About Presbyterian Methodist Schools Association (PMSA)
The Presbyterian Methodist Schools Association (PMSA) is one of Australia’s most iconic faith based Not for Profit organisations. Built on strong Christian values, the PMSA owns four of Queensland’s well-known independent schools with students from Prep to Year 12: Brisbane Boys' College, Clayfield College, Somerville House and Sunshine Coast Grammar School.
At each school, students are encouraged and supported to achieve their best academically, spiritually and in co-curricular activities. Established in 1918, the PMSA is a joint mission of the Uniting Church of Australia, Queensland Synod and the Presbyterian Church of Queensland. One hundred years on, the PMSA plays a vital role in setting the direction and providing support and governance of these outstanding schools and is the connecting link between the schools and the two churches.
The PMSA envisions a future where education is valued as a central pillar of society and where Christian independent education provides the finest opportunities and outcomes for future citizens of the world. To govern the four schools, the PMSA Board is supported by eight sub-committees (inclusive of four school councils) and a Group Office.
About the role:
The Legal Counsel (Commercial and Property) at the Presbyterian and Methodist Schools Association (PMSA) plays a critical role in providing strategic legal advice on property and commercial matters. The primary responsibility involves collaborating with various teams, including Assets and Property Services, Corporate Affairs, and Finance, to address legal issues and ensure that all projects and infrastructure developments are legally sound. This role requires active engagement in integrating legal considerations into project planning and execution, assessing legal risks, and ensuring compliance with organisational objectives.
The Legal Counsel will handle a wide range of responsibilities, including drafting, reviewing, and negotiating property-related documents such as purchase and sale agreements, leases, and service agreements. They will oversee due diligence processes for property acquisitions and disposals, ensuring that all property transactions align with PMSA’s strategic goals. In addition, the Legal Counsel will provide ongoing legal support to stakeholders, including schools, Group Executives, and project leaders, addressing matters related to contractual agreements, corporate governance, compliance, and legislative requirements. They will also be responsible for maintaining a database of legal precedents and enhancing the contract management system to support organisational needs.
A key aspect of this role involves managing external legal counsel for complex matters and actively promoting the organisation's risk and compliance management initiatives. The Legal Counsel must stay updated on relevant laws and regulations to ensure PMSA’s compliance and adapt strategies as necessary.
Specifically, key accountabilities include:
Provide strategic legal advice on property, infrastructure projects, and general commercial matters.
Collaborate with teams in Assets and Property, Corporate Affairs, Finance, and ICT.
Act as a primary legal advisor for projects, integrating legal considerations into planning and execution.
Assess and advise on legal risks and policies, ensuring compliance with organisational objectives.
Support various stakeholders, including schools and Group Executives, on issues such as contracts, corporate governance, and compliance.
Keep the organisation updated on relevant laws and regulations to maintain compliance.
Draft, review, and negotiate property-related documents, oversee due diligence for acquisitions and disposals.
Develop and maintain a database of legal precedents, enhance the contract management system, and manage external legal counsel for complex matters.
The Person:
The ideal candidate should have a solid background in property and/or construction law, complemented by experience in general commercial matters. This individual must hold a bachelor’s degree in law, be admitted to practise as an Australian Legal Practitioner, and ideally possess a Queensland Practising Certificate. With 3 to 5 years of post-admission experience, the candidate should demonstrate expertise in handling complex property transactions, including drafting and negotiating agreements, and overseeing due diligence processes for acquisitions and disposals. A strong understanding of project and procurement legal aspects is also crucial. Additionally, candidates with a strong commercial law background and a focus on property or construction will also be considered.
In addition to technical legal skills, the candidate must excel in strategic thinking and risk assessment. They should be adept at integrating legal considerations into project planning and execution, ensuring that all legal risks are managed effectively and in alignment with organisational objectives. This role demands excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, as the Legal Counsel will be required to provide clear, concise legal advice to various stakeholders, including schools, Group Executives, and project leaders. Their ability to navigate complex legal issues and maintain high standards of integrity and professional accountability is essential.
The ideal candidate must also be collaborative and capable of working effectively with diverse teams, including those in Assets and Property, Corporate Affairs, Finance, and ICT. They should have a proactive approach to keeping the organisation updated on relevant laws and regulations and be skilled in developing and maintaining legal precedents and contract management systems. The role requires a service-oriented mindset, exceptional attention to detail, and the ability to manage external legal counsel for complex matters. A positive attitude and a commitment to supporting the organisation’s risk and compliance management initiatives will also be key to success in this position.
For a strictly confidential discussion, please contact Callan Raine, Director - Executive on 0411 686 652. Alternatively, you can request a candidate pack by emailing
[email protected]
Submit your application (CV and cover letter) via the apply button.
