Senior Legal Counsel – Education Sector

About the role

Crimson Academies is seeking a Senior Legal Counsel to serve as the legal backbone for its network of innovative schools across New Zealand. Reporting to the Director of Legal & Compliance and with a dotted‑line to the CEO, you will ensure that charter, private and Crown‑entity obligations are met while providing pragmatic legal guidance to leadership and the Board.

Key responsibilities

• Provide expert legal advice on governance, risk management and regulatory matters to senior leadership and the Board.
• Manage charter school compliance, including audits, attestations, regulatory reporting and liaison with the Ministry of Education, Charter School Agency and ERO.
• Draft, review and maintain contracts, policies, employment documents and school agreements.
• Develop and maintain regulatory frameworks, risk registers and training programmes.
• Oversee legal and compliance aspects of the in‑house HRIS (BrightTrain) and deliver training on privacy, safeguarding, health & safety and information management.
• Identify, assess and mitigate legal risks before they materialise.

Required profile

• LLB (or higher) with eligibility to practise law in New Zealand (preferred).
• At least 5 years post‑qualification experience in legal, regulatory or compliance roles.
• Experience advising schools, education providers, Crown entities or NGOs is highly desirable.
• Deep knowledge of New Zealand education law, public‑sector compliance and governance.
• Proven track record of managing compliance audits and regulatory reviews.
• High ethical standards, strategic thinking and meticulous attention to detail.

Required skills

• BrightTrain HRIS