The AMA is recruiting for the new position of Senior Negotiator. As a member of the Representation and Negotiations team, the Senior Negotiator will play a critical role in ensuring that AMA initiatives are supported through strategic negotiation, engagement, and relationship management.

Who are we?

The AMA is the official voice of the medical profession in Alberta. The association advocates for and supports Alberta physicians, strengthening their leadership in the provision of sustainable health care. For more information on the AMA please visit our website at www.albertadoctors.org.

Why work for the AMA?

At the AMA, we know that employees are fundamental to our success as an organization. We take pride in hiring client-oriented relationship builders who embrace teamwork, personal growth and development and truly want to help us succeed. As part of our employee experience, we provide a competitive compensation package, benefits, work-life balance and development opportunities.

The AMA has a hybrid work environment. The successful candidate will be based out of our Edmonton or Calgary office and will have the opportunity to work from home but will be required to go into the office or attend in person when required. Regular travel throughout Alberta will be required to attend meetings with physicians and government and/or other organizational representatives.

Representation and Negotiations Overview:

The AMA’s Representation and Negotiations Branch leads the Association’s efforts to represent and advocate for physicians through strategic negotiation, engagement, and relationship management. The branch is responsible for the full spectrum of physician representation and negotiations across Alberta’s health system.

Position Overview:

Reporting to the Executive Vice President (EVP), Representation and Negotiations, the Senior Negotiator is responsible for providing strategic leadership, consultation, and expert guidance throughout all stages of negotiations involving Alberta’s physicians including but not limited to Alberta Health, Provincial Health Authorities, and other third-party payers.

Key Responsibilities:

• Developing and executing comprehensive negotiation strategies, leading the negotiation of key terms, and overseeing the drafting and refinement of contract language.
• Ensures a principled and collaborative approach to negotiations that reflects the interests and priorities of Alberta physicians.
• Plays a critical role in facilitating consensus among stakeholders, resolving disputes, and ensuring alignment with legislative, policy, and system requirements.
• Provides strategic advice to the EVP and senior AMA staff in the negotiation of a range of agreements. This includes leading negotiations on terms related to compensation, working conditions, benefits, grants, and other key components.
• Provides strategic advice and leadership to the applicable AMA Negotiations Committees in the negotiation of a range of agreements.
• Serve as the primary liaison between the AMA, physicians, government representatives, and other organizations ensuring physician interests are effectively represented and clearly communicated throughout all stages of negotiation.
• Ensures effective communication, coordination, and documentation throughout, providing clarity and transparency to all parties.
• Contributes to post-agreement implementation, interpretation, facilitation, and issue management to support the ongoing success of negotiated agreements.
• In collaboration with AMA legal counsel, drafts, reviews, and refines agreement language, ensuring clarity, enforceability, and alignment with negotiated intent.
• Coordinates with AMA legal counsel as needed to address unresolved issues arising from negotiated agreements and their interpretation and application, including through formal dispute resolution channels such as mediation or arbitration.

Education and Experience:

• Undergraduate degree in law, industrial relations, public/health administration, economics or a related field with at least 10 years directly related experience in leading progressively complex negotiations.
• Certification or specialized training in negotiations (e.g., Certified Labour Relations Professional, Chartered Mediator) is considered a strong asset.
• Membership in a recognized professional association related to negotiations, mediation, or labour relations is an asset.
• Additional certifications in conflict resolution or mediation will be considered beneficial, particularly those applicable to public or healthcare sector negotiations.

Skills:

• Demonstrated success leading complex, multi-party negotiations with provincial governments, and other relevant organizations preferably within the Canadian healthcare sector.
• In-depth understanding of labour law, bargaining frameworks, and public sector healthcare agreements in Canada, with the ability to apply these principles in a non-unionized context. Proven ability to negotiate effectively in non-unionized environments, including with provincial governments, health authorities, third party payers, etc.
• Exceptional communication, interpersonal, and presentation skills, with a demonstrated ability to build trust, manage sensitive discussions, and navigate high-stakes stakeholder environments.
• High degree of emotional intelligence, with the ability to understand, influence, and respond to the emotions and perspectives of diverse stakeholders.
• Strong political acumen, diplomacy, and the ability to build and maintain long-term, productive relationships across a broad stakeholder landscape.
• Advanced problem-solving and conflict resolution skills, with a collaborative approach to finding common ground and resolving disputes.
• Superior negotiation and influencing skills, with the resilience, composure, and strategic mindset required to manage prolonged or high-pressure negotiations.
• Project leadership capabilities, including the ability to manage negotiation processes from initial planning through to final agreement implementation and follow-up.

How to apply:

To apply, please submit a cover letter and résumé through our application system on our careers page, in confidence. The requisition will be open until filled. Please note that only applications received through our online tool will be accepted.

We thank all applicants for their interest in joining our team, please note that only those selected for an interview will be contacted. The successful candidate will be required to complete all applicable background checks (which may include, criminal, identity, educational and/or credit) and professional reference checks satisfactory to the AMA.

The salary for this role is between $124,270 – $161,553 per annum.