records. This includes official company governance records (minute books) and policy monographs, as well as departmental processes and procedures


• Lead Administrator of the Board Portal (Diligent), including audit and validation of assignment/profile management, portal performance and records management. Conducts training for users, responds to inquiries, and liaises with business partners and vendors.


• Contributes to the development of governance special project and initiatives scope and plan, monitors progress, identifies business impacts and risks, and facilitates input from key business partners. 


• Maintains key records (e.g. director biographies, attendance records, etc.) to inform the preparation of the annual governance disclosures to satisfy corporate reporting and regulatory requirements.


• Draft minutes of committee meetings.

To join our team:

• A post-secondary education in Business Administration, Communication, Finance, Legal or a related discipline


• 3-5 years of relevant experience in a governance support or analyst role.


• Expertise with Diligent board portal, Power Point and is technologically savvy.


• Strong communication skills to clearly convey messages; strong executive-level writing and research skills, and has exceptional attention to detail.


• Governance professional designation (GPC.D) is an asset.


• Strong relationship-building skills, proactive thinking, and the ability to work independently as well as in a team. 

How you will succeed:

• You influence change and are committed to continuous improvement, in order to exceed client expectations.


• You leverage critical thinking skills to identify problems and proactively propose solutions.


• Your strong communication skills allow you to clearly convey messages.

What you need to know:

• You will be subject to a Background check as a condition of employment, in the event you are the successful candidate.

What’s in it for you?

• Training and development opportunities to grow your career.


• Flexible work options and paid time off to support your personal and family needs.


• A holistic approach to your well-being, with physical and mental health programs and a supportive workplace culture.


• Paid volunteer days to give back to your community.


• In addition to our competitive salary and incentive programs, eligible employees also benefit from a comprehensive total rewards package including group retirement savings plans, pension and benefits (e.g., health and wellness, dental, disability and life coverage), mental health support and an employee assistance program.

Expected salary/hourly range $60,574 - $100,956 ​

The salary amount for the successful candidate is determined by Co-operators in its discretion and will vary depending on several criteria including but not limited to: local market conditions, geography and relevant job-related factors such as knowledge, skills, qualification, experience and education. ​  ​

Employees may also have the opportunity to participate in incentive programs and earn additional compensation tied to individual and/or business performance, or other business metrics.