Faculty Relations Officer Jobs

This position is excluded from the bargaining unit.

Reporting to the Director, Faculty Relations, the Faculty Relations Officer is responsible for providing strategic advice and support to University administrators (Senior Executive Team, Deans, Chairs, Directors and others) on issues relating to the conduct and employment of staff. The incumbent is a member of a professional team of Faculty Relations Officers and Special Advisors operating within the Office of the Provost and Vice-President (Academic).

The position provides guidance on the interpretation, application and administration of collective agreements and provides support in the negotiation of collective agreements between the University and its staff associations. The incumbent is responsible for managing and resolving various kinds of disputes. Additionally, the incumbent plays a key role in maintaining collaborative relations with the Association of Academic Staff University of Alberta (AASUA), Postdoctoral Fellows Association (PDFA), and Graduate Students’ Association (GSA).

The Faculty Relations Officer works collaboratively with other members of the Faculty Relations team, Human Resources, Health, Safety and Environment (HRHSE), Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research, senior administrators, internal and external legal counsel, and other human resource professionals.

Specific Responsibilities Include

• Providing timely strategic advice on disputes and settlement options to the Director, Faculty Relations, the Provost, Deputy Provost (Academic), and other administrators.
• Researching, reviewing and recommending changes to the language of the AASUA, PDFA, and GSA collective agreements, and/or their application in the lead-up to negotiations. Participating in formulating negotiating strategy and bargaining proposals for AASUA, PDFA, and GSA negotiations. May participate as a member of a University Bargaining Team.
• Managing the review, fact-finding and resolution of grievances initiated by the AASUA, PDFA, GSA or the University under the academic, postdoctoral fellows, and graduate student collective agreements.
• Identifying emerging trends and developments within the post-secondary education sector through regular contact with labour relations personnel at comparable institutions and ongoing liaison with organizations such as Canadian Association of University Business Officers: Faculty Bargaining Services.
• Identifying opportunities for the resolution of emerging disputes through consultation with Deans and Department Chairs, other administrators, HRHSE, the Office of General Counsel, and the Information and Privacy Office.
• Coordinating the appointment of facilitators, adjudicators, mediators and investigators as required.
• Drafting settlement agreements, grievance responses and other correspondence for review and approval by the Director, Faculty Relations, Provost, or other senior administrators.
• Providing advice, assistance, and training to University administrators on the consistent interpretation, application and administration of assigned collective agreements (AASUA, PDFA, and GSA).
• Researching and recommending new or revisions to University policies and procedures and providing consultative services.
• Assisting in the collection of stats and preparation of annual reports (e.g., formal disputes).
• Serving as the primary case manager in reviewing, fact-finding and resolving formal complaints against AASUA, PDFA, GSA staff members in accordance with the academic, postdoctoral, and graduate student collective agreements, and University policy.

The Ideal Candidate Will Possess

• Ability to deal with highly confidential matters with sensitivity, tact and discretion.
• Several years of experience in a post-secondary environment (preferred).
• Familiarity with principles of Indigenous initiatives and Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion are an asset.
• Demonstrated negotiation and dispute resolution skills.
• A related university degree (e.g., human resources, business or law) with a specialization in labour relations. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Proven ability to analyze and present complex information succinctly and clearly, both verbally and in writing.
• Proven ability to build and maintain collaborative working relationships.
• Strong organizational and time management skills, with the ability to manage multiple demands and priorities.
• A minimum of 8 years progressively responsible experience in human resources with a minimum of 5 years of hands-on labour relations experience.

To explore this opportunity further, please submit your cover letter and resume.

This full time continuing Management and Professional Staff (Excluded) position offers a comprehensive benefits package that can be viewed on our Benefits Overview page and an annual salary range which will be commensurate with qualifications.

A review of applications will begin the week of April 24, 2023, but the competition will remain open until filled.

We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those under consideration for the role will be contacted.