General Counsel & Strategic Advisor

Job Description

<p>Summit Search Group is seeking an experienced and strategically minded General Counsel & Strategic Advisor to support the growth of our client, Ziibi Anishinaabe Investments Inc. ("Ziibi Investments"). The General Counsel will serve as a key leader in the organization, operating with significant autonomy at the direction of the CEO.</p><p>Located in Winnipeg, this pivotal leadership role will provide in-house legal expertise, guide corporate strategy, and drive forward major investment decisions while building out the internal frameworks required by a young and growing Anishinaabe economic development corporation.</p><p><br></p><p><b>About Ziibi Investments:</b></p><p>Ziibi Investments is the business development corporation for Rainy River First Nations, a Treaty 3 Anishinaabe Nation. Ziibi Investments is a dynamic, Nation-owned investment company committed to advancing the long-term prosperity and economic sovereignty of the Nation and its members. Ziibi Investments is developing a broad portfolio of strategic investments grounded in community values and sustainable growth. Strong in-house legal expertise and strategic leadership is critical to the ongoing success and evolution of the company.</p><p><br></p><p><b>Key Responsibilities</b></p><ul><li>Provide in-house legal counsel across corporate, commercial, governance, regulatory, and investment matters.</li><li>Lead contract development, review, and negotiation for acquisitions, partnerships, and investment opportunities.</li><li>Conduct legal due diligence on prospective investments and advise on deal structures.</li><li>Identify and drive investment into prospective financial opportunities.</li><li>Help manage existing investments.</li><li>Implement the vision of the board in collaboration with the CEO and CFO.</li><li>Build and refine internal processes, governance frameworks, and compliance systems.</li><li>Represent the organization in meetings with government partners, investors, and community stakeholders.</li><li>Operate with autonomy-initiating actions, solving problems, and building structure in a growing organization.</li></ul><p><b>Qualifications</b></p><ul><li>JD/LLB and membership in good standing with a Canadian law society.</li><li>7-12+ years of experience in corporate/commercial law, M&A, governance, or related practice areas.</li><li>Proven experience advising executives, Boards, or senior leadership.</li><li>Strong understanding of corporate transactions, due diligence, contracts, and risk management.</li><li>Business acumen with the ability to interpret financial information and assess opportunities.</li><li>Experience working with Anishinaabe organizations or economic development groups is an asset.</li><li>Exceptional communication, negotiation, and relationship-building skills.</li><li>Ability to work independently in a fast-evolving, entrepreneurial environment.</li></ul><p><b> Personal Attributes:</b></p><ul><li>Self-directed, resourceful, and comfortable operating without significant administrative support.</li><li>Strategic thinker with a strong ability to execute and build structure in a growing organization.</li><li>Culturally aware, respectful, and relationship-oriented.</li><li>Calm under pressure; strong judgment and decision-making skills.</li><li>Entrepreneurial mindset with long-term vision and leadership potential.</li><li>Committed to promoting the Nation's inherent rights, economic sovereignty, and community prosperity.</li></ul><p> </p><p> </p><p><b> For more information, or to submit your resume, please reach out to Gail Eckert, Director, at Summit Search Group, </b></p><p><br></p><p>Summit Search Group has a strong commitment to Diversity, Equality and Inclusion. We strive for continuous development, modeling, inclusive behaviors and proactively managing bias throughout our process.comm</p><p></p>