Director of Investigations

The Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario (IPC) is seeking an inaugural Director of Investigations - a pivotal leadership role that will shape the vision and long-term strategy for the organization’s investigative framework and strengthen its credibility as a modern and effective regulator with real world impact. This position will influence compliance across regulated sectors, reinforce the legal integrity of enforcement actions, and enhance Ontarians’ trust that their privacy and access rights will be respected in a time of digital intensification. It represents a unique opportunity to create a lasting impact on the province’s information and privacy landscape.

The IPC is an independent oversight body and Officer of the Legislature, mandated to uphold and advance Ontarians’ access to information and privacy rights. It administers and enforces legislation including the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA), Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (MFIPPA), Personal Health Information Protection Act (PHIPA), and Part X of the Child, Youth and Family Services Act (CYFSA). Through investigations, early resolution, mediation, adjudication, policy development, and public education, the IPC safeguards personal information, promotes transparency, and strengthens democratic accountability in an era of rapid technological change.

Reporting to the Assistant Commissioner, Tribunal and Dispute Resolution Division, the Director of Investigations will oversee all investigative activity under FIPPA, MFIPPA, PHIPA, and CYFSA. The position ensures investigations are effective, independent, and legally sound, with outcomes that serve the public interest. As part of the Senior Management Committee, the Director plays a key role in advancing organizational priorities, contributing to the IPC’s strategic plan and representing the IPC externally with stakeholders, partners, oversight bodies and the media.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Legal Oversight

• Define and oversee the strategic vision and operational direction for investigations, ensuring alignment with statutory mandates, administrative law principles, and public accountability.
• Ensure legal soundness, evidentiary sufficiency, and procedural fairness in complex, high-impact and precedent-setting cases.
• Advise IPC leadership on investigative risk, statutory interpretation, and public-interest considerations.
• Collaborate with Legal Services to assess legal risk, clarify statutory interpretation and ensure outcomes withstand adjudicative and judicial scrutiny.
• Champion innovation, operational excellence, and continuous improvement in investigative practices while meeting service standards and timelines. 

Program and People Management

• Provide day-to-day oversight of the Investigations team, including resource allocation, talent development and performance accountability.
• Build capacity in legal reasoning, decision-writing, technical literacy, and plain-language communication.
• Foster a high-performing culture of rigor, procedural fairness, service excellence, and continuous improvement.
• Champion innovation and data-informed approaches to efficiency and quality while supporting an inclusive, cohesive, and accountable organizational culture.

Complex Case Oversight

• Provide guidance on high-risk or high-profile investigations, including those involving novel legal issues, systemic risks, vulnerable populations, or significant public or media interest. 
• Determine which matters proceed to investigation, applying statutory thresholds and strategic priorities.
• Oversee investigative theory-building, legal analysis, escalation decisions, and final recommendations.
• Identify high-risk or high-profile cases early and escalate appropriately.
• Balance legal, reputational, and public-interest risks in decision-making.
• Serve as an escalation point for cross-jurisdictional matters, institutional resistance or significant policy implications. 

Systemic Impact, Policy Integration, and External Engagement

• Translate investigative findings into systemic insights that inform IPC policy and public education.
• Collaborate with policy teams to integrate emerging risks and technological developments.
• Represent IPC in high-level forums and inter-jurisdictional initiatives including joint or coordinated investigations with federal, provincial or territorial oversight bodies.
• Support transparent public reporting and communication of lessons learned.

Compensation: $152,593 - $192,232

Ideal Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate demonstrates integrity, independence, and sound judgment. They build trust through collaboration, champion innovation, and drive continuous improvement. With exceptional communication skills, they inspire confidence and ensure investigations achieve systemic impact and reinforce public trust.

Experience and Qualifications

• Education in public administration, information management, privacy law or related fields.
• Senior-level experience in legal, privacy, or regulatory investigations within an oversight body, tribunal, or public service setting.
• Proven experience managing teams, complex investigations, and staff development initiatives.
• Advanced knowledge of administrative law, statutory interpretation, and regulatory compliance, under FIPPA, MFIPPA, PHIPA, and CYFSA or similar laws.
• Ability to exercise sound legal judgment, strategic thinking, and effective risk management in sensitive matters.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present and distill complex legal concepts clearly and in plain language to diverse audiences.
• A legal degree and membership in good standing with a Canadian law society, as well as the ability to communicate in French, are considered valuable assets.

How to Apply

If you are interested in pursuing this exciting opportunity, please apply online here. For more information or to ask any questions, please contact Bola Moradeyo at bmoradeyo@kbrs.ca.

Diversity and Accessibility Statement

IPC is committed to being an organization where diversity and different perspectives are valued. They strive to be an organization that is inclusive, supportive, and reflective of the communities and organizations they serve and encourage applications from candidates who identify as part of a traditionally marginalized community.

KBRS will provide support in its recruitment processes to applicants with disabilities, including accommodation that considers an applicant’s accessibility needs. If you require accommodation to participate as a candidate in the recruitment process, please contact accommodate@kbrs.ca or communicate your needs to our team.

Privacy Commissioner of Ontario (IPC) primarily practices in Privacy and Data Protection Law, Access to Information Law (Administrative Law), and Health Information Privacy Law